?Reported by Mike Siciliano of WrestleView.com

On Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 1:39 PM EST

Hi everybody. Two topics on the docket today. Predictions for tomorrow night's pay per view, and another chapter concluded in the quest. Let's do the quest topic first and foremost.

Autograph session on June 24th in Massapequa, Long Island, New York

First and foremost, a special thank you to Alex and the boys at New York Sports Works. Click here to check their website out. I highly recommend checking out their store if you're in the Long Island area, or visit their website for more information.

Now. On to the meat and potatoes of this topic. If you're a new reader to my columns, and want to know what I mean when I say, "my quest", drop me an email by clicking here, and I'll explain it to you. To avoid unnecessary space use, I'll continue.

A few months back, I had the pleasure of seeing this superstar at the store in Massapequa, and his first words to us when we approached was "How come is it whenever I'm here, these guys are always here and first in line?"

Well, we were first in line because I sat on line for close to 3 and a half hours.

And we were there because the talent happened to be the future WWE champion, John Cena.

This past friday, last night, the WWE champion and Smackdown diva Michelle McCool came to the Sunrise Mall for another autograph session. John's greeting from the crowd when he arrived, unreal. The pop he got from this locale was monumental. It'd be a shock to this person to not see John back on Long Island soon for another go - round with the Island faithful, the chain gang is alive and well on the shores near Manhattan Island.

Well, from where we sat, I had done another marathon session, almost four hours waiting for the champ, because we needed to prove a point. We needed to show the champ we were diehards who respect his work. Well, when my kids and I approached, he was stunned. He called it "really special" that we made the effort to be there for him again. This time happened to be the sixth time we had come for a Cena autograph session.

John had a few moments with each of my kids, and I had the opportunity to talk with him, explaining some of the rough waters my family and I have had to endure these past few months, with hospital stays and what not, and he showed some geniune concern for us. I think that's remarkable. For someone of a celebrity status, and we all know John is full blown celebrity, it would not surprise me in the least in these types of settings, for him to barely lift his head, write his name, and shuffle the people off. The amount of signings John DOES do would make the fact that he recognizes certain individuals, like he did my family, even more remarkable.

I need to say a small piece on the diva who accompanied John to the session last night. Michelle McCool. I have to say honestly that I felt bad for her. I think 99% of the crowd that was there was not even remotely interested in her even being there. I tried to make it a point to say good luck to her in her upcoming match this week on Smackdown against Melina.

I have to give Michelle credit though. She showed a positive outlook, and a professional facade, even if she may have been churning inside. She appeared to be enjoying herself, and maybe, just maybe, was a tad startled that someone did at least make an effort to recognize her and her efforts in WWE.

She was professional, courteous, and cordial. Which, as I have said many times before, is a serious upgrade from most any other celebrity you would be fortunate enough to meet in these types of surroundings.

Bottom line here, ladies and gentlemen, is the WWE champion understands and respects the people that come out to see him, each and every time he is out in the public eye. Even when the circumstances are not 100% perfect, the Doctor of Thugonomics continually maintains an image of class and professionalism that is unparalleled. From the first time we met him in Howard Beach, Queens, when HE requested to have a picture taken with my kids and I, to now, where he practically can remember my kids names, it is truly an honor, and a privilege to be able to say that we have had the chance to meet with the future of the business, the future of the WWE.

Now, quickly, a little editorial piece here. I know some people are going to say that I am such a Cena mark that I'd say anything positive about him, and you know what, you may be right. But, know this. Each and every time that I have seen this man, he has been a professional's professional. I have had the pleasure of meeting close to 30 superstars from the WWE. Each and every one have been cordial and professional toward my family, but with the exception of Chris Benoit, none of them have made the effort to make the experience as enjoyable as John Cena. Whether he is the most polished wrestler in the business, or one who goes out there to drive the crowd in to a frenzy, he is by far and away, one of the MAIN cogs of the future of this industry, and anyone who cannot see that, in this person's opinion, should venture to have his or hers eyes checked. Quickly.

I continue to applaud the WWE for the superstars conduct in these public appearances. I have to believe that at times they can be somewhat awkward, and yet, their professionalism remains in tact, and at an extremely high standard. All of them deserve those kudos, I have yet to have a negative experience in the nearly 30 superstars I have met since beginning my quest.

In closing about the autograph session, let me send a quick hello out to Erin, the former webmistress for John Cena, who was in attendance last night, and again, recommend to each and every reader in the Long Island area to check out my friend Alex's website, NewYorkSportsWorksinc.com. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Pay Per View Predictions

Honest, I sometimes don't even know how to spell Vengenance. So, let's just call it the PPV. Now, on to business.

Christy Hemme vs. Victoria

This is a tough one for me to pick. I had the privilege of meeting both of these ladies. Both of them were tremendous. Victoria even noted that she thought she met me at another time. I wanted to respond with something a little sly, but I couldn't, (my wife was there.). Anyway, the booking of this match is kind of weird, based on events that happened almost a month ago. Although the interview with Christy this past week, and the subsequent glass shot she took from Victoria did provide a good lead in to this match, there may be some needed push needed for this match to make its mark on the overall card. When push comes to shove though, unfortunately, I think Victoria is going to take it, from a sheer experience perspective. Victoria is the consummate wrestler. Christy is still learning.

WINNER: Victoria

Edge vs. Kane

Now, I am so ready for this feud to be over and for Edge to get run over by a steam roller. This whole thing makes me want to vomit. BUT, Kane's performance last week, and his subsequent promo following the botched wedding ceremony was nothing short of pure gold. Put Snitsky in the mix, put anyone in the mix, nobody is beating Kane tomorrow night. Edge is going to either be hurt significantly, or perhaps be put in the hospital when this one is over.

Curious, could Trish make a face turn and return tomorrow night, and help Kane to take out Lita, as a weird coincidental side event? Hrm.. Something to ponder. Anyway, Kane wins in a squash.

WINNER: Kane

Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle

Ok. On paper, this is a classic matchup. Their work at Wrestlemania 21 was tremendous, but A TAD too long. I need to see this match get compressed a little. Both of these competitors are unbelievable, and ready to put on a clinic. The only possibility of problems for this match could be Shawn Michaels' potential ring rust from inactivity over the past few weeks. Yes, he did have a match last week, but only one match in the past few months, could lead to some possible mistakes in this surrounding. HOWEVER, taking that in to consideration, I think WWE is going to milk this feud for a while longer, so I am going to pick HBK to squeeze out a victory.

WINNER: Shawn Michaels

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Carlito (c) vs. Shelton Benjamin

That plancha by Shelton last week seemed almost LAZY. Could it have been the altitude? We'll never know. I don't know why, but Carlito's victory last week, although it was over a quest member in Shelton Benjamin, doesn't bother me as much as when Carlito won the US title in his first match ever with John Cena. IF the champ and Benjamin have a clean match, Shelton will kill Carlito, because Shelton could out wrestle Carlito in to a paper bag. But, we all know Carlito will take every short cut known to man to keep the I-C title around his waist, and I think, personally, that Shelton Benjamin may be in line for some future title consideration on the next level. I suspect some serious violence in this contest, as Shelton is sure to come in with a chip on his shoulder and be looking for some revenge for Carlito embarassing him last week on Raw, but I think when the smoke clears, unfortunately, Carlito will walk out of Vegas with the belt around his waist.

WINNER: Carlito

WWE Championship - Triple Threat Match
John Cena (c) vs. Chris Jericho vs. Christian

Now, check out this before you think I am being biased. I suspected that one of these two titles would've been traded back to Smackdown following the PPV, as a fix for the drafting of John Cena. I also suspected that it was NOT going to be this title, because of Vince's desire to 'shake things up.' However, it could've happened with one of the other two individuals in this contest taking the victory.

I DO NOT think Christian has a prayer. Christian is not in World title calibre status. He is in this match because he shot his mouth off. He needs experience in these matches before I would consider him a contender. I need to see him take some losses in these title matches before I would call him a threat to gold.

Chris Jericho, on the other hand, is a serious threat. Jericho is WAY overdue for another run as champion. I thought, prior to last week, that the chances were there for him to eek out a win, and take the WWE title to Smackdown with the final two draft picks. NOW, with the introduction of a new Smackdown title, the WWE title, for the forseeable future, will remain on Raw.

Based now on the stability of the title remaining on Raw, I am more likely to think that Cena will take the dupe. I cannot see the WWE taking him off the pedestal yet, without at least a feud with the current World Heavyweight champion. He is still developing as a title holder, but I do not think that this is the time for a change as WWE champion. This will be a DIFFICULT title defense for Cena. I expect him to take a major beating. But, I do think he will prevail. No scientific info to back it up, just a hunch.

WINNER: John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship - Hell in a Cell
Batista (c) vs. Triple H

I am a huge fan of Batista. I am a Triple H 'fan' as well. I can explain that, but I'll save that for later. This match scares me. Why? Because it is so likely that you'd see all the same spots like you've seen in previous HiaC matches between Triple H and such superstars like HBK, Y2J, Mick Foley, etc. I yawn at this match because it has the potential to be dangerously predictable.

If there is some assemblance of different spots done during this match, then it could be a great contest to watch. I don't know how WWE is going to plan this out, but it has the potential to be a real downer, or a real classic. There is no in between on this one.

Now, to pick a winner. This again scares me, but let's try this reasoning. Triple H proclaimed that this thing between him and Batista would be over when this match is concluded. Now, how could that be? Well, here are some possibilities. A) Triple H wins the World title, which subsequently would not make this over, as Batista would surely invoke a rematch, or B) Triple H loses, and is then drafted.

What would WWE book if Triple H won the world title? Could he do a program with say Shelton Benjamin? Possibly. A program with John Cena? Definitely possible. A program with Chris Jericho? Doubtful. A program with Kurt Angle? Possible. A program with Kane? Uncertain. A program with Edge? Always possible due to the briefcase thing.

What about Batista? What could or would WWE book if Batista retained? Shelton? Doubtful. Angle? Definitely possible. Cena? I think you'll see them team up first. Edge? Not initially. I think Edge would wait out for another star to take the throne before invoking his contract. Jericho? Doubtful. It'd be out of left field.

There is more of a possibility for future work if Triple H wins Hell in A Cell. But, we do have two draft picks coming that could significantly change all this. And, with the predicted 'inter promotional tag match' coming between Triple H & JBL vs. Cena & Batista, I would tend to think that Triple H may be en route to Smackdown sooner rather than later. I would be shocked to see WWE book an inter promotional tag match between 3 Raw stars and 1 SmackDown star.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say Batista wins Hell in A Cell. He can then rekindle some business with John Cena, who he dealt with briefly at the Royal Rumble in January, and then at Smackdown's No Way Out in Feburary in Pittsburgh. I think also Triple H will be drafted to Smackdown, perhaps with Ric Flair, to give Smackdown some major league needed name recognition, especially with them losing Cena, Angle, & Carlito. I think we will eventually, as well, see the unification of the WWE and World Heavyweight titles. I just hope it doesn't happen soon.

WINNER: Batista

Ok. That's all for now. Again, check out NY Sports Works...by clicking here.

And email me, by clicking here.

Kimosabe, Sumo!?!?!?!?!?