In an exact rematch from the same pay per view last year, Beth Phoenix meets Candice Michelle for the Women’s Championship tonight at No Mercy. It was at this event one year ago when the Glamazon first captured the title. Will history repeat itself with Beth walking out the champion? Our bloggers predict…
Erin: With the way things have developed (or underdeveloped, really..) I can’t see a major title change coming.. Maybe it’s the part of me that doesn’t want to see Candice get the Women’s Championship so soon, but I don’t think she’s going to win this one. Thus, Beth Phoenix is my winner. This storyline has been a disappointment from the start, so it makes me wonder if the WWE is really putting the effort into it. If this was Candice’s big return and triumphant championship win, I’d like the think that they would plan a better feud for it. However, the WWE has surprised me before. Beth has been pushed pretty well with Santino by her side, standing up to Batista. They clearly think of her as an important part of the program and an intimidating presence. Why throw that away by giving her title to Candice? The Glamazon deserves to hold on to the championship, and I believe she will.
Melanie: Plain, simple, to the point: Beth Phoenix retains. Candice is no where near ready to be awarded the title, she’s still flaky in the ring and this feud has been far too lackluster for a title change. If they had built this up strongly, I could see a title change but not with the lack of booking. Maybe if they book this feud going into the next PPV, have a title change there. But honestly, Candice isn’t ready for the title and cannot carry the division. Since her comeback, she’s been awkward and rusty in the ring and that does not equal title worthy. It’s going to be a real test tonight for Candice, this is the match that counts. Tonight, I will assess whether Candice’s run in 2007 was simply a fluke or if here and now in 2008, if she can really cut the mustard amongst the likes of Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly and Maryse who’ve all excelled in her absence. But bottom line, Beth wins.
