WWE Title: The Rock (c) vs John Cena
After The Rock delivered a Rock Bottom to Cena on last week's Raw, the Brahma Bull and John Cena were kept apart this week on Raw ahead of their probable curtain-closing match at Wrestlemania. Cena opened the show, coming out to a very mixed reaction and delivering a promo that packed plenty of punch. The Washington DC crowd were really on fire on Raw, and Cena played along brilliantly. He spoke of how the childish games from last year are over, and did his best to make this year's rematch bigger than their 'Once in a Lifetime' meeting from last year. Saying that the Rock's time is up and his time is now, he told the WWE Universe that at Wrestlemania they may see a moment they didn't think was possible. More heel turn hints anyone? Cena again said he is better than The Rock, finishing with an impassioned 'The Champ is Here' which really got the boos flooding down. Later in the show, The Rock came out to a huge pop. It will be interesting to see how the New Jersey/New York crowd react to the two men come Sunday - a very smarky crowd, expect plenty of boos for Cena as always, but they might not take too kindly to The Rock either. Rock bigged up the fans and said Cena's time isn't now, it is never. He rolled out his usual millions and millions shtick, and told Cena he cannot deny the will of the people, and cannot beat The Rock. It was all pretty standard fare from the two men as the final hurdle was cleared on the way to New Jersey. The Rock's Greatness vs Cena's chance for Redemption works well enough, and is setting up Cena's desperation to win perfectly. The Rock has been made to look flawless and unbeatable, while Cena looks increasingly riled and obsessed. I have not been one to constantly harp on about how Cena needs to turn heel like some have, but this Wrestlemania really is set up perfectly for it to happen. Hopefully the two men can improve on last year's match quality and put together a compelling match, and it should be packed with plenty of psychology to keep it interesting. What the match desperately needs though is a swerve, because if it turns out to be as predictable as people are speculating, then we will have a major disappointment on our hands. Could a Cena heel turn be the magic ingredient?
Prediction: I am still in no doubt that John Cena is going to beat The Rock in New Jersey and leave as the WWE Champion. However I am going to throw caution to the wind and say that at least the start of a Cena heel turn could begin on Sunday, with the man who touts Hustle, Loyalty and Respect turning to nefarious means out of desperation to beat his nemesis.