What's a little frightening about this year over others is that there's been very little discussion or prediction of the Rumble or what we're looking at headed to Mania. This should be a huge time of year, and it just doesn't feel that way.
I don't envy the position WWE is in right now. Their top stars are either out, overexposed, or boring, and none of the younger guys seem quite ready for the 'too-the-moon' push that the Rumble and, by extension, Mania would give them. The one guy that I think would've been ready is Miz, but that's obviously not in the cards.
This issue of their stock prices and generally sagging business are another huge question mark. So, what...? Do they actually take this as an opportunity to shake things up and try to generate interest, or do they run back to the safe, cash-cow haven of John Cena? I know which one of those I'm going with, and it makes me sad just how certain I am of it.
This Rumble will be a watershed moment for this company, and it's going to establish the direction over the next few months. If Cena takes the Rumble (again), it's a clear sign that they're playing it safe and things are going to 'stay the course', so to speak. One of the other signs of how things are backstage right now will the (not really a spoiler) impending return of HHH. He's coming back. No one is questioning that, it's just a matter of how soon. Could be the Rumble. Could be between the Rumble and EC. Regardless, I'd put money on him being back before Mania. Anyway, the question is *how* he's brought back. The obvious and smart booking option is to have him begin (continue?) a program with Sheamus. I'm actually afraid, though, that they'll get gun-shy, have HHH destroy Sheamus right away or put it off for a few months, and have HHH in a main event at WM. That'll be a good indicator of just how desperate they are right now.
Without really thinking this through too much, some WM stuff I'd like to see this year:
Miz (c) vs. Lawler... it sounds weird, but let's be fair and realize this is the most well written program of the past few months. Miz deserves to be at WM in a title match, but I don't think he's been built well enough to make a convincing "he could beat Cena" argument. Lawler hasn't had a WM match, and this can be his moment. Shit, give him the title if you want. It's a feel good moment, and I don't think Miz loses too much from it.
Cena vs. Barrett vs. Punk... if any combination of these guys doesn't occur at Mania, this program has been a waste of time. Make it a 3 way, make it a street fight, and just have these guys beat the shit out of each other. This has all been very personal, and making it for a title completely sells it short.
HHH vs. Sheamus... this is the easiest booking decision ever.
Santino/Koslov vs. Harris/McGillicutty... I think these guys could have a pretty good match, and it makes the tag titles seem relevant to have an actual match at Mania.
Orton vs. Ziggler (c)... that's right, I put the

ing belt on Ziggler. The WHC scene is so stagnant that it NEEDS an injection of something, and I think that's Ziggler. What, you want another Edge match? Maybe Kane? How about Mysterio? Ziggler gets the strap at the Rumble, Orton defects/gets traded to Smackdown, goes after him. If booked properly, it won't matter that Ziggler is a new guy... importantly, though, have Ziggler taunt Orton, but DO NOT let Orton touch him until Mania. You work it right, and people will pay to see Orton beat the shit out of Ziggler. Plus, Orton on Smackdown will help the brand.
Kingston vs. Swagger... for the IC belt. Predictable, but they'll deliver a great match.
I have no idea what to do with MitB yet. If they still have the PPV in the summer, I think they need to drop it, but that won't happen. I also have no idea what to do with, in no particular order: Bryan, Taker, Mysterio, Nexus, Corre, Morrison, Edge, Show, or Kane.
Point is this... Mania is supposed to be big, sure, but they've been banking on their PPVs to sell on name alone. With that thought process, just go for it. Still, I know there's no way at least one title match won't have two huge names, but I can dream, right?