Its official, there won't be an 8th man. On Smackdown, they built the John Morrison v. The Miz match as the
FINAL MITB Qualifying match. Therefore, when looking at the line-up, it more or less would go about like this.
M.V.P.: The odds on favorite to possibly win it, assuming Matt Hardy doesn't interfere or somehow get added into the match, costing M.V.P. the match. Porter is the only guy who is a big enough name, to deserve a legit World Heavyweight Championship match.. who hasn't blown any opportunity when given the chance in the past. (ie. Kennedy)
Mr. Kennedy: Dispite making mistakes in the past, and blowing opportunities handed to him before, they could go ahead and give him a second chance. I think Kennedy is likely the best guy in this match to win the whole thing, as long as they aren't still holding the past against him. Kennedy has the best chance at being a note-worthy World Champion, but no where near quality enough to be a Raw Champion.
Chris Jericho: Doesn't make a lot of sense for him to have just won the Intercontinental Championship, only to turn around and gain access to a World Heavyweight title shot. However Jericho is a "big name" and has the ability to win based off that alone. I'm not saying it'd be a good choice, I'm just saying it'd be a logical one.
C.M. Punk: They've been feeding him to Chavo Guerrero left and right on E.C.W., so I can't see how that would magically make him a legit contender for either Raw or Smackdown's Championship titles. However perhaps this is Punk's best laid chance to escape that brand, and jump to either Smackdown or Raw. Again, its not likely, but it could be possible. Another theory is that the briefcase could be cashed in against the E.C.W. Champion as well.
John Morrison: I think Morrison is the dark horse of the match. The reason being, is because he was never scheduled to win the E.C.W. Heavyweight Championship, yet when he did he carried it greatly. Great enough to be a possible top contender for a run on either Raw or Smackdown. I know many would disagree, but I think Morrison is a younger version of Edge. I think he has all of what it takes to be a great future World Champion.
Shelton Benjamin: I don't honestly think Benjamin has a shot in the dark at winning this match, however he still has a better chance than Carlito. They've pushed Benjamin as of late on E.C.W., but he doesn't have anywhere near the ability to be a World Champion on Raw or Smackdown. I can definately see him winning the E.C.W. Championship at some point in his future, especially for them to give that Championship to Chavo, however I don't see Benjamin winning this match. I simply see him being apart of it because he works well with ladders.
Carlito: More or less see above. The only difference being, I don't even see Carlito as being a top contender for the E.C.W. Championship. Up until recently, Carlito has been jobbing out to Cody Rhodes. More or less, Carlito's lost more than a page. Hes lost a whole book. Hes only in this match, similar to Shelton, because he can hit one or two big spots and hes a young talent that at least deserves some type of spotlight.
Overall: I'd honestly say M.V.P. to feud with the Undertaker, or Mr. Kennedy to feud with Triple H. Either way, it looks like Hardy's fall from grace has opened the door for someone to take the next step in their career. The only question I have is this.
Last year people badly judged Edge for "stealing" Mr. Kennedy's shot. Well, with whoever wins this match, will they be seen in the same light for "stealing" Jeff Hardy's shot? Because the fact is, with Hardy suddenly absent, this match is up for grabs by any one of the individuals involved. And to be honest. I WANT
John Morrison to walk away with the victory. Believe you me, I will be jumping for joy if somehow Morrison walks away with the victory. And Wrestlemania will be worth every penny if this happens.
The man has done nothing to you.
