WWE Money in the Bank 2023 Predictions

It is that time once again to find out who will be this year’s Mr. and Ms. Money in the Bank.

Hailing from The O2 Arena in London, England for the first time ever, the Money In the Bank PPV is traveling outside of the United States.

Other than the 2 ladder matches, there are 3 title matches including the World Heavyweight Championship.

Non-Title Matches

Damian Priest vs BUTCH vs Santos Escobar vs LA Knight vs Shinsuke Nakamura vs Logan Paul vs Ricochet in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
- PREDICTION: LA Knight to win… YEAH!
Iyo Sky vs Trish Stratus vs Zoey Stark vs Bayley vs Zelina Vega vs Becky Lynch in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
- PREDICTION: Becky Lynch to win.
Cody Rhodes vs Dominik Mysterio in a singles match.
- PREDICTION: Cody Rhodes
The Usos (Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso) vs Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa in the ‘Bloodline Civil War’ tag team match.
- PREDICTION: The Usos to win.

Title Matches

Gunther (C) vs Matt Riddle in a singles match for the Intercontinental Championship
- PREDICTION: Gunther to retain.
Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler (C) vs Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan in a tag team match for the _WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships)
- PREDICTION: Raquel & Liv to win and become champions.
Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins (C) vs Finn Bálor in a singles match for the World Heavyweight Championship
- PREDICTION: Finn Bálor to win and become champion.

And those are my predictions.

DID YOU KNOW: All my posts are now FREE for all to view and share and what-have-ya. Check out all my previous predictions to see what I chose for previous WWE shows.

July 3, 2023

[The JukeBox] #88 – Can You Feel The Sunshine – Richard Jacques (Sonic R)

Sonic R has gone down as one of the very few games where the score is better than the game itself.

Released back in 1997, Sonic R was Sega’s third racing game in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise after Sonic Drift’s 1994 Japan-only release with Sonic Drift Racing being released internationally 13 months after.

This would also be the first 3D Sonic Game, second overall after Sonic 3D Blast.

The game received mixed reviews with GameSpot giving it 5.6 out of 10. CVG however gave it a 4 out of 5.

After the release of the game in 1997, Sega would not release another Sonic racing game until 2006 with the release of Sonic Riders. These days, Sega released Team Sonic Racing back in 2019.

The song ‘Can You Feel The Sunshine’ is one of the first tracks that you hear once you get into a race. Performed by British singer TJ Davis, the song has become gained a resurgence with many older Sonic fans rediscovering a timeless classic.

YouTube:

Spotify:

Lyrics:

Can you see? The sun is shinin’ on me
It makes me feel so free, so alive
It makes me want to survive

And the sky, it makes me feel so high
The bad times pass me by
‘Cause today is gonna be a brighter day

Can you feel the sunshine?
Does it brighten up your day?
Don’t you feel that sometimes
You just need to run away?
Reach out for the sunshine
Forget about the rain
Just think about the good times
And they will come back again
Feel the sunshine…

Without you, there’s nothing for me to do
Can you feel the sunshine, too?
It’s comin’ through; it makes me feel brand new

When you’re here, I wish you were always near
‘Cause everything’s so clear
And today is gonna be a brighter day

Can you feel the sunshine?
Does it brighten up your day?
Don’t you feel that sometimes
You just need to run away?
Reach out for the sunshine
Forget about the rain
Just think about the good times
And they will come back again

When the sun goes down
I feel like I am waiting
For another day
When the clouds go away

Can you feel it?
Ooh-hoo…
Can you feel it?
Oh…

Can you feel it?
Oh…
Can you feel it?

Can you feel the sunshine?
Does it brighten up your day?
Brighten up your day…
Don’t you feel that sometimes
We just need to run away?
Reach out for the sunshine
Forget about the rain
Just think about the good times
And they will come back again

Can you feel the sunshine?
Does it brighten up your day?
Brighten up your day…
Don’t you feel that sometimes
You just need to run away?
You just need to run away…
Reach out for the sunshine
Forget about the rain
Just think about the good times
And they will come back again

Can you feel the sunshine?
Can you feel it?
Does it brighten up your day?
Brighten up your day…
Don’t you feel that sometimes
We just need to run away?
Need to run away…
Reach out for the sunshine

June 15, 2023

[The JukeBox] #87 – Macross 82-99 – Aogashima Island!

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Macross 82-99 released Sailorwave II back in 2018 as a EP after the successful release of the album Sailorwave back in 2013.

Aogashima Island! is one of those songs that has always been in my playlists but never really took a liking to. But recently, something about the song changed my perpective on it and now I have fallen in love with it.

So what is Aogashima Island? It is a volcanic island that is nearly 400km (~250 miles) from Tokyo. As of 2014, there are less than 200 people living on the island.

Previous JukeBoxes featuring Macross 82-99

YouTube:

MACROSS 82-99 – Aogashima Island! – Artzie Music

Spotify:

Bandcamp

Previous JukeBox

[The JukeBox] #86 – Delerium – Silence

May 6, 2023

WWE Backlash 2023 Predictions

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Live from Puerto Rico and hosted by Bad Bunny, it is WWE Backlash!

Here are my predictions for the show:

Non-Title Matches

Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs Omos in a singles match.
- Omos doesn’t need the win here, Seth winning this match would elevate him for the World Heavyweight Championship (WHC) that is upcoming. Seth to Win!
Matt Riddle, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso, Jay Uso & Solo Sikoa) in a 6-man tag team match,
- This should be a fun 6-man tag regardless of the decision. Storyline would say that Matt, Kevin & Sami to win which would be the conclusion of this storyline with Roman and The Bloodline.
Bad Bunny vs Danian Priest in a San Juan Street Fight
- First ‘hardcore’ match for Bunny as he draws weapons for Damian. Damian and the rest of The Judgement Day shouldn’t lose this as it would look bad for TJD but my gut is telling me to ‘pop the crowd’ – Bad Bunny to win
Cody Rhodes vs Brock Lesnar in a singles match.
- This should be a brutal match. Brock is going to go to town on Lesnar so it would only make sense that Brock Lesnar wins

Title Matches

Austin Theory (C) vs Bobby Lashley vs Bronson Reed in a Triple Threat Match for the United States Championship
- I feel this could go either way. My money would have to be on Bronson Reed to build him up as a credible thread. Bronson Reed to win
Bianca Belair (C) vs IYO SKY in a singles match for the RAW Women’s Championship
- As much as I like IYO, I cannot see her winning this. There is no credible threat to Bianca for the title as of yet. Perhaps with the WWE Draft going into effect on Monday, there will be new challengers for Bianca on Friday when she goes over to SmackDown. Bianca to retain
Rhea Ripley (C) vs Zelina Vega in a singles match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship
- Just like with Bianca, Rhea is going to be on RAW and is holding the other brand’s belt, BUT I can see Zelina getting this monster push and solidifying the LWO by giving her the title in her home country of Puerto Rico. Zelina to win

May 1, 2023

[The JukeBox] #85 – Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl

In 1967, Belfast-born Sir Van Morrison released the hit single ‘Brown Eyed Girl’.

The instantly recognisable bass notes and the bright guitar chords really pieced this song together. With the recognisable tones of Morrison’s voice accompanying, it really is one of those songs that you don’t skip if it comes up in a playlist.

The track had success in America reaching Number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and lasting 16 weeks in the charts. In 2011, the song was played 10 million times on US Radio.

A timeless classic for all to enjoy.

YouTube

Spotify

Lyrics:

Hey, where did we go?
Days when the rains came
Down in the hollow
Playin’ a new game
Laughin’ and a-runnin’, hey, hey
Skippin’ and a-jumpin’
In the misty morning fog with
Our, our hearts a-thumping and you

My brown-eyed girl
And you, my brown-eyed girl

And whatever happened
To Tuesday and so slow?
Going down the old mine with a
Transistor radio
Standing in the sunlight laughing
Hiding ‘hind a rainbow’s wall
Slipping and sliding
All along the waterfall with you

My brown-eyed girl
You, my brown-eyed girl

Do you remember when we used to sing?
Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la tee-da
Just like that
Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la tee-da, la-tee-da

So hard to find my way
Now that I’m all on my own
I saw you just the other day
My, how you have grown
Cast my memory back there, Lord
Sometimes I’m overcome thinking ’bout it
Making love in the green grass
Behind the stadium with you

My brown-eyed girl
You, my brown-eyed girl

Do you remember when we used to sing?
Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la tee-da
Sha-la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la tee-da

April 25, 2023

The New World Heavyweight Championship Belt Design is NOT that bad!

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Last night on Monday Night RAW, Triple H revealed a new World Heavyweight Championship belt. The inaugural winner of the title will be decided at WWE Night of Champions on May 27th in Saudi Arabia.

A number of people have been vocal about the title design. Some good and some bad.

The good, which I agree with, seems to be blending the old ‘Big Gold’ and the more modern ‘WWE Network’ titles into one.

Others are saying that the logo being front and centre like it is, devalues the title compared to previous designs (See ‘Big Gold’ above) and ‘Winged Eagle’ (see below)

But WWE is not the only one that has placed its logo front, and centre and make it the focal point of the title. This has become a bigger trend over the years.

UFC’s title belts since 2001 have had their logo on the belt and you didn’t need to squint to find out what company the title was from.

UFC updated the title back in 2019 and arguably, it is more prominent than the previous design.

Let’s go crazier, Singaporean MMA Promotion, ONE Championship has MASSIVE belts with their name across them.

And to give it some context as to the size of it.

That thing is massive and you cannot miss the ONE logo on that.

Let’s go back to Pro Wrestling and check out All Elite Wrestling’s World Championship.

That title looks great and having the logo in the middle and being the focal point is not a bad thing. It looks great and it sets itself apart from the WWE, UFC, ONE and other countless promotions with their titles.

My overall thoughts are that the new World Heavyweight Championship is fantastic. A mix of old with some new bits in it really makes it the champion’s belt. And still retaining the customisation of the side plates is a nice touch. That is something that WWE did right in a Sports Entertainment-oriented product.

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March 30, 2023

WrestleMania 39 and NXT Stand & Deliver PPV Predictions

It is that time of year again, it’s Wrestlemania week and for the 4th time that the show has been held on 2 nights.
Emanating from the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, it is the 39th edition of WrestleMania.

Before I jump into the predictions for WrestleMania, let’s go over to the Crypto.com arena for the matinee show NXT Stand & Deliver.

NXT Stand & Deliver 2023 Predictions

Wes Lee (C) vs Dragon Lee vs JD McDonagh vs Ilja Dragunov vs Axiom in a Fatal 5 Way for the NXT North American Championship.
- PREDICTION: Dragon Lee to win and become the new NXT North American Champion.
Fallon Henley (C) & Kiana James (C) vs Alba Fyre vs Isla Dawn for the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship
- PREDICTION: Alba and Isla to win and become the new NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Chase University & Tyler Bat vs Schism in an 8-person mixed tag team match and the winner gains control of Chase University.
- PREDICTION: Schism wins.
Roxanne Perez (C) vs Zoey Stark vs Gigi Dolin vs Tiffany Stratton vs Lyra Valkyria vs Indi Hartwell for the NXT Women’s Championship
- PREDICTION: Roxanne retains the NXT Women’s Championship.
Gallus (C) vs The Creed Brothers vs The D’Anngelo Family in a Triple Threat for the NXT Tag Team Championship
- PREDICTION: Gallus to retain the NXT Tag Team Championship.
Johnny Gargano vs Grayson Waller in an Unsanctioned Match
- PREDICTION: Johnny Gargano wins.
Bron Breakker (C) vs Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Championship
- PREDICTION: Camelo Hayes to win and become the new NXT Champion.

Wrestlemania 39 – Night 1 Predictions

Austin Theory (C) vs John Cena for the United States Championship
- PREDICTION: Austin Theory wins and retains the title.
Charlotte Flair (C) vs Rhea Ripley for the SmackDown Women’s Championship
- PREDICTION: Rhea Ripley wins and becomes the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.
The Usos (C) vs Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship
- PREDICTION: Sami & Kevin wins and becomes the new Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions
Becky Lynch (C), Lita (C) & Trish Stratus vs Damage Ctrl in a 6-woman tag team match.
- PREDICTION: Becky, Lita & Trish wins.
Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins vs Logan Paul
- PREDICTION: Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins wins.
Rey Mysterio vs Dominik Mysterio
- PREDICTION: Dominik Mysterio wins.
Brawn Strowman & Ricochet vs The Street Profits vs Alpha Academy vs The Viking Raiders in a Wrestlemania Showcase Fatal 4-way Tag Team Match.
- PREDICTION: Street Profits to win.

Wrestlemania 39 – Night 2 Predictions

Bianca Belair (C) vs Asuka for the RAW Women’s Championship
- PREDICTION: Asuka wins and becomes the new RAW Women’s Champion.
Brock Lesnar vs Omos
- PREDICTION: Brock Lesnar wins.
Edge vs “The Demon” Finn Bálor in a Hell in a Cell Match.
- PREDICTION: Finn Bálor wins.
Gunther (C) vs Drew McIntyre vs Sheamus in a Triple Threat Match for the Intercontinental Championship
- PREDICTION: Sheamus wins and becomes the new Intercontinental Championship (And gets his Grand Slam)
Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez vs Natalya & Shotzi vs Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler vs Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green in a Wrestlemania Showcase Fatal 4-way Tag Team Match
- PREDICTION: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler wins.
Roman Reigns (C) vs Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
- PREDICTION: Cody Rhodes wins and becomes the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion

And there are my predictions. Shout out what you think of them on my Mastodon @[email protected]

March 19, 2023

Side Note: Padraig.blog Supporter & Super Supporter now starting at just €1!

Hey folks.

Just a quick Side Note here to let you all know that I am making my ‘Supporter’ and ‘Super Supporter’ membership tiers the lowest it has even been.

I recently moved back in with my parent after being away for several years and since I have been at home, I have been able to save a bit more money and because of that, I have decided to reduce the membership fees.

Supporter was €5 per month or €50 per year, now it’s €1 per month or €10 per year.

Super Supporter was €10 per month or €100 per year, now it’s just €2 per month or €20 per year.

Membership will of course remain free and there are no plans to change that. Additionally, I have set up a Fediverse account for the blog, so you can get all new blog posts first within Mastodon, Pleroma, Misskey, etc.

Search for @[email protected] in your client.

February 15, 2023

[The JukeBox] #83 – Dee Dee – Forever

Let’s travel back to 2001 with a dance classic from Dee Dee with Forever.

There is nothing notable to say about this other than it reached Number 12 in the UK singles chart in the summer of 2001.

I´m all alone in bed
and I can´t sleep
I´m feeling blue
I try to close my eyes
but all I´m thinking of is You!
Baby, only you!

I cry my eyes out, baby
Wondering what I have to do
I’m looking inside my heart
And know for sure
this love is true

Refr:
Day by day
heart to heart
I hope that we will
ever be together.
Will it be, me and you?
I dream that our love will last, forever.
Hold me tight, in your arms.
I know we have the strength to stay together.
When we meet
In the end
I promise to be there,
forever
forever

I´m all alone in bed,
and I can´t sleep,
I´m feeling blue.
I try to close my eyes,
but all I´m thinking of is You!
Baby, only you!

Refr:
Day by day, heart to heart,
I hope that we will ever be,
together
Will it be, me and you
I dream that our love will last forever
Hold me tight in your arms.
I know we have the strength to stay together
when we meet
in the end
I promise to be there, forever
forever

Forever 4x

January 24, 2023

[The JukeBox] #82 – MONDO GROSSO – Labyrinth

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Normally with The JukeBox posts, I discover a song or an album, add it to my Spotify playlist, go back through the playlist at a later stage (Normally 6 months to a couple of years) and then decide whether to create a post for it.

This song, I heard one day and I must have instantly liked it but never added it to any playlist and therefore I forgot about it.

It recently came back up during one of my many City pop listening sessions using the new ‘Enhance’ feature on Spotify.

This song is fantastic. It’s a Japanese song by MONDO GROSSO (Real name: Shinichi Osawa) who is a DJ from Tokyo. I will not lie and say that I haven’t heard any other of MONDO GROSSO’s work!

Here is Labyrinth with Hikari Mitsushima as the dancer.

YouTube

Spotify

Lyrics:

Mitsumenaide kanashii hou wo
Me wo tsubutte kuchizuke shiyou
Amaku tokeru merodii

Hikikomarete
Meikyuu no paradaisu
Deguchi mo naku owari mo naku
Tsutsumarete itai no
Jama shinaide
Mayonaka no paradaisu
Iki mo sezu ni
Mogutte iku
Futari dake no dansu

Sagasanaide
Utsukushii rabirinsu
Kuchizuke shite mou modorenai
Futari dake no dansu

Mayoikonde
Byakuya no you ni
Shibireta mama dochira kara mo
Kaerou to wa sezu ni

Tomaranaide
Yurete itai no
Nanimo iwazu
Kuchizuke shite
Wasuresasete subete

Tomaranaide
Yurete itai no
Nanimo iwazu
Kuchizuke shite
Sora kara ochiru