WWE Over the Limit PPV matches - concept &...

So what is the WWE Over the Limit PPV concept exactly? We've heard the commentators continue to say this is yet another "new concept" in Pay-Per-Views, which likely means its going to be a continued title for the next few years. So far, two of the matches on the OTL card have stipulations, while two others don't really. The concept may just be that wrestlers will be pushed over the limits in their matches. So far we've got four of them on the card involving the two major titles as well as two grudges. Here's some thoughts on the WWE Over the Limit PPV matches with analysis.

We've got CM Punk and Rey Mysterio tangling in their third one-on-one match of their PPV feud. At Wrestlemania 26, Mysterio won with the stipulation being if he lost he was forced to join Punk's StraightEdge Society. Mysterio managed to win despite having Luke Gallows and Serena try to interfere, and saved himself from being part of Punk's society. However, at Extreme Rules, the stipulation was if Punk lost, he would be shaved by Mysterio. Mysterio lost due to the fact a hooded mystery man, believed to be part of SES, attacked him after sneaking out from under the ring. This mystery man jumped Mysterio again several weeks ago during a tag match on Smackdown. So now we've got Punk vs Mysterio to decide their 1-1 tie in the feud, and both stipulations are on the line here to sweeten the pot. The X-Factor is that mystery man who many believe is part of SES and Punk claims to not know about. It seems likely Rey triumphs here, we may learn who the mystery man is, and also see Punk bald.

John Cena versus Batista for the WWE Title didn't have a stipulation set as of this article post. That's only because on the 5/3 episode of Raw, Cena didn't get a chance to announce it. He was beaten down by an angry Sheamus, who still wants a part of the champ, and to get the title back. I think Sheamus may be inserted into the title match, or even beat up Batista to remove him from the equation. As for the stipulation, it could be many things. Since there's a Hell in the Cell type PPV, maybe Cena goes for a stretcher match, or a submission match since part of the feud has been reminding Batista he tapped to the STF at Wrestlemania 26. Either way, Cena is on a two match win streak against the animal, with the WWE title win at WM26, and his duct tape win in the Last Man Standing Match at Extreme Rules.

Big Show will challenge Jack Swagger for the World Title. It'll be interesting to see if Show can capture the title so quickly since arriving to Smackdown. I'm going to guess he doesn't. This match will give Swagger some sort of new bragging point to add to his rambling speeches which list his many accomplishments. He will now remind the WWE Universe how he slayed Goliath to retain the title, although Swagger may need to cheat or get outside help to do so. These two have never met in a match, just in an in-ring confrontation which saw Show KO Swagger.

Randy Orton will look for further revenge on Edge who cost him the #1 contender spot for the WWE Title. Edge is brand new to Raw after a lengthy run on Smackdown. Edge wants to get back into the title picture, and it looks as if at Fatal Fourway PPV, we'll probably see Edge, Orton and Sheamus taking on Cena for the belt. However, these two former tag partners of Rated RKO are looking to settle their grudge. I can see this ending up a draw, which fans tend to hate. Fans are on Orton's side right now too. He's coming off a series of losses - Raw and Extreme Rules, so maybe here he gets the first win. If not, Edge cheats to win.

Feel free to leave your own analysis of the upcoming WWE Over the Limit matches. WWE Over the Limit will broadcast on PPV live starting at 8PM EST on Sunday May 23, 2010.