I'm shocked WWE isn't wanting to do an Orton/Hogan program considering that's the biggest legend left for Orton and it gives their golden boy of today a high-profile match since Austin/Hogan is basically off.
They have already done Angle-Hogan, and there's nothing to come out of it. Hogan really shouldn't have an issue with working against Orton since Orton is constantly a main eventer and the set-up is easy and there's even a backstory with Orton Jr.
I'd rather see that occur instead of having to see Angle wasted with Hogan and Orton placed with Batista.
Angle's options should be limited to Undertaker or Benjamin. We know Benjamin isn't getting a main event profile match. Undertaker usually does Raw Vs Smackdown match for Mania anyways, and there's no current *it* program for UT on smackdown beyond Batista and that's really not neccessary for Mania.
Here's how I think Smackdown's side should be used
World Title
Batista Vs Mysterio
-I think Batista is going to carry the belt through WrestleMania and Mysterio is such an unconventional challenger that actually makes sense. I believe this could be a good match and it'd be a great chance to make each look good. It would be face/face but I'd like to see Mysterio play dirty to over-come his disadvantages in this match.
Undertaker Vs Kurt Angle (or Chris Benoit)
-Undertaker needs a big program and instead of tossing another big man towards his way for a shitty match, why not send WWE's workforce? Angle and Benoit are credible enough that the streak can be challenged in the minds of the fans but aren't going to lose their credibility by jobbing to UT at Mania. It'd be nice for 'Taker to have a good match to point at in his streak and those two are the best choices.
Randy Orton Vs Hulk Hogan
US Title
JBL Vs Bobby Lashley
-I'd have match seven with Benoit/Booker declared a draw and that the title is vacant. They have a smackdown one night tournament for the title. JBL goes over Hardy in the finals to win the title. Lashley is named the #1 contender. JBL does what JBL does and Lashley remains the quiet assassian. Match would be a squash in Lashley's favor.
*I'd have Booker T work as guest commentator on the smackdown side of the show*
WWE Tag Team Titles
Elimination match
MnM Vs Kendrick and London Vs Regal and Burchill Vs Mexi-Cools
-Simple set up here, MnM the over confident champions issue an open challenge and all three are identified as #1 contenders. In reality, London/Spanky would be replaced with LOD 2005.
Cruiserweight Title
Kid Kash Vs Jamie Knoble
-on Heat of course.
As far as Boogeyman, Kennedy and Matt Hardy (the only big names left on Smackdown). Obviously, Kennedy is injured but I'd have him the ring announcer for at least one match and Boogeyman can do some backstage skit that Vince will no doubt think is comedic gold. As for Matt Hardy? fuck Matt Hardy.
What do I do for Raw, while im at it?
WWE Title
John Cena Vs Triple H
-It's going to happen. No sense in denying it. It'll be interesting to see how they work around Cena's issue.
World Tag Team Titles
The Big Show and Kane Vs Benjamin and Haas
-Okay, this is far-fetched. However, since Haas has been reported to returning to WWE and a part of Raw, it's only logical they would reunite WGTT in some form. Let's be real, Benjamin isn't going anywhere as a singles star for right now. Remember, Bret returned to tag teams after a singles stint, it didn't hurt Bret. Unless WWE throws together a paired-up team like Masters/Carlito(which I wouldn't be shocked). This works because they can sell it as a younger, faster team with championship past. It'd be a much more interesting match then what we will actually get.
IC Title
Chris Masters w/Carlito Vs Rob Van Dam
-Quite frankly, I don't see Flair keeping the title, and i have something else in mind for Edge. I'd figure Masters to win the title from Flair soon and I'd have Carlito act as his mouthpiece because I believe WWE values Masters more then Carlito. RVD is scheduled to return to TV soon and they usually place him in the IC/tag title ranks. Don't forget, RVD has heat with Carlito.
Edge Vs Mick Foley
-I think this would be a decent street fight between the two and Foley's signed for at least two matches a year, might as well use one on a big stage and see if it can get Edge over like it did Orton. The promos and set-up could be very good.
Woman's Title
Mickie James Vs Trish Stratus
-I would expect some multi-woman match here but I'd rather see these two continue the program leading to the WM blowoff.
*The only issue is that Benoit/Angle, one of them is getting left off for right now because one will work with Undertaker.
If they do Angle/Hogan, then Benoit/Taker is a no-brainer but that leaves Orton off the card, which is desirable but isn't going to occur. Maybe Angle can slide into the main event making it a triple threat match?
Oh, what about Shawn? Vince/Shawn will happen. There's no way out of it now. Although, I'd have Shawn turn at NYR and take the title from Cena and do Cena/Michaels for Mania. Leaving Triple H for...someone else.