I think it will be like this
Punk throughout the year does lose the title, possibly to Jericho
Edge wins the rumble coming back, faces Jericho at mania with their feud going on. Punk and taker have a separate match not for the gold at mania seeing as the streak is just as big as the gold much like Chuck said.
So you think they're gonna keep Taker out of action til 'Mania?
Doubt that VERY much.
IMO, Taker will be WHC by Survivor Series.
jericho vs edge can happen when its WM27. taker should retire after this mania tbh...which should be vs jericho.
100% agreed... Taker/Y2J has got'sta happen 'this' year, plenty of time for the likes of Edge v Jericho. As time ticks on, Taker equates to little more than one huge match a year these days so when picking WM opponents he (and HBK) should take priority.
Beyond WM26....
Suggested it before and continue to warm to the idea; assuming Taker will last physically, I want Cena to end the streak @ WM27 and retire Taker as the catalyst for the most epic heel turn since Hogan joined NWO (Both marks AND smarks will hate him for it). Hell, tease Taker not returning after WM26 and make WM27 a 'return' of sorts (thunder and lightning etc. at PPVs on the road to 'mania27) only for him to get retired by Cena.
In the meantime....
I wouldn't mind seeing Taker have a run against Morrison too while he (taker), can still go. JoMo as heel would have been better, but face-v-face would work for at least a one-shot deal..... I just have the line "Casting a shadow of darkness over the palace of wisdom" rattling around my head... Sure there must be an angle they could exploit. A good showing against Taker whilst he's champ would be an awesome way to cement JoMo's push prior to when he does finally win the world title.
If we got to see these guys (+ Punk) v Taker I'd be more than happy to see him retire; legacy for quality performances in-tact and all desireable fueds ticked off the list.
Cue Hall Of Fame.