Crayo said:
With the last two RAW's resulting in Team SuperSmilies getting the upper-hand, does anyone else have a feeling of optimism regarding Shield winning?
Yes actually. All the signs point to it really the build, the fact that it isn't elimination (meaning they can avoid having Cena & Ryback getting pinned, as those shouldn't logically take a fall but there's nothing preventing Sheamus from losing), and even some reports from awhile back.
I recall reading that the four major matches in plan were HHH/Lesnar, Rock/Cena, Punk/Taker, and Sheamus/Orton. HHH/Lesnar has been pretty much confirmed due to Lesnar attacking Vince McMahon. Rock/Cena has also been pretty much confirmed. Punk/Taker will most likely happen if Taker can compete this year (and he did the last few times the reports said he wouldn't). So what about Sheamus/Orton? If I recall correctly, the only person who The Shield has attacked more than Ryback is Randy Orton and if I also recall correctly, Orton has never once been given any legitimate resolution. One example of how they can start the feud. Imagine Orton does something dick-ish prior to Elimination Chamber, like on the Smackdown before. At Elimination Chamber, The Shield vs. The Justice League happens prior to the Smackdown Chamber, and The Justice League falls down after Sheamus is pinned. Now, prior to the Elimination Chamber match, The Shield attack Orton preventing him from entering the match (like Kofi in 09), and Christian replaces him for a surprise return. Anyway, due to this Orton directs the blame to Sheamus for not being able to get the job done. This gives Sheamus good ammo to, being able to point out that they've attacked Orton plenty, and even after costing him the Chamber match, he's still finding ways to avoid actually dealing with the problem. In fact if I recall correctly, that's part of the reason Sheamus attacked. I think Cena & Ryback (not sure on order) came out to attack them and then Sheamus come out last even though I don't think he's been attacked by them prior (he might of, doesn't entirely change my point). So Sheamus can even tell Orton the only reason he got involved is because he isn't afraid of The Shield like Orton is and because he loves to fight! I could keep going but you get the picture. Thus can lead to the heel turn that so many people have been clamoring for (I'm not one of them). And there are many ways to accomplish that same effect centered around what they have set up. That's just my personal favorite and the first that popped to mind.