The New Mega Powers (Axel & Sandow) vs. The Ascension
Predicted Winners: Axel & Sandow
It’s odd that Sandow goes from gimmick, to a more relatable character, back to gimmick. Although it seems like a step back, at least he made it on the card. A downgrade for Sandow, and an upgrade for Axel. Aside from a few comedic spots, do not expect too much out of this match. Hopefully they are given more than 5 minutes for the pre-show match. Sandow with a diving elbow drop to win.
King Barrett vs. Neville
Predicted Winner: King Barrett
This one is highly dependent on how much time is allotted.
Both of these men have proven they can work great matches together, which is why this is likely not the last time they meet in the ring (even though this will be their “blow off” in their series). Even though he is new on the main roster scene, Neville does not need the win in order to shine in this match. Barrett needs to keep the steam rolling with his KOR win, and hopefully heads to the Money in the Bank match next month. Barrett with a bull hammer to win.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus
Predicted Winner: Sheamus
Much like Barrett, Sheamus needs to keep his steam going
from his heel repackage. The way Ziggler won their last PPV bout also points to a Sheamus win. Even though this feud has been entertaining to watch in-ring, it’s time to move on. Putting a strong match on will hopefully elevate their spots on the roster. This is highly dependent on Sheamus keeping up, and Ziggler not overselling. Either way, this one should at least keep your attention. Sheamus with a brogue kick to win.
The New Day vs. Kidd & Cesaro – 2 out of 3 falls (WWE Tag Team Championships)
Predicted Winners: The New Day
Although we’ve seen this match several times, adding the new
stipulation will add some depth to the match. It looks like Vince is giving this match the time it deserves. Both teams like to add new tricks into their arsenal, so expect a few new combinations and some nice mid-match pops. All the men in this bout are on the higher end of the talent scale, so it ‘should’ be one of the show stealers, if not the best match of the night. Considering that the tag titles are being contested a week later at the Elimination Chamber, don’t expect the boys in green to lose.
John Cena vs. Rusev – I Quit match (WWE US Championship)
Predicted Winner: John Cena
Cena is both undefeated in I Quit matches, as well as at
Payback. The US Open is a hot segment on Raw. This keeps Cena both relevant and out of the main event. There is no way that Rusev is walking out as the winner of this match. A non-predictable alternative route to go would have Rusev tie up Cena and lock in the accolade to Lana, and have Cena quit to save her. The upside of this event is that Cena vs. Bray’s last man standing last year was probably the best of their matches, so hopefully this gimmicky no DQ-style match will be similar.
Bray Wyatt vs. Ryback
Predicted Winner: Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt needs a win, end of story. He can cut all the
promos he wants, but he needs to continue his dominance in the ring as well. If the WWE wants to set him up properly for the next few years, he needs to start looking like a threat to everyone. The match itself will not be the most technical or exciting, but it should be a good start to their feud. Ideally, this feud will end with some sort of no-disqualification blow off match.
Bella Twins vs. Naomi & Tamina
Predicted Winner: Naomi & Tamina
An ambiguous face turn for the Bella twins, and an ambiguous
heel turn for Naomi with a return of Tamina. I understand why some people cannot get behind this match. There is no real urge to cheer for anyone in this match, or to care who wins. This will likely be the setup for a title match at Elimination Chamber or MITB, so having the challengers go over makes sense. Just when #GiveDivasAChance was taking off, they decide to create a bathroom break match. Oh well, keep hoping for Charlotte or Sasha Banks to arrive sooner
than later.
Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Randy Orton – Fatal 4-Way (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
Predicted Winner: Seth Rollins
The moment Dean Ambrose was thrown in, this main event became interesting and more relevant. If the WWE decides to go with Ambrose as the MITB winner, this is a good way to elevate him before he wins. This opens up for some great spots (including a few old Shield moves). Expect Roman to go through some tables, or something as equally as destructive, mainly on his path to please the fans. Ambrose and Rollins will have some nice back-and-fourths, and Orton will hit a few RKO’s out of nowhere. Ideally, the outside interference won’t last more than a minute or two. Kane being the center of the outcome will definitely hurt this match. Whether he gets involved in the end or not, we will likely see Rollins still walk away with the title. Overall, this is a good match on paper. Whether that translates to the ring or not, we will just have to wait and see.
