We are just a few days away from the 4 hour extravaganza and biggest event for the WWE of the summer. SummerSlam has always been a great event and hopefully this one is no different. I have to admit that I am kind of skeptical of the time change and how it will play itself out. If I am being honest, I am looking forward more to NXT Takeover and the Kevin Owens/Finn Balor ladder match. I still think SummerSlam has a chance to pull off a few special moments, but nowhere near the ones of the past.
I am going to attempt to give my predictions below, along with giving a rating to each match based on a scale from 1-5 with 1 being the worst. Please offer your feedback and let me know if you agree….
Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev
This match has been building for weeks and was just made with the return of Dolph Ziggler. I am personally a big fan of Ziggler and still have no idea why he has been stuck in the midcard peril of the WWE. Rusev doesn’t offer much on the mic, but I think his ring skills can be on par with past superstars like Haku. It may be a stretch, but I think he posses all the qualities to be a better than average performer.
With Rusev getting a win it is possible that he will in some way convince Lana to reunite with him. However it seems much more likely that this feud is set to continue beyond SummerSlam, with a mixed-tag match to be in the works at a later date.
Prediction: Ziggler
Match Rating: 3.5
Randy Orton vs. Sheamus
I have one word that possibly can sum up this match, Why! This is a match between 2 superstars that involved no lead up and literally came out of left field. How many times have we seen an Orton/Sheamus match? I’ll tell you how many; too many!
If Sheamus wins it could be a sign that WWE is finally starting to build him up ahead of his expected title reign when he cashes in his Money in the Bank contract. As for Orton, I could see him involved with Lesnar somehow if they continue to run Brock as a babyface. Randy is the ultimate heel and could run with a, “taking down the Lesnar Legend” type of storyline.
Prediction: Sheamus
Match Rating: 3.0
Intercontinental Championship – Ryback vs. The Miz vs. The Big Show
This rivalry has dragged for such a long time as this match was initially supposed to happen last month, but Ryback was unable to compete due to his staph infection. WWE seems to be still high on Ryback and his reign was fresh before injury, so I don’t see much changing from that perspective. Miz hasn’t been relevant in a long time, Big Show can barely move around the ring anymore, and Ryback is a company favorite. Wow, that was hard to predict.
Prediction: Ryback
Match Rating: 2.0
Team Bella vs. Team B.A.D. vs. Team PCB
The Divas Revolution continues going into SummerSlam where all 9 Divas will be given the chance to dazzle the fans and show why all they needed was some airtime. Nikki’s reign will continue in the hopes of breaking AJ Lee’s record and these threesomes will likely stay together for some time.
Hopefully when we reach this point WWE will finally decide to mix things up a bit and the so-called “Divas Revolution” can finally start delivering storylines worthy of the wrestling abilities these Divas have displayed in recent months.
Prediction: Team PCB
Match Rating 4.0
Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper vs. Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns
Another poor buildup to a rather sour match. The only saving grace for this 4 Hour event is an unpredictable swerve and this could be the match. Could Dean turn on Roman? I think it could happen and finally put Ambrose back in the spotlight again.
Prediction: Wyatt and Harper
Match Rating 3.5
WWE Tag Team Championship – The Prime Time Players vs. New Day vs. Los Matadores vs. The Lucha Dragons
This could be a very exciting match with a lot of high flying action to keep the fans interested. I like the PTP to possibly retain, but I think the WWE wants to throw a monkey wrench into the equation and give us some unpredictability.
Prediction: The Lucha Dragons
Match Rating: 4.0
Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro
For all intents and purposes this could very well be the match that steals the show. After the countless exciting matches both of these wrestlers have had in the past, it should make for an unforgettable performance. This could also be a way to catapult Owens back into the World Title scene with a feud against the winner.
Prediction: Kevin Owens
Match Rating: 4.5
Stephen Amell & Neville vs. Stardust & Wade Barrett
For those of you who know me, you already know that I am not a big fan of celebrity involvement. I think their presence inside the ring doesn’t go over too well and looks too robotic. I really like Neville, but think he needs a different gimmick going forward. Cody has a chance to be special, but not as a dressed up comic book character hopeful!
Prediction: Stephen Amell & Neville
Match Rating: 3.0
WWE United States & World Heavyweight Championship Winner Takes All – John Cena vs. Seth Rollins
After 2 electrifying promos by these participants, I am finally onboard with this matchup. As I am writing this, I can envision Rollins with one belt on each shoulder. I also love the prospects of Cena breaking Flair’s record and having Ric come out to celebrate with him in the ring. Who knows, maybe even Stone Cold will show up to give a few customary toasts to the new champion.
Prediction: John Cena
Match Rating 5.0
Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar
The deadman has risen again and this time he’s out for revenge. This match can go either way and each result could have mixed implications. Could the Undertaker lose 2 in a row? If Brock wins what will his direction be? He has been doing double duty lately and after this he could be in line for some time off, again.
Maybe this is another swerve where WWE plays on the booing of the Undertaker and keeps him as a heel. Brock goes for an F5 and Kane returns to help his brother win the mach. It’s a reach, but who knows what could happen.
Prediction: Undertaker
Match Rating: 4.0
Well that about sums up my predictions to the event. However, as I sign off, I wonder how many past superstars will make an appearance. What do you guys think? Will the Rock make his way to the ring? Stone Cold? Sting? With an extra hour of time, I am sure the WWE is thinking of many ways to fill in the spots.
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