Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio (Semifinals)
Predicted Winner: Roman Reigns
The fans already know who will win this match, so it does take a bit of the excitement out of this one. Del Rio is relatively solid in the ring, so he and Reigns should be able to string together a few fun spots and make this a passable PPV match. There is not much to say here, aside from the fact that Del Rio’s current partnership with Zeb is dead in the water, and this may be a perfect time to split up the duo to prevent more hindrance to Del Rio’s already damaged character. Roman Reigns to win via spear.
Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose (Semifinals)
Predicted Winner: Dean Ambrose
Looking at the rest of the card, this one will likely be the most technically sound match of the night, and possibly the match of the night. Both men have put on great matches in the past, so it will be good to see them square off together on a larger stage. If they want to take the, safe route to the title, Kevin Owens could win, and Roman could beat him without him or Ambrose turning heel. Hopefully they throw somewhat of a swerve in, and turn Ambrose or Reigns heel. Ambrose to win via dirty deeds.
Charlotte vs. Paige (WWE Divas Championship)
Predicted Winner: Charlotte
This has been an odd feud from the beginning. Since the semi-turn, this has been going on for a few months now. Paige definitely thrives better as a heel, so the turn was a good idea. After the contract signing and talking about Reid, it did add some cheap heat (but heat nonetheless) to the storyline. We can expect a better Divas’ match than the usual Nikki Bella vs. X, but do not come into this and expect a Charlotte vs. Sasha, or Sasha vs. Bayley type of match. Charlotte to win clean.
Brothers of Destruction vs. Bray Wyatt & Braun Strowman
Predicted Winner: Brothers of Destruction
A few weeks ago, Kane and Undertaker took out all four members of the Wyatt family. Now, we get a 2-on-2 match between the rivals, which is a little puzzling. Not only that, but instead of using the in-ring star Luke Harper, the green Strowman will be Bray’s partner. We will likely see some sort of distractions between the other two men, but nothing much more. Unfortunately, this match will be slow and a little underwhelming. The nostalgia of the brothers teaming again will definitely help this, but it will not be as good as it could have been. Team Undertaker vs. Team Wyatt, or Brothers vs. the entire Wyatt Family would have been much better choices. Undertaker & Kane to win (especially with the 25th anniversary of Taker’s debut).
Dolph Ziggler vs. Tyler Breeze
Predicted Winner: Tyler Breeze
This match is more of a “welcome to the main roster,” party for Tyler Breeze. Working with Ziggler is a Godsend for him, because he is one of the best sellers in the industry. Both men can showcase what they’re capable of when they have a strong in-ring partner to work with. The in-ring work should be technical, quick, and crisp. Hopefully Ziggler can put Breeze over to the point where he looks like a credible threat to the midcard. We should also hope that this match has ample time, and does not get pushed to the pre-show. Breeze to win with the beauty shot and some help from Summer.
Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
Predicted Winner: Dean Ambrose
Provided no one gets hurt in their semifinal match, this match can go one of three ways. The first scenario is that Dean Ambrose wins with the help of the Authority, and assumes Rollins’ position. This will add some depth to Ambrose, even though he is clearly more over with the crowd (and we will absolutely see this when the crowd sides with him on Sunday). The second scenario is Roman Reigns wins with the help of the Authority. This would be a much needed facelift for Reigns, since he has fallen somewhat flat with the fans on his babyface push. If the internet reports are true, Vince is quite set on keeping Reigns as a babyface, so this may not happen. The third (and possibly worst) alternative is that Roman Reigns wins clean, and Sheamus comes out to cash in the MITB. Whether he wins or loses the cash-in, there will be no clear top heel (Sheamus does not have the starpower he once had), and the main event scene will feel a bit stagnant. There are other alternatives as well (both stay face and Sheamus doesn’t cash-in, Sheamus cashes in on Ambrose, Ambrose turns heel and loses, both stay face and one turns heel later down the line etc.), but the others are not as viable. The most important thing to note here is that there are multiple options, and we really do not have a strong indication as to who will win and if anyone will turn. It provides some much-needed hype and anticipation for the match. Dean Ambrose to win with help from the Authority.
