Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin
Predicted Winner: Baron Corbin
This is another case of creative saying “We don’t have any ideas, just keep pushing the feud along.” Both men will benefit greatly from the brand split, because they are just afterthoughts right now. The only good thing to come out of this is that Corbin gets to work and learn with a strong veteran like Ziggler, which can only make him better in the ring. Hopefully the men will somehow figure out a way to elevate this match, as it has been done to death. Corbin to score the pinfall clean.
Charlotte & Dana Brooke vs. Natalya & Becky Lynch
Predicted Winner: Natalya & Becky Lynch
The division that was beginning to catch fire has seemed to cool down. The entire division seems to be at a standstill until we get Charlotte vs. Sasha at SummerSlam (or a WM rematch). Do not expect anything special to come out of this, aside for a good way to set Becky up to win and look strong. We have one more PPV before Summerslam (Battleground), so hopefully the division will heat up again after that is over. Becky to win via submission on Dana.
Rusev vs. Titus O’Neil (WWE United States Championship)
Predicted Winner: Rusev
This is definitely the flattest feud on the card (and that includes the Corbin/Ziggler re-re-re-rematch). As great of a human being Titus is, he does not bring any excitement to the match, or pose any threat to the title. This could go one of two ways. Either creative is throwing Titus a bone, and giving him a competitive strong man match, or Rusev runs through him like he was doing to people over a year ago. Either way, this will likely be the bathroom break match of the night, which is unfortunate. Hopefully, Rusev will have a credible opponent ready for him by SummerSlam. Rusev to win via submission.
The New Day vs. Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows vs. Enzo & Cass vs. The Vaudevillians – Fatal 4-Way (WWE Tag Team Championship)
Predicted Winners: The New Day
The New Day are roughly a month away from becoming the longest reigning tag team champions in history. Keep in mind, this is inclusive to the WWE Tag Team Titles that begun in 2002, and not the retired World Tag Titles, which began in 1971 and ended in 2010 (in which Demolition has the record at 478 days). The New Day has been such a hot act and great for the titles, so pulling them off the titles a month before the record seems like something creative would avoid. It also gives Gallows & Anderson or a chance to win the titles and spice up a transitional PPV, such as Battleground (or even Enzo & Cass to win at SummerSlam). The in-ring will be typical of a fatal 4-way tag match, with many spots and a few fun tag moves. The New Day to score the pinfall on the Vaudevillians.
Sheamus vs. Apollo Crews
Predicted Winner: Apollo Crews
With Sheamus being featured on the latest TMNT movie, and Crews without a dance partner, this was an obvious midcard feud. The antics between the two has been nothing spectacular, but Crews has had such limited experience on the main roster that he deserves a bit of a pass. Working with Sheamus should provide some interesting chemistry, because it will have him focus more on his brawling and high flying style, as opposed to the power moves. Will this be great? No. Will it be an average midcard match that may deliver slightly more than anticipated? Probably, yes.
John Cena vs. AJ Styles
Predicted Winner: AJ Styles
Some call this a dream match, others call it a burial. Looking at the build and the men in the match, it should be a fantastic semi-main event. This has a WrestleMania feel to it, and pits TNA & NJPW’s former top guy vs. WWE’s former top guy against each other. AJ is one of the top in-ring technicians in the world today, and Cena is no stranger to great matches. The in-ring work should be of the highest caliber, and they should be given a good amount of time to showcase their skills. As far as the winner goes, John Cena feuds seem to have a pattern. He loses the first match, then wins the second and third matches. AJ winning this match (whether it is from help of someone, or other cheating/interference) is a solid bet. This should be the match of the night.
Sami Zayn vs. Cesaro vs. Chris Jericho vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens vs. Albeto Del Rio – Money In the Bank
Predicted Winner: Kevin Owens
This single match has such a strong impact on the product; it should be great no matter how the entrants are. Luckily, every participant in this match knows how to wrestle at a high caliber, and no one is sluggish or unwilling to take large bumps. There are three major factors in this match. The first factor is the 7th spot. WWE has stopped advertising a 7th spot, but this may be because they are having a 7th join the match at the last minute. This could be Orton, Wyatt, or even someone like Finn Balor/Joe. Bray would likely be the only one out of “surprise” entrants to actually win the briefcase, if it even comes to that. The second factor is Ambrose. He has been heavily favored to win the match, and they have been beginning to build to a Shield triple threat match. While Dean does not necessarily “need” the MITB briefcase, it would be easy booking. The third factor is the dark horse (and internet favorite), Kevin Owens. KO has proved in such a short time that he is amazing on the microphone, and top in-ring skills to back it up. Owens’ personality is perfect for the MITB, as he can tease multiple cashes on either a face or heel champion, and it will always get a great reaction. ADR & Jericho are former champions, and do not need the briefcase (nor would it give any excitement to the title chase). Cesaro and Zayn are exciting, but it would be hard to see either of them winning right now. Owens to grab the briefcase.
Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
Predicted Winner: Roman Reigns
This is a match that likely could have happened at WrestleMania, if Rollins was not injured. Regardless of how anyone feels about Reigns, there is a great build-up in such a short time. The history the men have together, coupled by Rollins’ great wrestling ability, should create a great match. Much like Cena/Styles, this will likely be a long-running Feud. Expect the finish to come with some sort of disqualification, count out, or interference. Roman going over clean would not help heat up the feud, and Rollins walking out as champion will not happen, so expect anything but that. Thinking outside the box, there could also be a double turn, Triple H returning, or even the debut of someone like Balor. Overall, it should be a fun match to watch with two-thirds of the shield.
