Summerslam 2016 – Predictions

Welcome to the first proper PPV for the new era! It’s been an interesting build up, with a lot of wrestling on TV. This has affected my watching as – quite frankly – it’s been quite a lot to watch. Woe betide what is going to happen when we go to 2 PPV’s (or rather “Network Specials”) per month, I will hardly keep up! In any rate, here are my Summerslam 2016 Predictions.

Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton

What a month for Lesnar. From being on the top of the world to being disgraced. Failing a drug test surely shuts his UFC career over, and this match has suffered because of it, as UFC has effectively washed their hands of Lesnar, affecting the build up. Lesnar has turned heel again, in the process.

Orton, however, has seemingly been renewed since his return. I like the fact they have built up that the RKO can put down Lesnar, and whilst I think that will be hit in the match, Lesnar is still special for the WWE, and I cannot see him losing clean to Orton.

Prediction: Brock Lesnar wins

WWE Universal Championship

Finn Balor vs Seth Rollins

So the new name for the Raw title is the WWE Universal title. You know, because you don’t give Smackdown a break and the Universe is bigger than the World. Yeah?

So the Raw after Battleground was something special. At the end of it, you saw Finn Balor beat Roman Reigns clean to become number 1 contender to this title. Seth Rollins was of course given a shot there and then for the title, so it wasn’t just given to him.

They’ve gone with “The Demon King” for Balor as a moniker, to kind of differentiate him from Kane, and this match I’m not sure about.

They’re hot on Finn. Especially with his face paint and The Demon King, he’s got money written all over it. However I do feel that there is more money in the chase, and Seth has more challengers on the heel side as a champion. I’m going to go with Rollins to win.

Prediction: Seth Rollins wins

WWE World Championship

Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler

So what was Smackdown’s answer to Raw’s amazing show? Throw a bit of a curve ball.

Dolph Ziggler was not on the card for Battleground, but won a tournament to become a number one contender for the WWE Championship (which, even though it has the lineage, suddenly feels like a secondary championship). We’ve seen a reset on his character a bit, maybe even a slight tease of a heel turn, but we’re not sure of this.

Maybe Ziggler is the new JBL? The one to benefit following a brand split? People seem to think so, though I don’t think he’s ready to take the title from Ambrose. Not yet.

Prediction: Dean Ambrose wins

WWE Women’s Championship

Sasha Banks (c) vs. Charlotte

Another great Monday Night Raw match was having Sasha Banks, actually having a match with Charlotte, and beat her fair and square for the title. It was a bit of a shock, but it got a spike in the ratings.

Since then, ehhhh, this feud hasn’t been the best. Charlotte and Sasha just haven’t quite clicked yet. It should be a cracking match, if they can reach the same level as the raw match, this could steal the show. But I cannot see Sasha Banks losing this.

Prediction: Sasha Banks wins

WWE Intercontinental Championship

The Miz (c) /w Maryse vs. Apollo Crews

This has been an odd feud, I cannot see I’ve been watching this too much, so had to read up on this. I still didn’t hugely care.

I think we could see a title change here. Apollo Crews appears to have all the tools to be successful, and certainly popular with Vince. I can see here though that the title makes the man, and although you should make people champions for the gimmick, I can see them do so here.

Prediction: Apollo Crews wins

John Cena vs. AJ Styles

This feud has lost a bit with the split up of The Club and Cena with Enzo & Cass. But it should produce one of the better matches of the card, and probably end the Styles/Cena feud.

There are rumours that Cena is lowering his schedule, certainly he appears to be increasing his media appearances elsewhere, and doing great for it. As such, with Styles being on the road, I can see more value in keeping Styles strong. So AJ to win.

Prediction: AJ Styles wins

WWE Tag Team Championship

The New Day (c) vs. Gallows & Anderson

Here’s one for you – how many testicle jokes can you fit into one feud.

With a low blow attack on Big E, Gallows and Anderson have been bringing a very PG version of Talk’n Shop to the WWE. However it’s PG, and it doesn’t quite fit them, which is a shame, as it’s kind of been awkward.

The New Day has broken the record of London and Kendrick, so I don’t think they need the title anymore. Gallows and Anderson need the belts to cement their status, so I can see a switch here.

Prediction: Gallows & Anderson wins

Enzo & Cass vs. Jeri-Ko

How wonderful are Jericho and Owens? Jericho has been on fire recently in this great part of his career, and this feud has seen the best promo work from the past few weeks.

I can see Enzo & Cass picking up the win here. They do seem to suggesting that tag teams are stronger than two strong competitors and Enzo & Cass could be a great opponent for Gallows and Anderson down the line.

Prediction: Enzo & Cass wins

WWE United States Championship

Rusev (c) /w Lana vs. Roman Reigns

Man, how far has Roman Reigns has fallen?

Losing clean to Balor, and now inserted into a feud with Rusev. This could see Roman get a lot of boos in Brooklyn. Not only because it’s Brooklyn and their smarky, but also because Rusev has been so brilliant recently, and he isn’t in the wrong – he is simply defending his wife’s honour.

I don’t want to say who will win, as Rusev has picked up the US title a bit, and I don’t want to see Reigns as US champion. However I can see Reigns winning, but probably by DQ.

Prediction: Roman Reigns (by DQ)

Best of Seven Series – Round 1

Cesaro vs. Sheamus

Two men have seemingly formed themselves into a feud by simply being pissed off.

Both men had an interview post draft that they were not happy, so – surprisingly – WWE have done the honest thing and turned it into a feud. Not just any feud, a best of seven series.

This is round one, so it could be anybody. Let’s go Cesaro.

Prediction: Cesaro

Those are my predictions. What are yours? Feel free to leave them in the comments below!