This year’s WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view presents one of the strongest cards in recent memory. It's the headliner and co-headliner matches that have everyone talking. But taking a quick look at the matches on the rest of the card shows something for everyone, with several matches having the potential to steal the show. Here’s what I think will happen this Sunday Night (August 17th).
Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship - This will be a rematch of Extreme Rules 2012, witch was one of the matches of the year. Hopefully, round two can equal or surpass the excitement of that first match. Lesnar shocked the world when he defeated the Undertaker at WrestleMania 30 earlier this year, which ended the Undertaker's undefeated streak at 21 consecutive WrestleMania events. And as a result, for better or worse, we have had to hear Paul Heyman go on and on about this fact. Despite the potential for more bragging from that annoying voice, it would be foolish for the WWE not to take advantage of Lesnar’s momentum coming out of WrestleMania 30. But does the WWE want Brock to be their Champion knowing that he is a part-time performer? It is a case to support Cena. Yet, I don’t think putting Brock over for the Championship will be an issue, and they’ve done it in the past, ie- TheRock. This match is a good follow-up in Lesnar's story, trying to prove that he still got what it takes by defeating Cena.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Brie Bella vs. Stephanie McMahon - This match has been spotlighted in recent weeks as if it were the headline attraction, it’s even spotted second from the top. It does involve the Boss’ (Vince McMahon) daughter, mind you. While the storyline for this one has actually been fantastic, with interesting angles that the fans have been eating up. I’ll be honest, I too am looking forward to this match. But, how good can it really be? That all depends.
Winner: Brie Bella
Bray Wyatt vs Chris Jericho- When Bray Wyatt & the Wyatt family came on the scene they quickly gained momentum and popularity among WWE fans. Bray seemed to have the ‘whole world in his hands’. That was until he started loosing matches, like the one he already lost to Jericho earlier this summer. So, maybe Bray should have his come back and take this match to regain some momentum. Followed by a 3rd battle between the two down the road, where the winner would end this feud. However, and notably unfortunate for Bray, the other Wyatt family members- Eric Rowan & Luke Harper have been banned from ringside; so this match will not include the usual interference by Wyatt family members. Not to mention the fact that I’m a Jericho-hollic, this cements my prediction that this match will favor Chris Jerricho & that light-bright jacket of his.
Winner: Chris Jericho
Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton- This is arguably the most important match on the card. Reigns has been chosen as a superstar the company expects to be one of their next big things. So while this is Reigns’ first big singles match, a dud here could really put a stop to that process. Yet, I believe Orton is more capable than most other wrestlers of pulling a great match out of Reigns. Orton doesn’t get enough credit, he has turned it around in recent years becoming a mentor of sorts, and has helped a lot of young talent on their way to the top. Look for Reigns to continue his momentum going forward, in what should be a good match to watch.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins - We are finally going to get to see this one, and it could have been so great. Yet the “Lumberjack” aspect or stipulation of this match doesn’t make any sense. This match would have benefited from a lot of outside ring work and brawling. Keeping them inside the ring eliminates an exciting element that could have added to the feud's excitement. Without the ‘Lumberjack’ stipulation, this match would have been that match to steal the show. But alas, it is what it is, and in my opinion Ambrose will win this one, setting up a feud that will continue through to Survivor Series. Having Ambrose lose this first match would eliminate the need for round a two there, so look for Ambrose to win, in what should still be a brilliant match to watch, despite the silly stipulation.
Winner: Dean Ambrose
The Miz (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler-
The Miz stole the belt from Dolph at the Battleground Battle Royal and is expected to keep it. But there is always that possibility where the tables could turn in Dolph Ziggler's favor. Mind you, there are many of the opinion that it's hard to picture Ziggler holding the franchise no. 2 title belt. But, i also have a hard time believing in the Miz in this position. So maybe we should all just ‘Bo-leive’, like Bo Dallas, that this title is very second rate. I’ll take the underdog again in this one, see Dolph Ziggler to win. “Really? Really?”, “We want Ziggler”... i guess.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Jack Swagger vs. Rusev - Patriotism will be in full effect in this “flag match”. Jack Swagger, the Real American, is my prediction to win this one, even though Rusev, the Russian Icon, is motivated to get a win after his first ever loss. Either way, gotta love the WWE pitting USA vs Russia.
Winner: Jack Swagger & America
AJ Lee (c) vs. Paige - The only two Divas to have held the Championship belt in 2014. The underdog Paige had the title for 84 days and wants to take it back from AJ. Watch for this one to get ugly. Look for hair pulling, no doubt. Paige has been distracting AJ Lee non-stop as of late, even inflicting a whiplash injury recently. AJ Lee probably should get her revenge and win the match, but i love my underdogs and an English accent.... see Paige to win.
Winner: Paige
All in all, this should be a great event. I’ll be watching in excitement, that's for sure, with an icy brew, cause ‘Stone Cold’ said so!
