Young Lion Wrestling Round Table - SummerSlam Predictions
- Team Young Lion
- Jul 23, 2017
- 21 min read
Ah, summer. Oh how you bring such joy.
A plethora of cold mayo based salads at every outdoor get together. Alcohol induced courage, guiding dangerous yet colorful explosions just over our heads and throughout the skies. And Pitbull, seemingly everywhere, dancing the samba in toddler sized clothes on what may be every single television program that airs between June and September.
All dope things, right?
Well, at least this summer (on paper) appears to be filled with some amazing wrestling and has already delivered incredible matches, starting with MOTY candidate Omega vs. Okada II at NJPW Dominion 2017 last month in June. WWE's infamously named Great Balls of Fire PPV surprisingly delivered on many levels, and NJPW's two night G1 Special in the USA had a handful of must see matches to say the least. As we head into Battleground this Sunday, the last road stop before SummerSlam, Team Young Lion gathered around the metaphoric round table to provide you with our card, match and overall predictions for WWE's second biggest event of the year.
And just a forewarning, there may or may not be a Pitbull reference or two throughout our predictions. We told you, he is everywhere! Let's get started.
CARD PREDICTIONS
(Predicted winners of each match highlighted in RED)
1. Cruiserweight Championship - Will King Neville continue his reign? If not, who dethrones him?
The Commish: Cedric Alexander vs. Neville
I think Neville continues his reign for the foreseeable future. With my man Austin Aries recently released, Iʼd love to see Cedric Alexander get a push up the card to get a match against Neville at Summerslam. And if youʼre looking to see a dethroned Neville, you may have to wait awhile. But (and I know this is fantasy booking) I think there will eventually be a certain BRUISERWEIGHT who crosses the pond to take out the constantly shit-talking CRUISERWEIGHT champion.
Buchanan: Chad Gable vs. Neville
Gable starts slowly adding every title to his resume "Kurt Angle" style, 1 by 1.
Michael Yoe: Neville vs. Literally Anyone
The longest reigning Cruiserweight Champion in WWE history was Gregory Helms at 385 days. Neville is going to break that. I expect Neville to be cruiserweight champion for the foreseeable future.
Caleb Carnes: Cedric Alexander vs. Neville
I’m going to say Neville drops the title in a surprise loss to Cedric Alexander.
Francesco Viola: Akira Tozawa vs. Neville
Neville has been absolutely awesome as DA KING OF DA CRUISERWEIGHTS, and I don’t see his reign ending here. I do think Cedric Alexander will eventually be the one to dethrone him, but I don’t think they will be facing each other at SummerSlam and I doubt Tozawa is going to dethrone Neville. Either way, long live the king.
Nossair Errahmani: Neville vs. Cedric Alexander
Ah man, what a weird one this CW division is. Neville could thrive so much on the main roster. I really hate how this division has become a glass ceiling for a few wrestlers, who would have been so much better off going the regular NXT route. I'd say he will retain, and will probably drop it later down the road to Cedric Alexander.
2. Raw Tag Team Championship - Does Cesaro & Sheamus have enough uppercuts and boots in them to retain?
The Commish: The Hardy Boyz vs. The Revival vs. The Good Brothers (Gallows & Anderson) vs. The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro)
Rumor has it that WWE is all about multi-person matches to keep the writing easy, the characters protected, and the action fast. This match would be the definition of that. No matter who walked out with the titles, everybody watching would be a winner.
Michael Yoe: The Hardy Boyz vs. The Revival vs. The Good Brothers (Gallows & Anderson) vs. The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro)
Had it not been for injury, I really think that WWE would have had The Revival as Tag Champs already. They are easily one of the most projectable upcoming tag teams on the main roster, and giving them the titles would set up a possible Hardy and/or The Bar breakup.
Buchanan: The Hardy Boyz vs. The Revival vs. The Good Brothers (Gallows & Anderson) vs. The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro)
Caleb Carnes: Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins vs. The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro)
Francesco Viola: The Hardy Boyz vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson vs. The Revival vs. Sheamus and Cesaro (4-Way Tag Match)
Simply put, there aren’t any other strong babyface tag teams in the division at this moment and the Hardy Boyz have already had enough matches against Sheamus and Cesaro by themselves. This seems like the only option.
3. SD Tag Team Championship - Will the Usos new swag help them retain SD tag gold?
The Commish: The New Day vs. The Usos
With both teams impressing, this is another GOOD match on paper that I think could end up being a GREAT match if given the right story and amount of time.
Michael Yoe: The New Day vs. The Usos
Whatever the reason Big E is currently in the manager role of The New Day (probably nursing minor injury), having Xavier & Kofi in the ring against The Usos is a blessing in disguise. The four of them can put on great matches, and a rematch at SummerSlam seems to be in the cards.
Buchanan: The New Day vs. The Usos
Caleb Carnes: The New Day vs. The Usos
Francesco Viola: The New Day vs. The Usos (Lumberjack Match)
Since a lot of the Smackdown roster won’t be competing at SummerSlam, they need some way to represent the roster. A Lumberjack Match seems like a plausible way that can happen. I wasn’t sure which match would be a Lumberjack match, but I think the New Day are winning the titles at Battleground and the Usos will demand a rematch at SummerSlam, so they will need a stipulation to keep things fresh.
4. Intercontinental Championship - Who and how many people will The Miz have to battle at SS?
The Commish: Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz
While looking down the roster and watching Raw, I canʼt find an easy fit for an IC Title match. But with Rollinsʼ reaching his hands out to his former Shield brothers and Ambroseʼs seemingly never-ending quest for the title, I could see all paths leading to a star-studded Triple Threat Match that would/could be a show stealer.
Michael Yoe: Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz (Ladder Match)
It's most likely that these three are going to square off at SummerSlam, and there is a need for a stipulation/special match. All three of these men have had some exceptional past matches involving a ladder, so hanging the IC Title above the ring would be a fantastic and classic twist to this match. As much as I LOVE The Miz as the IC Champ, I really think that face Rollins could have a nice run as Intercontinental Champion.
Caleb Carnes: Jason Jordan vs. The Miz
Francesco Viola: Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz
I don’t know where else this story could go. They are already doing a handicap tag match on the upcoming Raw and Dean is obviously not on the best of terms with Seth, so this seems like the only option. We may get a big heel turn if Dean decides to attack Seth after the match, which would be refreshing for Dean, but only time will tell.
5. United States Championship - Styles stunned us all winning the US title recently at a MSG live show. Will it change hands again already?
The Commish: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. A.J. Styles
Please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, PLEASE let this match happen. Ever since Nakamura gave the not-so-subtle nod at the title, everyone has been hoping to see this showdown go DOWN. Hereʼs to hoping itʼs the beginning of a feud that lasts a handful of matches.
Michael Yoe: A.J. Styles vs. Kevin Owens
These two could rematch every SD PPV and I would be completely fine with it. As cool as it was for A.J. to win the U.S. Title at MSG, Styles is destined for main event territory again here soon. Owens on the other hand is killing this "face of America" bit, and simultaneously elevates the U.S. Title by having it around his waste. It's a win win.
Caleb Carnes: Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens
Francesco Viola: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles
The rumor going around is that WWE wants SummerSlam to be a big deal this year, and this is one of the ways I think they will accomplish that. Nakamura vs Styles has been demanded by fans and teased a great deal since Nakamura was called up to the main roster. SummerSlam seems like the perfect stage to deliver it. The feud being over the U.S title will make things even better, given how important the belt has felt since 2015.
Nossair Errahmani: John Cena vs. AJ Styles
6. Raw Women's Championship - At SS, Bliss will only be 3 days short of being the longest reigning Raw Women's Champion. Will she walk out of SS with the belt?
The Commish: Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss
I think Banks will overcome Bayley leading up to SummerSlam to earn a straight-up match with Bliss. I think there will be a handful of shenanigans throughout the match, but(regardless of the outcome) Sasha will definitely get a solid match out of Bliss.
Michael Yoe: Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss
At SummerSlam, Bliss will be several days short of the longest SD Woman's Title Reign, next to The Queen (Charlotte). She has had a great run, with some bumps in the road, but I think Sasha is due. Although there is a chance they pull a 4-way with Bailey and Nia Jak included, I'd like to see WWE let the two of these ladies go one-on-one for a solid 18 mins.
Caleb Carnes: Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss
Francesco Viola: Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss
The Raw Women’s title match seemed to be heading for a fatal four way as well, but there are two reasons why I feel it won’t be. One, there are already too many multi-man matches likely to happen on the show. Two, Dave Meltzer has reported that WWE has decided not to make this a multi-women match. As such, a rematch between Sasha and Alexa seems like the most plausible route.
7. SD Women's Championship - Who will come out on top at Battleground to face Naomi at SS? Will the belt be moved?
The Commish: Charlotte vs. Naomi
Same story as above. I think Charlotte will stretch out a lead amongst the other women on SmackDown to earn a shot at Naomi at the PPV. Though I think this match will be more straight forward than Sasha/Bliss, I still think a story will be told around this match that could affect its outcome.
Michael Yoe: Charlotte vs. Naomi
Although I am a firm believer that all Flairs should be nothing other than straight heels, Charlotte has built herself as a nice face since her debut on SD Live, and I think that it is time for "The Queen" to reign.
Buchanan: Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch vs. Natalia vs. Naomi
Natalia wins, and Carmella cashes in the MITB briefcase for a match. Ellsworth interferes, helping Natalia win, and joins team "two paws".
Caleb Carnes: Charlotte vs. Naomi
Francesco Viola: Charlotte vs. Naomi
The WWE obviously thinks very highly of Charlotte, so I have no doubts that she will be the one to face Naomi at SummerSlam. Naomi has had a pretty boring reign thus far, so a match with Charlotte will either breathe new life into it or mercifully end it.
8. WWE Championship - Who will walk out of the Punjabi Prison at Battleground with the title, and who will they face at SummerSlam?
The Commish: John Cena vs. Jinder Mahal
Not sure how Mahal gets the victory over Orton in the upcoming Battlegrounds PPV, but Iʼm sure it will happen to give Captain America.... err, I mean John Cena a main event slot at the second biggest show of the year.
Michael Yoe: John Cena vs. Jinder Mahal
A little conflicted on this one. It almost makes too much sense for this match to happen, and for Cena to win it. It would be very WWE, especially at their #2 PPV. But I honestly have something inside me that truly thinks #JinderMania will continue. He has been killing it as a classic heel champion, and I have been loving every minute of it. While smarks are bitching that talents like Styles, Nakamura or Owens don't have the title, I have been loving WWE's change of pace. The more pissed of smarks are, the more Jinder is doing his job. And on another note, I'm secretly rooting for Orton to catch up to Cena, so they can have a big match at Mania in a couple of years for Flair's record.
Buchanan: Jinder Mahal vs. Anyone
Caleb Carnes: John Cena vs. Jinder Mahal
Francesco Viola: John Cena vs. Jinder Mahal
They don’t really have anywhere else to go for challengers. AJ is the U.S champion, Nakamura hasn’t been on the main roster long enough, Zayn isn’t booked credibly enough and Mahal is about to finish his feud with Orton. Cena is the only choice left and his current feud with Rusev, which is portraying Cena as the American hero, seems like it is planting the seeds for this feud.
9. WWE Universal Championship - Without a doubt will be the heavyweight match of the evening. What's your thoughts?
The Commish: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman
I just feel like we are going to get a true Big-Man Main Event this year at Summerslam. Joeʼs great showing against Lesnar has obviously merited him another crack at the title. Strowmanʼs victory over Reigns (CLEAN!) should put him in line, as well. And Roman Reigns is the Once-And-Future-Cena, so he simply declared himself in this match about a month ago.
Michael Yoe: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns. vs. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman
It's been a long time since I have felt an unexpected force hit the WWE roster like Braun Strowman. I'm smitten for him. Everything about him is completely working, and as much as I think any of the other 3 guys could easily win, my money is on WWE last minute choosing to take full advantage of Braun's surprising momentum.
Buchanan: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman
Roman Reigns walks out of SummerSlam with the title. (hot take alert) With help from The Shield.
Caleb Carnes: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman
I’ll say no he doesn’t. I can see Reigns leaving with the title to set up multiple feuds. Lesnar will want his title back, Joe has beaten down Reigns in the past and we all know Strowman isn’t done with Roman yet. The winner of this match should be set with fresh storylines till December.
Francesco Viola: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe vs. BRAAAAAAUN Strowman
If they were going to do a singles match, I believe there would have been a clean winner between Joe and Reigns. If they were going to do a triple threat, I don’t believe Strowman would have gotten involved. This match feels locked in at this point and it should be very entertaining.
ADDITIONAL PREDICTIONS & THOUGHTS
(Disclaimer: May include ridiculous fantasy booking/wishful thinking because, well, it's wrestling)
1. Will there be a MITB briefcase cash-in? If so, who and how?
The Commish:
No, I donʼt think so. But how cool would that be!?!? Imagine those four monsters (Reigns, Strowman, Joe, and Lesnar) beating the hell out each other for 20+ minutes only to have SmackDownʼs ‘big guyʼ come out fresh and throw them around for a bit. Never going to happen, but super-fun to think about.
Michael Yoe:
Nah. I don't think so. I think there will be a tease from Carmella, but nothing happens. Much more exciting for the briefcases to be held for longer periods of time.
Buchanan:
Natalia wins title, Carmella cashes in, Ellsworth turns on Carmella.
Caleb Carnes:
I do believe a cash in will take place, and it’ll be Carmella chasing in on “injured” Charlotte with the help of a returning Ellsworth. What better place for a cash in for the Staten Island princess then near her hometown. Thank God, Carmella isn’t in her hometown orVince would have her lose.
Francesco Viola:
This is the hardest part about the show to predict. There isn’t anything story line wise that guarantees a cash-in, but nothing that suggests it has no chance of happening. If one does happen, I could see Corbin cashing in during Cena vs Mahal, a la Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 31, but I’m honestly not sure.
Nossair Errahmani:
No. I like having MITB holders around. Last year kinda bummed me out not having a briefcase around for the whole year. Let them play it up some more.
2. Who will be the "Bathroom Break/Smoke Break" worth musical guest that WWE has perform mid-SummerSlam?
The Commish:
Wow, great question. I love answering trash like this. After an embarrassing google search, I have found that neither Kid Rock or Flo Ride have albums coming out. So with them apparently out of the running (and knowing nothing about the current musical landscape), Iʼll go with a blast-from-the-past and guess that Staind (with special guest Fred Durst).
Michael Yoe:
I literally just Google searched "shitty current pop artist" and this band called The Chainsmokers came up. I have heard of them, but don't know anything about them. That being said, I'm going with Pitbull.
Buchanan:
My guess is FloRida Georgia Line
Caleb Carnes:
Honestly, I think the WWE title with Mahal and Cena will be the “bathroom break” match. I’m not a fan of Mahal’s in ring work and Cena is typically at his best with more agile opponents. See Styles, Owens, Rollins and Punk as examples.
Francesco Viola:
Some modern musician that sucks.
Nossair Errahmani:
The Artist know as Shinsuke Nakamura with a sick 3 minute long ukulele solo.
3. Are we more likely to see a Shield Reunion or a Balor Club formation at SummerSlam?
The Commish:
I would guess a Balor Club reunion. I really think Raw needs more faces in their tag-team division, so aligned Gallows and Anderson with Balor would give them a new face stable to crush Raw for a bit. How? I wouldn't be surprised if Harper and Rowan show up dramatically to help out their former leader Wyatt during the match with Balor. And before they even make their way to Finn, Balor holds up the 2-sweetski's and Gallows and Anderson make their way down to even the numbers.
Michael Yoe:
I'm a stable guy. An NWO advocate 4-life. And I'm also a Balor guy. As much as I cannot wait for a heel Balor Club to rip through the WWE roster, I'm not sure that it will happen anytime soon. That being said, a brief Shield reunion is more likely, especially with Rollins and Ambrose working closely.
Buchanan:
More likely to see a Shield reunion. Roman takes title from Lesnar with help from Shield, and then the Shield protects the Universal Title as a group.
Caleb Carnes:
I personally hope neither. In fact, I hope we are denied this with an Ambroseheel turn and Balor continuing to stay away from the Club. If I had to pick one, I’d say a brief shield reunion.
Francesco Viola:
Between the two, I think a Balor Club formation is more likely simply because there is a decent chance that Ambrose turns heel and attacks Rollins. He never accepted Seth’s apology, so there seems to be foreshadowing there. As for the Balor Club, I’ll believe it when I see it.
Nossair Errahmani:
The Shield. That's not what I'd want to see, but they really like themselves some Shield teases. Balor and the Club could really use a Balor Club reunion though, they're both kinda going nowhere right now, especially Gallows and Anderson. It's like they immediately transitionned from "promising tag team" to "a good hand".
4. Any chance Cena breaks Flair's record and wins his 17th WWE World Title at SS?
The Commish:
I fʼn hope not! But it is starting to look that way. Nearly guaranteed to have Cena vs. Mahal for the title, and I canʼt see Cena (no pun intended) NOT going over at a huge PPV like SummerSlam. Our only hope is that Ric Flair comes out and turns heel against America just to make sure he never fully loses his record. Iʼd cheer for it.
Michael Yoe:
There is a strong chance. It would be very WWE to have all-American John Cena break Flair's record against a mega non-American heel at the second biggest PPV of the year. But, I really think they see something in Jinder and are going to crush the dreams of every Cena kid at SummerSlam. Plus I'm still holding out on the idea that Cena and Orton face off at Mania a couple of years from now, in a "Break the Record" match.
Buchanan:
No title match for Cena at SummerSlam this year. It's too obvious. And no one is ready for Jinder to be cheered.
Caleb Carnes:
Hopefully not. In my opinion, Cena breaking the record should be at WrestleMania. Summer Slam is a big deal but something as important as breaking Ric Flairs record deserves the prestige of Mania.
Francesco Viola:
Let’s be real: Cena winning his historic (assuming you don’t count Flair’s real record) 17th World title against Jinder freaking Mahal would be one of the most underwhelming title wins in a long time. The man makes the title, and Jinder has made the WWE title an afterthought. The U.S title feels more important than it at this point. So, I really hope that they wait until Cena can face someone worthy.
Nossair Errahmani:
I'm kinda hoping for a Strowman win. Apart from that, they'll probably want a Reigns win over Brock to be decisive, so I don't see him winning, which leaves Lesnar as the most plausible choice, so I'll go with yes.
5. Rob Gronkowski sighting? Other celebrity appearances?
The Commish:
Surprisingly, the celebrities are one of my favorite things about SummerSlam. While the musical performances are usually groan-inducing, hearing the celebrities talk about matches they are looking forward to - and then SEEING them front row cheering the wrestlers on during the show - always brings out the kid in me.
Michael Yoe:
YES. Gronk will be ringside AGAIN, throw ANOTHER Miller Lite in Jinder's face, this time costing him the WWE Championship. JK. No Gronk at SummerSlam.
Caleb Carnes:
With OTA’s starting up, I don’t see Gronk making a run in or in ring
appearance. And since Mojo isn’t showing any signs of being booked, I really can’t see him having a purpose at Mania. I’m sure some celebs will sit front row and get some camera time. If I had to pick any, I’d say Jon Stewart again.
Francesco Viola:
I completely forgot who Rob Gronkowski was until being asked this question. I’m going with no, since WWE isn’t doing much with Mojo right now. As for other celebrities, I think the MMA four horsewomen will be there, given their appearances during the Mae Young Classic. I also think a dark horse appearance goes to Jon Stewart, since he appeared at the last two SummerSlams.
Nossair Errahmani:
Maybe Jon Stewart again? It's a weird one, I like him, but he really hasn't had the most entertaining track record at SummerSlam.
6. Percentage chance Kurt Angle wrestles at SummerSlam?
The Commish:
I donʼt think Kurt wrestles, but I wouldnʼt be surprised if he bumps into Brock Lesnar during the show. An inevitable stare-down (that COULD become physical) between the two has to happen while Angle is the GM.
Michael Yoe:
25%, and that is solely on the idea that Angle is somehow involved with the conclusion of the Universal Title match, and rolls around the ring with Lesnar a bit.
Buchanan:
0%. Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34.
Caleb Carnes:
I’d say no to Kurt. I can see him managing Jason Jordan as he goes for the IC title. I’d hold off on Angle wrestling till Mania.
Francesco Viola:
I’d say there is virtually no chance Angle competes at SummerSlam. He is more likely to be in his son’s corner, and I’d imagine that they are saving his in-ring return for WrestleMania. I think that if they were going to have Angle compete, then his big secret would have somehow led into that.
Nossair Errahmani:
No. Maybe at Survivor Series if they wanna promote the game? Idk, I'd rather him stay out of the ring if it's just gonna be a lackluster out of his prime Kurt Angle that will just make us sad. I'm still recovering from Taker's performance at Mania. ='(
7. More likely the Hardy's become BROKEN, or more likely they just break up?
The Commish:
With the constant supply of news surrounding the Hardyʼs and them getting/having the ownership of the “BROKEN” trademark, it has officially entered my realm of ‘Iʼll Believe It When I See itʼ. That being said, I canʼt wait for all of these cracks to finally BREAK the Hardyʼs!
Michael Yoe:
They have to break up first. This is in the best interest of WWE. It allows for a solo Jeff to have one last run, possibly at a WWE Championship. Imagine a Jeff Hardy vs. A.J. Styles. And it also allows for a fully BROKEN solo Matt Hardy to completely take the WWE Universe by storm, on a similar level as Daniel Bryan's "yes movement". I mean it. Picture full arenas waving their arm and yelling DELETE. It's gonna happen.
Buchanan:
BROKEN. And if they become BROKEN, they are doing it together. This is their "last waltz".
Caleb Carnes:
I’m going to say 25/75 that the Hardy’s don’t split up. With no deal in
place with GFW for the Broken character, the WWE and the Hardy’s need to hold off. Also, one match with the Revival isn’t enough. Hopefully, the Revival get a real program with the Hardy Boys and enjoy a couple of months to dig into a program.
Francesco Viola:
I’d say The Hardys have 25% chance at best of them splitting. They wouldn’t really have much direction if they did, given how crowded the main event scene is right now. As for Matt becoming BROKEN, I think they have a 66 2/3% chance. The teases keep getting stronger and stronger, so it seems like it’s only a matter of time before the Hardys classify themselves as OBSOLETE.
Nossair Errahmani:
Hardys split up: 30%. Matt breaking: 75%. Although I'd rather both happen. Jeff is much better as his regular self, I want to see them part ways with Jeff being as awesome as he was in 2009 (damn I loved Jeff so much at the time, seeing him leave was heartbreaking)
8. It appears we will see Asuka vs. Ember Moon the night before SS at NXT Takeover. Win or lose, percentage chance we see Asuka make an appearance at SS?
The Commish:
I'd love to see Asuka retain versus Ember Moon at TakeOver. I think Asukaʼs title loss may be to the eventual winner of the Mae Young Invitational. HOWEVER, I still think she could make an appearance at SummerSlam. Allow me to once again put on my FBH (Fantasy Booking Hat): Sasha defeats Bliss with the help of Bayley. Charlotte defeats Naomi with the help from Becky. The Four Horsewomen have a mini-celebration together... only to be broken up by Asuka. She fake introduces herself and proceeds to DESTROY HOUSE. The Empress Of Tomorrow has arrived today.
Michael Yoe:
First off, Asuka is going to retain at Takeover. I truly feel she is going to eventually drop the title to Kairi Sane, whom I think will win the Mae Young Classic. That being said, if she somehow drops the title to Ember Moon and makes a debut appearance at SummerSlam, I am going to have to call of work Monday morning and find a clean pair of shorts.
Buchanan:
0%. No Asuka yet. But when she does come up, she is bringing the NXT title with her.
Caleb Carnes:
I don’t think Asuka will make her first appearance at Summer Slam. I think you need to save something for the Raw after Summer Slam and that would be wear I’d have Asuka debut by interrupting Alexa Bliss.
Francesco Viola:
I’m going with a 33 1/3% chance of Asuka appearing at SummerSlam. I could see her inserting herself in the Raw or Smackdown title picture, but I think she’s losing to Ember Moon and the that they will try to get a little more mileage of out that feud. If she does debut, it will be her confronting a champion and beating the ever-living-shit out of her.
Nossair Errahmani:
I'm not a fan of bringing up NXT stars because of the occasion, be it a post-Mania show or whatever special night. I'd rather they just bring them up once they have a precise plan for them. I mean just look at Apollo Crews and Tye Dillinger for crying out loud. I'd say she's most likely gonna lose the title, but there's some nice television to get out of a raging Asuka wanting her title back. I'd say she still has some time in NXT left to spend, to maybe go up the night after Mania 34.
9. Surprise Jericho return at SS?
The Commish:
5% chance. And that's mostly him coming out and playing with Fozzy. Either way, I would be stoked.
Michael Yoe:
50%. It's possible. Jericho has been trolling lately. Bleacher Report quoted him in May saying "It'll be a long time before I go back (to WWE)", and literally a month later he turned heel in a live match against Hideo Itami in Singapore. Fozzy's tour is basically done, and rumors have circulated that a return could be as soon as June 30th. Would be really cool to see Jericho somehow involved at SummerSlam, possibly with a significant interference.
Buchanan:
In a segment? Yes. In a match, I don't think so.
Caleb Carnes:
25% chance. I just can’t see a program for Jericho to come and start up, just for him to go on tour with Fozzy in October. I think the Owens feud should be over and there isn’t anyone else on Smackdown that should get the Jericho treatment right now.
Francesco Viola:
8 1/3% chance. He’ll be doing Fozzy stuff and mending his broken heart over the loss of his best friend.
Nossair Errahmani:
I'd say 20%, maybe the night after, but I don't see where he'd fit in.
10. Give us any other SummerSlam predictions or theories:
The Commish:
I really hope this the PPV that WWE really lets itʼs talent off the leash a bit. Recently is has been a 4 hour show, and this year the card has a chance to be among some of the best (at least on paper). So really let the big guys tear it up in the main event. Allow Ambrose and Rollins (and to a lesser extent, Miz) to remind us why they are main-event contenders. have Nakamura vs. Styles go 30+ minutes. No matter what, itʼs always a party. Just let the wrestlers celebrate their greatness.
Michael Yoe:
My one hot take: a beaten and battered Cena breaks Flair's record, and holds up the WWE Championship only to be taken out post-match by a frustrated Mahal, Singh Brothers and Great Khali. They leave him finished in the ring, and the sound of a motorcycle fills the arena. Corbin cashes in, and steals the title from Cena within minutes of him wining it. Cena gets the record, WWE gets their reaction. Not likely, but it's my dark horse fantasy booking.
Buchanan:
- First of, Jinder is remaining champion
- Corbin attempts a MITB cash-in, but pulls out
- A woman is going to bleed on camera
- Future mayor of Nashville Kane returns??
- Nakamura vs. (insert name) goes no longer than 12 mins
Caleb Carnes:
- Asuka debut on Raw following night
- Ambrose turns on Rollins
Francesco Viola:
Like most SummerSlams, I think this will be an incredibly newsworthy show, there will be a finish to an important match that is absolutely awful, and there will be at least one match of the year contender (my money is on Nakamura vs Styles). I’m pretty excited for this show because a lot of things are unpredictable this year. If things don’t suck (which they always might), we could be in for a treat.
Nossair Errahmani:
For the love of everything holy, please stop with the USA vs the world storylines SDLive! You're better than that. I don't care about whatever "it still works, the people react" remarks as if it's foolish to expect compelling stuff from something you love. I'm not a wrestling fan to give credit to WWE's economical strategy, I'm a wrestling fan because I love wrestling and interesting stories, and stories that just revolve around a patriotic circlejerk illiciting the most easy reaction out of a fraction of your audience can kinda go die a terrible death. It's really depressing to think of how lazy and complacent WWE's writing is compared to any other show on TV.
Other than that, Raw has been surprisingly enjoyable these last couple of weeks, NXT is the bee's knees since Mania, and I'm pretty damn pumped for the whole Summerslam weekend, plus the G1 and the BOLA are looking to be pretty damn awesome. This summer is really exciting for wrestling.
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