The stage is set and the card is complete. Tomorrow night, all eyes will focus on the United States Capital and not because of the election. Battleground takes over The Verizon Center in Washington D.C. and with a total of TEN big match ups, this event has all the makings of a SummerSlam quality event.
In the weeks leading up to tomorrow's big event, a lot of fans had a pretty good idea who they thought would win. However, The Draft may have very well shook up everything. Will the 6-man tag bouts be affected by the fact that the Braun Strowman is headed to Raw, while Bray and Rowan are off to Smackdown?
Also, AJ Styles is being split from his Club henchmen as he heads to Smackdown and his boys are Raw bound.
There’s a high level of uncertainty heading into tomorrow's show. But with it certainty comes excitement and anticipation. Battleground is just hours away. Let's take a look at my BOLD Predictions.
PRE-SHOW: THE USOS VS. BREEZANGO
I'm not sure who came up with this match, or what the reasoning was behind it. Nonetheless, it is on the pre-show and who knows, maybe this contest will be a competitive match and maybe, just MAYBE this will serve as a catalyst to help The Usos get back to their winning ways.
I realize they dealt with a couple of injuries over the past several months, but it really felt like they just fell off the planet at one point. This could be a coming out party for Jimmy and Jey.
As for Breezango, I hate this tag team. Not Fandango an Breeze individually, just as a team. In fact, I'm a fan of both, I'm just feel they’re worthy of strong singles runs.
When this one is all said and done, it's honestly one of the more predictable matches of the night. There's really only one possible outcome.
WINNERS: THE USOS
SASHA BANKS & MYSTERY PARTNER VS. CHARLOTTE & DANA BROOKE
First of all, I know we all want Bayley to be the mystery partner. In fact, it's the most logical pick. However, it's just not going to happen, kiddos. Sorry! I know, I want it to be her as well.
Unfortunately, the NXT womens division was raided during the Draft and Bayley is simply too valuable with team yellow.
With that said, now the talk seems to surround Nikki Bella. She's been rehabing a neck injury and apparently, someone spotted Nikki working out and now she's suddenly ready for action? Not hardly, my friend.
Nikki Bella is certainly coming back soon, but I don't see the company rushing her. Not right now, especially with the amount of quality women's wrestlers between both rosters .
So, who will this mysterious lady be? Well, as much as I honestly want to see Bayley show up to help her friend out...it's just not happening. Nia Jax, ladies and gentlemen. Nia Jax will indeed be the mystery partner.
She’s struggled as a monster heel in NXT, so I can see her turning face on her main roster debut, as she helps Sasha take out Charlotte and her shadow.
In the end, Charlotte and Dana will finally butt heads and The Boss will lean on the powerhouse from NXT to help them get over the top.
WINNERS: SASHA BANKS & NIA JAX
THE NEW DAY VS. THE WYATT FAMILY
This has been an interesting feud, to say the least. The Compound segment really took things to another level. It was a huge success. Now it appears we have the climax to this rivalry and due to the brand-split, it looks like this thing is coming to an end, unfortunately.
Let's keep in mind how the draft played out. While Bray and Rowan remain on the same roster in Smackdown, Strowman was drafted to Raw, so yes, it looks like The Wyatt Family could indeed be splitting up and that's a shame.
Creatively, thus faction was the best idea in years. However, the folks who make all of the calls never seemed to truly believe in the boys. Unless Harper comes back and that seems to be highly unlikely, this dream is over and there was still money on the table.
One day, we will look back and realize at how terribly this stable was booked.
Bray Wyatt himself has a terrible PPV record, which is also a factor for me. Combine that with the fact that Braun, Rowan and Bray appear to be going in different directions, there's nothing to gain for them, if they win.
I hope I look back at this prediction and say I was dead wrong. I hope something amazing happens for The Wyatt Family at Battleground. I just hope...but I wouldn't bet my compound on it.
WINNERS: THE NEW DAY
U.S. TITLE MATCH : RUSEV (C) VS. ZACK RYDER
I've always had a ton of respect for Zack Ryder. Personally, I think the guy has way more potential than what he's allowed to showcase. Plus, the guy has a strong following, primarily because of his Internet fanbase he has assembled over the years.
Ryder is and always has been a hard worker, no one can take that away. Unfortunately for him, he has to stand across the ring from Rusev. Rusev has definitely elevated the overall fans perception of a once stagnant championship.
Before the brand-split, Ryder was just a do-whatever guy. He was just a hair above typical enhancement talent. But, with the recent draft and brand-split, look for Zack to start getting more TV love.
As far as Battleground is concerned, I don't see the title changing hands. Not now, anyhow.
WINNER: RUSEV
BECKY LYNCH VS. NATALYA
Most of the WWE Universe is sleeping on this match. It's a storyline that sort of came out of nowhere, to be honest. But, if you will recall their recent confrontations, Becky and Nattie typically have very good matches.
I'm not saying this contest will set the world on fire, but I think it will be a decent match.
There’s not much in the way of a deep story behind this feud, but there has been a bit of bad blood, in recent weeks. When it’s all said and done, there probably won’t be a lot of creative effort put into this one, but don’t tell the ladies that.
I have no doubt this will be an entertaining match.
WINNER: BECKY LYNCH
INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH: THE MIZ (C) VS. DARREN YOUNG
Darren Young is red hot right now. What started as something that could've easily been an ultimate failure, Backlund and Young made work beautifully. I can remember seeing those silly video packages about "making Darren Young great again," and rolling my eyes at the ridiculousness.
Now the jokes on me.
When it comes to title holders of the last decade, The Miz has undoubtedly been one of the most underrated champions we've seen. The guy is a complete work horse and loves wrestling more than anyone on the roster.
He’s just never really been taken too seriously by the fans.
So, when you look at the state of the Intercontinental Championship right now, is the title better off now than it was in previous years? Is The Miz a better fit than the challenger?
PREDICTED WINNER: DARREN YOUNG
THE CLUB VS. ENZO, BIG CASS & JOHN CENA
What an amazing opportunity for Enzo and Big Cass. Just think about it, these guys were just on NXT not too long ago and now they are working a pay-per-view, with John Cena in their corner. That's such an incredible rub for these young guys.
The future of The Club is in a difficult spot. AJ was drafted to Smackdown, while Gallows & Anderson are headed to Raw. What happens to The Club? Can they survive in a cross-promotional situation? Or does Finn Bálor take the lead?
No matter what happens after this event, this will be a great match. There's just a lot of post-Battleground uncertainty.
PREDICTED WINNERS: ENZO, BIG CASS & JOHN CENA
SAMI ZAYN VS. KEVIN OWENS
No two people in wrestling know one another better than these two. Prior to even making it to WWE, Zayn and Owens had a historical rivalry going. It only made sense to have the story continue with WWE.
Honestly, this is a feud I wish would never end. If every rivalry went as well as this one, we would currently be enjoying the best era of all time. It's good to dream, I suppose.
I hope this isn't the final match in this feud, but either way, you can expect this to probably be the best match of the night. These two are among the most skilled wrestlers you'll find, anywhere on the planet. Their chemistry is second to none and their in-ring storytelling is simply flawless.
This is the match I'm looking forward to the most.
PREDICTED WINNER: KEVIN OWENS
MAIN EVENT: TRIPLE THREAT FOR THE WWE WORLD TITLE
DEAN AMBROSE(C) VS. SETH ROLLINS VS. SETH ROLLINS
At last...for a long time now, this match has been considered a dream match. To be honest, this is a match that could main-event Wrestlemania. It's been called "the dream match." It's a compelling story of three men who were once considered brothers.
The Shield was at one time, the most dominant stable in all of professional wrestling. These guys completely shook the entire roster to its core and as bad as many wanted to, and no one could stop them.
Now we have reached the ultimate climax to this story. At some point, all three men have held the title. Roman Reigns has officially served his suspension, Rollins is fully healed and Ambrose holds the gold. So who takes this one? Who walks out of Battleground as the premier Shield alum?
PREDICTED WINNER: SETH ROLLINS
