Now, it’s the red team’s turn.
With every Raw brand title on the line at Clash of Champions, it’s up to Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley (and Triple H) to deliver a combination of their own to the opponent – Smackdown Live. What is in store for the four major titles as champions wage war with their opponents?
For a brand that has a bigger roster, deeper talent and more mid card possibilities, how can Raw lose? It’s simple. There are more compelling issues and better storylines right now. Say it with me – Shane McMahon is winning.
There is a sense of urgency here. And yes, it’s hard to believe this is even happening. How WWE plans to book this pay-per-view is critical to the success of the brand moving forward.
With rumors swirling of a reunion of The Shield and changes to rosters with additions and subtractions, this pay-per-view sets the tone for the next three months. I know I say this every month, but this is the biggest event of the year so far. How will this all play out and how will fans react to winners and losers?
Here are five things that have to happen at Clash of Champions.
#5 Kevin Owens must retain the Universal Championship
If WWE takes the belt off Owens now, it gives no credibility to the fact he won the title less than a month ago. Owens is the future of this promotion – the fact he won the title still sends shockwaves through the business.
Seth Rollins has become the hunter after being the hunted for so long. It’s a new role he is embracing, but is still developing a babyface mentality. The fans are jacked at the possibilities of this feud and probably don’t care either way who wins the match.
The build is the key to this confrontation. With the McMahons so vested in the outcome, you can bet everyone holds serve during the pay-per-view, but it will be entertaining nonetheless.
#4 The Club claims tag team gold
Like I read in other publications, all good things must come to an end. The New Day has been as solid a tag team as there has been in years. The gimmick is fun, entertaining and just what the company needs to balance the seriousness of its other superstars.
The Club – Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows – need to capitalize on the fact AJ Styles won the WWE World Title. Could all three members of the clique hold gold and become a force in both brands? It could lead to a program with Enzo and Cass or another tag team within the red brand.
Enough of the games, The Club ends the New Day’s streak.
#3 Lana helps Rusev retain US gold
Of course she does. While a Rusev-Roman Reigns battle is perfect for both wrestlers, don’t expect the big Russian to dominate the three-time world champion as easily as he did on television. WWE has to play to their strengths, which means Rusev retains.
It will be a tough battle – maybe better than Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens. While this could be a brawl like Brock Lesnar and Triple H, look for the beautiful blond to help her man retain his title, setting up another chapter in this story.
At some point Reigns will capture United States gold, but it won’t be at this pay-per-view.
#2 Stephanie McMahon interferes in main event
Can you see both Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at ringside – each cheering on their favorite to win the Universal World Heavyweight Title? We know Triple H will do whatever it takes to make sure Kevin Owens wins, but what will Stephanie McMahon do, knowing she is not a “wrestler” in this situation?
I suspect McMahon gets involved, but for all the wrong reasons. Maybe her involvement causes Seth Rollins to drop the match, which leads to more controversy and more questions to be answered.
McMahon’s involvement also helps Rollins get over as a babyface. It may also lead to a confrontation between husband and wife.
#1 Sasha reclaims women’s title
Honestly, I am not sure how this one plays out. Sasha Banks dropped the Women’s Title because of injury, so it would seem logical that she reclaim what was hers at Clash of the Champions. But not so fast, my friends. I think Sasha wins, but there is some event that helps her earn the victory.
Maybe she wins via disqualification – which means she does not take home the belt. Maybe Dana Brooke once again gets involved, seeking revenge on Charlotte. There are plenty of variables that could make this the match of the night.
And I haven’t talked about a possible Bayley sighting until now.
