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It's heeeeerrrreee!!! WWE's hottest show of the summer has returned with a stacked card featuring some of the biggest names in sports entertainment. With so much at stake, the entire WWE landscape may be drastically altered in a single evening. We explore what the WWE Universe might look like on the RAW after SummerSlam.
Will Roman Reigns finally best The Beast? Is Paul Heyman trustworthy? For that matter, is Dean Ambrose? Can Ronda Rousey win championship gold the same way she won UFC gold? How will Alexa Bliss survive a physically domineering opponent like Ronda Rousey? Will The New Day finally best The Bludgeon Brothers? What will Randy Orton's role be in the United States Championship match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Dolph Ziggler? Will Daniel Bryan finally shut The Miz's mouth? Does Samoa Joe have the recipe for success against WWE Champion AJ Styles?
Join us as we answer all these questions and more in our SummerSlam Final Card & Predictions.
SD Tag Champs The Bludgeon Brothers vs The New Day
The Bludgeon Brothers have run roughshod through the Smackdown tag team division and now begin their second time through what has become a lackluster roster. Harper & Rowan have already defeated The New Day in a Triple Threat Match that may as well have been a Handicap Match.
The New Day (all three of them) joined forces with The Usos to put up a united front against The Bludgeon Brothers; but, to no avail. Harper and Rowan dominated the match to the tune of their very first tag team championship. The New Day have earned their opportunity at SummerSlam, winning a Smackdown tag team tournament; but, unfortunately, their prize is The Bludgeon Brothers, a team that have shown virtually no weakness, other than a lack of creative direction and some yawn-inducing matches against lackluster competition. With The New Day adding nothing new to their repertoire, look for a WrestleMania 34-esque result.
Winners and STILL Smackdown Tag Team Champions: The Bludgeon Brothers
Finn Balor vs Constable Corbin
Finn Balor defeated Constable Corbin at Extreme Rules with a small package out of nowhere. It was hardly an impressive victory and while fans may look at Balor as one of WWE's brightest future stars, he hasn't been booked that way since returning from his SummerSlam shoulder injury that cost him his Universal Championship only one day after winning it.
Corbin was an afterthought on Smackdown LIVE; but, has enjoyed a resurgence since coming to RAW. Gone are his long thinning locks. Corbin now displays a fresh clean-shaven look as Stephanie McMahon's underhanded right-hand man. Like it or not, Corbin's star is rising, something that shouldn't be overlooked when assessing this bout.
Balor knows he is undersized and overpowered. Look for him to utilize his speed and aerial skills in an attempt to attain a quick victory; but, Corbin will be ready for him this time. He learned from his prior Extreme Rules mistake and won't let his guard down. Balor does better as The Demon and a Corbin victory here may just bring that out in him and ultimately better both Superstars.
Winner: Baron Corbin via pinfall
US Champion Shinsuke Nakamura vs Jeff Hardy
Shinsuke Nakamura was born to be a heel and since shocking the WWE Universe with the WrestleMania low blow heard around the world, Nakamura has been on a blistering hot streak. That streak included an Extreme Rules victory over Jeff Hardy, a win that garnered Nakamura his first main roster gold in the United States Championship.
Hardy, a future Hall of Famer, has enough to contend with in Nakamura; however, he has recently drawn the attention of the exceptionally dangerous Apex Predator Randy Orton. Orton has now brutalized Hardy on multiple occasions; but, as seen on the latest episode of Smackdown LIVE has been stalking his future prey.
Look for Hardy and Nakamura to put on a great match; but, lurking in the shadows is an incensed Randy Orton, who is livid over not being included in this match. To the chagrin of the WWE Universe, look for him to get involved at Hardy's expense and Nakamura's gain.
Winner: Jeff Hardy via DQ
Daniel Bryan vs The Miz
Daniel Bryan and The Miz square off to settle a feud eight years in the making. It all began in 2010, when The Miz was Daniel Bryan's borderline abusive pro on NXT. To say the two didn't get along is a vast understatement. Their relationship was a disaster pretty much from the get-go and saw Bryan being ousted from NXT after an embarrassing 0-10 start.
Bryan eventually made his way to RAW, beat his mentor, had WrestleMania moments, became World Champion, Tag Team Champion, Intercontinental Champion, WWE Champion, became one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, ironically became a reality television star, married the beautiful Brie Bella and with Brie's help became a father.
To say the least, things have worked out well for Bryan....for the most part. Bryan has been particularly unlucky with injuries and especially concussions, of which he has suffered many. They, along with the violent seizures they brought, nearly permanently derailed his WWE career. He was forced into early retirement; but, never lost sight of his goal, a return to the ring.
Bryan was named GM of Smackdown LIVE where a familiar name now sat under his authority: The Miz. As expected, the reunion wasn't filled with warm and fuzzy feelings and it was only a matter of time before these two clashed once again. The whole endeavor being made worse by The Miz's near-constant taunting which only intensified when Bryan was unable to involve himself physically. Of course, The Miz never really thought Bryan would be cleared to compete in a WWE ring again, never believed he would one day be forced to atone for his transgressions.
The time has now come and things are deeply personal for both Daniel Bryan and The Miz. This isn't just a wrestling story line. These two men truly dislike one another. Bryan the small town kid from Aberdeen, Washington and The Miz, who received his beginnings on MTV reality television, simply couldn't be more diametrically opposed. One thing they do have in common is that they are each consummate professionals. Look for the two to put their differences aside and engage in what should be a show stealer of a match.
Bryan keeps insisting that he is likely to re-sign with the WWE; but, hasn't just yet. With indie wrestling seeing a resurgence and All In right around the corner, don't look for Vince McMahon to take any unwarranted risks here or do Bryan any favors. The two will put on a clinic; but, in the end The Miz will catch Bryan with his Skull Crushing Finale achieving a shocking clean victory and bragging rights from here on out.
Winner: The Miz via pinfall
SD Women's Champ Carmella vs Charlotte vs Becky
This bout was supposed to be Becky Lynch's big break. She finally earned the opportunity to take back what she believes is rightfully hers, the Smackdown Women's Championship. With the coveted golden strap within her grasp, a familiar shadow was cast and Becky Lynch has been confounded by the darkness it casts.
Returning from seemingly out of nowhere was none other than Charlotte Flair, whom Lynch just can't seem to ever outgun. Flair ruins everything, at least for Becky. The two came up from NXT together; but, while Flair has gone on to become one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, Lynch's career has been stuck in neutral. This isn't lost on Lynch, who has hit the SummerSlam interview circuit focusing all too much on Flair, lost opportunities, and decreased odds.
The shadow is inescapable and to whose benefit? None other than Smackdown Women's Champion Carmella, who will use the budding rift between the two to leave SummerSlam with her Title in hand. Lynch will have the opportunity to beat Carmella; but, overcome with a desire to outdo her friend, will want to pin Flair instead. This will be her ultimate downfall because if Carmella does anything better than anyone else, it's capitalizing on an opportunity. Mella is money once again.
Winner and STILL Smackdown Women's Champion: Carmella (pins Lynch)
IC Champion Dolph Ziggler vs Seth Rollins
Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler was so close to having everything go entirely the way he had hoped. "Close but no cigar," as WWE Hall of Famer Gorilla Monsoon would say. If Ziggler had gotten his way the results would have been familiar too. Just like in their Extreme Rules Iron Man Match, Ziggler would have defeated Rollins with McIntyre's timely assistance. As good as Rollins is he is outmatched by the duo.
It is doubtful whether anyone can defeat Rollins right now, at least not in a fair fight. He is WWE's hottest Superstar, the weekly workhouse in a division that has an absentee Universal Champion in Brock Lesnar. While AJ Styles has the name recognition and beat writer street cred as WWE's best wrestler, Seth Rollins is currently competing in some of the best matches in the business.
Look for that trend to continue here. Rollins and Ziggler will put on a technical masterpiece before a stunned SummerSlam audience. The two were cheated out of a legitimate match by the Pittsburgh faithful's incessant verbal interjections at Extreme Rules. They will redeem what was always destined for greatness by putting on a Match of the Year candidate at SummerSlam.
Dean Ambrose is the wild card here. He returned last week on RAW with a more muscular physique and a terrifying new haircut. He came out on fire and what we always hoped Dean Ambrose would be: truly certifiable. Now the inmate returns to The Asylum; but, the power structure is much different than when he last ran roughshod through the WWE Universe.
His SHIELD brother Seth Rollins is vying for another Intercontinental Championship run, a fact that is beknownst to Ambrose. Something about his partner's successes undoubtedly makes Ambrose's blood boil with jealousy and rage; but, don't expect a SummerSlam betrayal. The culmination of a Dean Ambrose vs Seth Rollins feud was made for a much bigger stage: WrestleMania 35.
Instead look for Ambrose to behave himself, as much as Ambrose ever could. He will prove to be an equalizer to Drew McIntyre, who won't be nearly as effective with Ambrose on the prowl. Ultimately, Ambrose's presence will be enough to give Seth Rollins the edge and another Intercontinental Championship victory.
Winner and NEW Intercontinental Champion: Seth Rollins via pinfall
MITB Match: Braun Strowman vs Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens has already beaten Braun Strowman, so victory is not only within the realm of possibility; but, at this point, it's a probability, probably. Maybe? Not really? Owens did defeat Braun Strowman at Extreme Rules; but, the victory was unimpressive and that's putting it mildly. Owens won essentially on a technicality. When Strowman threw him from the top of the steel cage onto the announcer's table outside the ring, Owens' feat technically hit the floor first and he was awarded victory despite being broken and unable to walk unassisted.
Owens has been terrified of Strowman for months, refusing to stand toe to toe with him. When Strowman resisted Owens' attempts at making amends, it only further exasperated the former Universal Champion. Still, something changed in Owens when he was thrown from that Extreme Rules cage.
He was wounded and not just physically; but, to his core. Strowman's complete disregard for Owens' safety moved Owens into a new dangerous place. Coming so close to one's demise can drastically alter a mortal creature. Owens has seen the proverbial light and he stands a new man, baptized by cold steel and a shattered wood table.
Owens, ever masterful, cajoled Strowman into putting his Money in the Bank briefcase on the line because he wants to take the one thing Strowman holds dear: the Money in the Bank briefcase. After all, this is what Strowman attempted to do to him, take his livelihood, his ability to support his wife and children away.
Strowman's downfall will be his own arrogance. He legitimately believes Owens is scared of him; but, that era has now passed. Owens is a skilled competitor and what he lacks in strength against Strowman, he more than makes up for with his in-ring precision. Look for him to take Strowman off guard by resurrecting his Fight Owens Fight persona and using aggression to cut The Monster Among Men in half, going after Strowman's lower extremities.
Once Strowman is cut down to size, his height and power advantage go out the proverbial window. Look for Owens to take advantage of the strong man's limited technical skills, as he earns the victory and the Money in the Bank briefcase with good old-fashioned wrestling.
Winner and NEW Money in the Bank Holder: Kevin Owens via pinfall
RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss vs Ronda Rousey
Alexa Bliss has a penchant for getting under the skin of the biggest, strongest, and most ferocious WWE Superstars. It's how she initially lost her RAW Women's Title (to Nia Jax at WrestleMania 34). Bliss has a tendency to bite off more than she can chew and in the WWE this is akin to an open wound in shark-filled waters.
Ronda Rousey is destined to one day become RAW Women's Champion; but, it's difficult to win a major championship when it's of secondary importance. Rousey wants to hurt Alexa Bliss. Rousey wants to annihilate Alexa Bliss. Rousey wants to humiliate Alexa Bliss. The list goes on and on; but, it centers on revenge, not winning the RAW Women's Championship.
Bliss is savvy, a rule-breaking heel that will violate any law, break any scruple, and trample on any and all mores just to hold onto to her championship. She has undoubtedly been in Natalya Neidhart's ear feigning friendship during a difficult time. Manipulation, after all, is what Bliss does best. Natalya was supposed to fight Bliss this past Monday on RAW; but, was unable to perform after the passing of her father, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart.
Rousey is Natalya's best friend; but, she showed up to RAW. Why wasn't she with Natalya, at her side as she grieved? Rousey's relentless and obsessive pursuit of Alexa Bliss may prove fatal to Rousey's championship hopes. Rousey's perceived lack of loyalty will come into play as Natalya makes her return, not to be at her friend's side; but, to be a dagger. After the referee is inadvertently knocked out, Natalya will betray Ronda Rousey, costing her a precious opportunity at becoming RAW Women's Champion.
Winner and STILL RAW Women's Champion: Alexa Bliss via pinfall
WWE Champion AJ Styles vs Samoa Joe
AJ Styles is arguably the best in-ring performer in the world today. Outside of Brock Lesnar, Samoa Joe is arguably the most intimidating, violent, and ruthless in-ring performers in the world today. The familiar foes rekindle a rivalry that began years ago in Impact Wrestling and do so with the whole world watching under the bright lights of WWE SummerSlam.
Ordinarily, Styles would find a way to outlast Samoa Joe. In obvious superior physical condition, Styles would increase his odds for victory by keeping Joe moving late into the match, tiring his opponent. Fatigued opponents almost always make mistakes. That would be the game plan; but, tonight it won't be. This is a very different AJ Styles that is playing right into Samoa Joe's hands.
Samoa Joe has attacked Styles' family, causing Styles to lose his ability to be methodical. Gone is the intelligent wrestler with superb tactical precision. Styles has been possessed by a madman hell-bent on revenge. This is exactly where Samoa Joe wants him. Although Styles is a far superior wrestler, that all goes out the window when Styles attempts to brawl Samoa Joe. In a brawl, the brawler always wins.
Look for an incensed AJ Styles to forget what got him to the dance and bring the woodshed to Joe, only to be caught in the deadly grasp of Samoa Joe's coquina clutch.
Winner and NEW WWE Champion: Samoa Joe via submission
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns
We've been here before. As the late Jim Morrison once prosed, "We've seen this movie through and through." Roman Reigns has faced Lesnar on three other occasions and has come up short each and every time. Why should anyone expect any different this time around?
There are several reasons. For starters, Lesnar came into last RAW looking leaner than ever. He is obviously preparing for a UFC fight, not Roman Reigns. This is a dangerous place to be. While Lesnar has been successful against Reigns, he survived by the skin of his teeth at the Greatest Royal Rumble, winning on a technicality. Lesnar's greatest mistake leading up to SummerSlam was in attacking Paul Heyman.
Don't underestimate this just because of a perceived reunion last week on RAW. Heyman is a snake and he knows his cash flow will be greatly diminished by Lesnar leaving the WWE. Yes, Roman Reigns was attacked last week on RAW; however, a couple other very important things happened along the way.
Heyman was able to hand Reigns a contract and make a legitimate offer for his services. Reigns, who was once again embarrassed and annihilated in the ring, fully realized the importance of acquiring the services of one Paul Heyman. Look for Heyman to shock the WWE Universe and especially Brock Lesnar by switching sides in this one. That will make all the difference in the world in this match and in the career trajectory of one Roman Reigns.
Winner and NEW Universal Champion: Roman Reigns
