WWE SummerSlam 2021: Predicting the result of each title match at the pay-per-view

By Shruti Sadbhav
Modified Aug 21, 2021 20:15 IST
We could see multiple title changes at WWE SummerSlam 2021
We could see multiple title changes at WWE SummerSlam 2021

We are a few hours away from SummerSlam 2021. The pay-per-view looks solid on paper with all the titles on the line, except the Women’s Tag Team Championships and the Intercontinental Championship. There are great matches lined up for the show, and we might witness several shocking title changes.

Here, we will predict the results of each championship match on the WWE SummerSlam 2021 card. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

#1 Roman Reigns (c) vs. John Cena (Universal Championship match at SummerSlam)

This is arguably the biggest match of the night. This feud has been in the making for almost half a decade, and both superstars have done exceptionally well in living up to our expectations. As much as we would like Reigns to continue his dominant title reign on SmackDown, we can’t rule out a glaring possibility and for a valid reason.

Roman Reigns’ victory at SummerSlam would have been the easiest prediction on this list if Ric Flair was still in the company. However, The Nature Boy’s release and potential association with AEW could dramatically affect the Universal Championship match. Flair and Cena are currently tied for the record of most world championships in WWE with 16 titles each.

WWE can now allow John Cena to pick up a historic victory at the upcoming pay-per-view and surpass Ric Flair’s record. Unfortunately, that would also end Reigns’ title reign and potentially impact his momentum going forward. If the creative team is headed in this direction, they still have a shot at pulling off a few swerves and turn it into a memorable affair.

If Cena is going to win the title, Big E should cash in his Money in the Bank contract and win his first-ever world championship at SummerSlam. This is bound to fetch a huge reaction while simultaneously giving the creative team everything they need.

Fans have been waiting to see Reigns and Big E engage in a title feud ever since the New Day member started his singles run on SmackDown. He is a top babyface and will make for an entertaining challenger against The Tribal Chief. Not to forget, John Cena would get them both over with the crowd at SummerSlam and add to the hype.

There is a chance that Roman Reigns will use his usual antics to retain the Universal Championship this Saturday. But even if he doesn’t, WWE should allow him to continue with the current gimmick instead of turning him face. He has been brilliant as a villain so far and should be booked accordingly on SmackDown.

Prediction: John Cena beats Roman Reigns to win the Universal Championship, Big E cashes in his MITB contract

#2 Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Goldberg (WWE Championship match at SummerSlam)

Bobby Lashley will put his WWE Championship on the line at SummerSlam 2021 against Goldberg.

Now, Goldberg has said that he only has to compete in two matches every year. Thus, he might not win the WWE Championship in his upcoming match. It would be a big mistake to end Lashley’s title reign at SummerSlam unless the creative team is planning a rematch in which he can win back his gold and potentially retire the WWE Hall of Famer.

The best way to move forward with the WWE Championship picture would be to bring back Brock Lesnar. Like it or not, he is the only male superstar who can counter the attention surrounding CM Punk’s AEW debut.

If you are heading into a war, why not bring out your best weapon and borrow a little time to plan your next steps? Fans would love to see the two former MMA athletes battle it out inside the squared circle.

Big E could also cash in his MITB contract during this match and go for the WWE Championship instead of the Universal Title. Regardless of the result of this match at the upcoming pay-per-view, the company needs to avoid running Bobby Lashley’s momentum at all costs.

Prediction: Bobby Lashley retains the WWE Championship

#3 Nikki A.S.H. (c) vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley (RAW Women's Championship at SummerSlam)

Nikki A.S.H. has a huge challenge awaiting her at SummerSlam 2021 as she will put her RAW Women’s Championship on the line against Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley. Since winning her title after cashing in her Money in the Bank contract, Nikki has been pinned by both Flair and Ripley on RAW.

It would be bad to have Nikki A.S.H. lose the RAW Women’s Championship, but that could be the route that WWE is planning to take at SummerSlam. Flair will immediately turn into the biggest heel on RAW if she steals a title win at the pay-per-view.

It would then be the perfect opportunity to bring back one of the biggest babyfaces in WWE history - Becky Lynch. Their feud would be an instant hit and a great way to reintroduce Lynch at the pinnacle of sports entertainment.

The latest reports have suggested that The Man is prepared for her in-ring return. As long as she is cleared to compete, the company will leave no stone unturned in bringing her back at SummerSlam, especially when AEW just hosted one of the biggest returns in the history of the pro wrestling business.

As unfortunate as it may sound, Nikki A.S.H. and her credibility might take a big hit as a result of a reactionary booking decision.

We hope that’s not the case, and Nikki retains the gold, but such hopes, like Charlotte Flair’s last few title reigns, don’t last very long.

Prediction: Charlotte Flair wins the RAW Women’s Championship, and Becky Lynch returns to confront The Queen

#4 Bianca Belair (c) vs. Sasha Banks (SmackDown Women's Championship match at SummerSlam)

At SummerSlam 2021, Sasha Banks will face Bianca Belair in a bid to reclaim the SmackDown Women’s Championship. She's been incredible as a heel ever since she returned on the Blue brand last month. Fans have high expectations from their upcoming match, which could end with a huge title change.

Belair is one of the biggest babyfaces on SmackDown at the moment. While she has done a good job with the women’s championship, she has mostly feuded with Bayley and Banks for over a year. A potential title change at SummerSlam would allow both superstars to continue their feud beyond the pay-per-view while the creative team invests in other talents.

The SmackDown Women’s division lacks competition, and it would not be easy to build up a credible challenger within three weeks. We can see Banks and Belair engage in a lengthy championship feud after SummerSlam, and it can also feature Zelina Vega and Carmella at intervals.

Hopefully, someone like Toni Storm can be billed as the next big thing on the Blue brand, while Belair and Banks keep the women’s championship picture interesting.

Belair is a good champion, but she needs better rivalries. At the moment, Sasha Banks is the only one who can pose a believable threat to her title reign, and this storyline will turn stale if all their title encounters end in the same result.

Prediction: Sasha Banks beats Bianca Belair to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship

#5 AJ Styles and Omos (c) vs. RK-Bro (RAW Tag Team Championship match at SummerSlam)

This is arguably the most straightforward result to predict ahead of SummerSlam 2021. RK-Bro is undoubtedly one of the best things in wrestling right now.

Randy Orton and Riddle’s incredible on-screen chemistry and work over the last couple of months have impressed almost everyone in the WWE Universe. They are immensely over with the crowd, and a potential title reign will only add to the entertainment on RAW.

AJ Styles and Omos have feuded with a few tag teams since winning the titles at WrestleMania. While The Phenomenal One has been brilliant as a heel, Omos and he can still afford to drop the title to the two most popular superstars on the Red brand. It would also be a great way to extend the title feud on RAW after SummerSlam.

Both Styles and Orton are working hard to help their respective tag team partners. The two industry veterans are bending over backward to create new superstars, and as always, they are bound to orchestrate jaw-dropping encounters inside the ring.

Moreover, it is evident that RK-Bro won’t last long, and a potential betrayal is set in stone. Thus, allowing Randy Orton and Riddle to win the RAW Tag Team Championships this Saturday will give the creative enough time to write a solid storyline involving both superstars in the coming months.

Prediction: RK-Bro beat AJ Styles and Omos to win the RAW Tag Team Championships at WWE SummerSlam 2021

#6 The Usos (c) vs. Rey and Dominik Mysterio (SmackDown Tag Team Championship match at SummerSlam)

The SmackDown Tag Team Championships will also be on the line at SummerSlam as The Usos prepare to take on Dominik and Rey Mysterio. Both the tag teams have been feuding over the last two months. The father-son duo lost their tag team gold to The Usos at the previous pay-per-view, and they look determined to reclaim the championships.

However, it seems highly unlikely that Jey and Jimmy Uso will drop the titles within a month. SmackDown desperately needs to increase competition in its tag team division. It is undoubtedly easier to trust veterans to carry the titles.

WWE can also pursue other entertaining angles if the SmackDown Tag Team Championships don’t change hands at SummerSlam. They can efficiently use clever interference to seal the victory for the champions. It will help them draw more heat on The Usos and protect Rey Mysterio and Dominik’s credibility.

Over the last few weeks, we have seen a slight contrast in Rey and Dominik Mysterio’s respective attitudes towards matches. WWE could have the latter turn on his father and script an epic feud.

On the other hand, The Usos will have multiple options for their next title feud as the creative team can pick from The Street Profits, The Alpha Academy, and probably The Dirty Dawgs once they retain the titles at SummerSlam.

Prediction: The Usos retain the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships with the help of an unclean finish

#7 Sheamus (c) vs. Damian Priest (United States Championship match at SummerSlam)

At SummerSlam 2021, Sheamus will put his United States Championship on the line against Damian Priest. The latter has enjoyed a good run on the Red brand since WrestleMania this year. Priest has delivered good matches, and it would be fair to say that he earned his push. WWE might be inclined towards capitalizing on his current momentum.

While Sheamus has had a decent run with the United States Championship, he has not been involved in many memorable feuds during this reign. A title change will allow WWE to book two deserving superstars into an extended championship rivalry on RAW. It will also give them enough time to build up more superstars as the next credible challengers for the said gold.

The Celtic Warrior is nothing short of brilliant when it comes to playing a heel. Priest has also been booked as a smart babyface rather than ones that easily fall prey to easy tactics. He has the potential to overcome the champion and win the United States Championship at The Biggest Party of the Summer and kickstart his first title reign on the main roster.

Prediction: Damian Priest beats Sheamus to win the United States Championship at SummerSlam 2021