Ah yes, the final stop on the road to SummerSlam; oh what fun we'll have. Actually, I am very excited about this show, and the fact that the IC Title match has been removed from the card excites me even more. With all the rumors that have recently been floating about, regarding returning Superstars, I have a feeling that things are about to get hot and heavy very soon.
So let's not waste anymore time then.
Here are my thoughts and predictions from start to finish...
Randy Orton vs. Sheamus
So let's not waste anymore time then.
Here are my thoughts and predictions from start to finish...
Randy Orton vs. Sheamus
This should be a pretty good match to get the crowd into it. I think it's safe to say that St. Louis will be solidly behind its hometown boy, Orton, and I would not be surprised if he gets the loudest pop of the night, which is why I think it would be a wise move to put this on first. These two guys have almost been forgotten about over the last few weeks, and I think both of them will work their hardest to put on a tremendous match, as the chemistry between them is usually pretty good. The end comes when Sheamus goes for a Brogue kick, but Orton ducks under it and slides to the other side of Sheamus, before popping right back up with an RKO for the win.
[Renee Young is backstage with Paige, Becky Lynch and Charlotte]
Renee: Well ladies, you really had quite an impressive outing on Raw this past week. And for Becky and Charlotte especially, what a debut!
Charlotte: Renee, can I get a woooo!?!
Renee: Wooo (awkwardly)
Charlotte: No, no, no, you gotta put some umph behind it! Wooooooo! For the last few years, it seemed like if your last name isn't Bella, you really couldn't get a chance in the spotlight. But I wouldn't trade in my last name for anything in the world. After all, we are deep in the heart of Flair country. Bellas, tonight we go to school, and I got a serving of chops with your names on it. What do you think, Beck?
Becky: It's all about changing the guard here in the WWE. It looked like the Bellas were a little shaken up with all the fresh faces on Raw last week, didn't it?
Charlotte: Oh yeah
Becky: Well that's exactly the reaction we expected. And sooner or later, the entire Divas locker room is going to be shaken up. All I've got left to say is that Nicky Bella should start carrying an hourglass with her everywhere she goes, because her reign as Divas Champion is about to expire. Tick tock...
[Becky and Charlotte walk off screen, leaving Paige alone with Renee]
Paige (to Renee): Not a bad couple of girls to have around...
Alicia Fox and The Bella Twins vs. Paige, Charlotte and Becky Lynch
[Renee Young is backstage with Paige, Becky Lynch and Charlotte]
Renee: Well ladies, you really had quite an impressive outing on Raw this past week. And for Becky and Charlotte especially, what a debut!
Charlotte: Renee, can I get a woooo!?!
Renee: Wooo (awkwardly)
Charlotte: No, no, no, you gotta put some umph behind it! Wooooooo! For the last few years, it seemed like if your last name isn't Bella, you really couldn't get a chance in the spotlight. But I wouldn't trade in my last name for anything in the world. After all, we are deep in the heart of Flair country. Bellas, tonight we go to school, and I got a serving of chops with your names on it. What do you think, Beck?
Becky: It's all about changing the guard here in the WWE. It looked like the Bellas were a little shaken up with all the fresh faces on Raw last week, didn't it?
Charlotte: Oh yeah
Becky: Well that's exactly the reaction we expected. And sooner or later, the entire Divas locker room is going to be shaken up. All I've got left to say is that Nicky Bella should start carrying an hourglass with her everywhere she goes, because her reign as Divas Champion is about to expire. Tick tock...
[Becky and Charlotte walk off screen, leaving Paige alone with Renee]
Paige (to Renee): Not a bad couple of girls to have around...
Alicia Fox and The Bella Twins vs. Paige, Charlotte and Becky Lynch
This has not been advertised, but with the subtraction of the IC Title match from this card, I suppose we're going to need some filler matches. I was really impressed with the Divas segment on Raw last week, which is probably the first time I've ever said that; well technically, it's in writing, so I guess I didn't 'say' it. And actually, that's not entirely true. But it is the first time I've been excited about a Divas segment since that great shoot promo by AJ a couple years ago. This should be a decent match. I don't expect it to get a lot of time, but I do expect the face team to carry the bulk of it. The heels gain the advantage in the end, but then Nicky gets cocky and tries to go for her own version of the figure-four, only for Charlotte to trip her up and then apply the figure-eight for the submission victory.
After the match, the face team celebrates, but then get blindsided by Team BAD (Naomi, Tamina Snuka and Sasha Banks)
Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt
After the match, the face team celebrates, but then get blindsided by Team BAD (Naomi, Tamina Snuka and Sasha Banks)
Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt
It's good to finally see a Bray Wyatt program that has any kind of story attached to it, but it's a story that I'm not really invested in, as they haven't really emphasized that Roman Reigns is a family man before this point, and I don't think this does him any favours. However, I think this could be a good match, if given enough time. The brawl they had on Raw this week was pretty good. I see Reigns controlling the early portion of the match, but Wyatt will get extra creepy, once he gains the advantage. Wyatt will be beating on Reigns in the timekeeper's area, and then will reach down his pants and pull out a picture of Reigns' daughter, which he shows to the crowd, before stuffing it down his own mouth. As soon as Wyatt turns around, Reigns nails him with a vicious chair shot for the DQ finish. Reigns then gets barbaric and starts unloading on Wyatt with the chair, as the bell rings a few more times. Referees and officials come down to the ring to attempt to calm Reigns down, but Reigns beats the hell out of all of them, much like Brock Lesnar did, before he was suspended. As the refs are trying to get Wyatt away from ringside, Reigns flies over the top rope with a tope, knocking everyone down, but Wyatt manages to escape through the crowd.
[A promo for SummerSlam airs next]
[Roman Reigns is shown walking through the hallway, searching every room for Bray Wyatt]
Reigns: Wyatt! Wyatt! Where you at, boy!?!
[Seth Rollins approaches from behind]
Rollins: What's the matter, Roman? You look upset. Trouble at home? Haha...
[Without blinking an eye, Reigns grabs Rollins around the throat and forces him against the wall, until security rushes in and grabs Reigns, as Triple H follows behind]
Triple H: Get him the hell out of here! Out of the building!
[As security takes Reigns away, Triple H turns to Rollins]
Triple H: Are you insane?
Rollins: What?
Triple H: Do you seriously have a death wish? There is a violent lunatic with short fuse walking around here, and you go poke the bear? What's wrong with you? What are you doing out of your locker room anyway?
Rollins: Why shouldn't I be out of my locker room?
Triple H: Well I'm no expert or anything, but if I had pissed Brock Lesnar off like you've been pissing him off, I'd probably want to be behind locked doors.
Rollins: Look Hunter, for the last time, I am not afraid of Brock Lesnar, and I sure as hell am not afraid of Roman Reigns. I might not have any backup anymore, but I don't need it. I wasn't the architect of the Shield for no reason. I was the smartest one in the group. And I am extra confident that I've got Brock Lesnar's number tonight, with or without the Authority.
Triple H: Sounds good to me. What do you think, Brock?
[Rollins quickly looks behind him to see if Lesnar is really there, which he's not]
Triple H: Kind of jumpy, aren't you, Seth? Well I hope to see some of that "extra confidence" in your match tonight. Good luck!
The Prime Time Players vs. The New Day for the WWE Tag Team Championships
[A promo for SummerSlam airs next]
[Roman Reigns is shown walking through the hallway, searching every room for Bray Wyatt]
Reigns: Wyatt! Wyatt! Where you at, boy!?!
[Seth Rollins approaches from behind]
Rollins: What's the matter, Roman? You look upset. Trouble at home? Haha...
[Without blinking an eye, Reigns grabs Rollins around the throat and forces him against the wall, until security rushes in and grabs Reigns, as Triple H follows behind]
Triple H: Get him the hell out of here! Out of the building!
[As security takes Reigns away, Triple H turns to Rollins]
Triple H: Are you insane?
Rollins: What?
Triple H: Do you seriously have a death wish? There is a violent lunatic with short fuse walking around here, and you go poke the bear? What's wrong with you? What are you doing out of your locker room anyway?
Rollins: Why shouldn't I be out of my locker room?
Triple H: Well I'm no expert or anything, but if I had pissed Brock Lesnar off like you've been pissing him off, I'd probably want to be behind locked doors.
Rollins: Look Hunter, for the last time, I am not afraid of Brock Lesnar, and I sure as hell am not afraid of Roman Reigns. I might not have any backup anymore, but I don't need it. I wasn't the architect of the Shield for no reason. I was the smartest one in the group. And I am extra confident that I've got Brock Lesnar's number tonight, with or without the Authority.
Triple H: Sounds good to me. What do you think, Brock?
[Rollins quickly looks behind him to see if Lesnar is really there, which he's not]
Triple H: Kind of jumpy, aren't you, Seth? Well I hope to see some of that "extra confidence" in your match tonight. Good luck!
The Prime Time Players vs. The New Day for the WWE Tag Team Championships
The New Day really hit a slump after losing the titles last month, and to be honest, I am not into the PTP's at all, and based on the reaction they get, I don't think I'm alone. Darren is pretty good in the ring and Titus is okay on the mic, but they just don't have the "It" factor, and I'm hoping that they lose the belts sooner, rather than later. I don't think this will be a good match, but I'm thinking The New Day will use the third man advantage and regain the belts, after Xavier Woods gets involved and ends up pinning one of the PTP's, as the referee will fail to notice that it's not the right man in the ring.
[Tom Philips is backstage with Kevin Owens]
Philips: Kevin, in just a few short minutes, you've got...
Owens: Wait, what the hell did you just call me?
Philips: Kevin O...
Owens: Let's get one thing straight right now, we're not friends, and you don't know me personally, so don't you ever call me Kevin again! You address me as Mr. Owens!
Philips: I'm sorry. Mr. Owens, in a few minutes, you've got the rubber match with John Cena, but could the fact that you've also got a rematch with Finn Balor in a few weeks be on your mind as well?
Owens: Oh such a bright, young man you are. Of course it's on my mind. But this is neither the time nor the place to be thinking of such things. Yes, with every advantage in his corner, Finn Balor stole my title a couple weeks ago. But I'll deal with him and reclaim my NXT Championship when the time comes. Tonight, I am entirely focused on John Cena. The man has rented a room in my head, and I can't wait to go out there and break the face that supposedly runs the place. Those ever-so-catty Divas said something earlier about a changing of the guard, but what Cena doesn't realize is that that change has already happened. Gone are the days when a man can proudly wave Old Glory and walk with his head held high as a true American hero. Because when I rip the heart right out of America's chest tonight, Cena will have no choice but to lower his head in shame, when he comes to the realization that change has passed him by. (Owens turns to Philips) This interview is over.
John Cena vs. Kevin Owens for the United States Championship
[Tom Philips is backstage with Kevin Owens]
Philips: Kevin, in just a few short minutes, you've got...
Owens: Wait, what the hell did you just call me?
Philips: Kevin O...
Owens: Let's get one thing straight right now, we're not friends, and you don't know me personally, so don't you ever call me Kevin again! You address me as Mr. Owens!
Philips: I'm sorry. Mr. Owens, in a few minutes, you've got the rubber match with John Cena, but could the fact that you've also got a rematch with Finn Balor in a few weeks be on your mind as well?
Owens: Oh such a bright, young man you are. Of course it's on my mind. But this is neither the time nor the place to be thinking of such things. Yes, with every advantage in his corner, Finn Balor stole my title a couple weeks ago. But I'll deal with him and reclaim my NXT Championship when the time comes. Tonight, I am entirely focused on John Cena. The man has rented a room in my head, and I can't wait to go out there and break the face that supposedly runs the place. Those ever-so-catty Divas said something earlier about a changing of the guard, but what Cena doesn't realize is that that change has already happened. Gone are the days when a man can proudly wave Old Glory and walk with his head held high as a true American hero. Because when I rip the heart right out of America's chest tonight, Cena will have no choice but to lower his head in shame, when he comes to the realization that change has passed him by. (Owens turns to Philips) This interview is over.
John Cena vs. Kevin Owens for the United States Championship
These two guys have been having fantastic matches for the last two months now, and I truly expect this one to steal the show as well. But really, what else can they do? They've pulled out all stops in both of their previous matches, and if they're able to not only duplicate, but top those performances, I will be really impressed. Both guys deliver every move in their repertoire in this match, including hitting each other with the other's finisher (I don't think Cena has delivered the pop-up powerbomb before). Cena chases Owens out to the floor and Owens surprises him with a pop-up powerbomb on the outside. Owens then rolls Cena back in for a near fall. Cena then locks in the STF and has it applied for a while, but Owens eventually reaches the ropes. Owens then hits a second pop-up powerbomb for two. He then hits Cena with his own version of the AA for another two-count. Owens then gets frustrated and hits a third and fourth pop-up powerbomb, one after the other, to finally put Cena away and win the title.
After the match, Cena walks over to Owens and extends his hand, which Owens surprisingly accepts, as they shake on it.
[The pay per view panel then gives their thoughts on the show thus far, as well as predictions for the main event]
Rusev vs. Cesaro
This is another match that hasn't been added, to the best of my knowledge. I thought these two and Kevin Owens had a fantastic match on Raw this week, which got even better when Owens walked away. And they apparently also had a great match on Smackdown this week, which I haven't seen yet. Needless to say, I expect much of the same here, only this time, they may be granted a lot more time. The end comes where Rusev goes for the Accolade, but Lana comes down to ringside and starts fighting with Summer Rae, causing a distraction and allowing Cesaro to secure an inside cradle/small package for the win.
Rusev attacks Cesaro after the match and tosses him to the floor. He then reaches through the ropes and grabs Lana by the hair, dragging her into the ring. Rusev then signals that he's going to apply the Accolade on Lana, but Dolph Ziggler's music hits, and Ziggler races to the ring to beat the hell out of Rusev. Ziggler and Lana then clear the ring of Rusev and Summer Rae.
Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
After the match, Cena walks over to Owens and extends his hand, which Owens surprisingly accepts, as they shake on it.
[The pay per view panel then gives their thoughts on the show thus far, as well as predictions for the main event]
Rusev vs. Cesaro
This is another match that hasn't been added, to the best of my knowledge. I thought these two and Kevin Owens had a fantastic match on Raw this week, which got even better when Owens walked away. And they apparently also had a great match on Smackdown this week, which I haven't seen yet. Needless to say, I expect much of the same here, only this time, they may be granted a lot more time. The end comes where Rusev goes for the Accolade, but Lana comes down to ringside and starts fighting with Summer Rae, causing a distraction and allowing Cesaro to secure an inside cradle/small package for the win.
Rusev attacks Cesaro after the match and tosses him to the floor. He then reaches through the ropes and grabs Lana by the hair, dragging her into the ring. Rusev then signals that he's going to apply the Accolade on Lana, but Dolph Ziggler's music hits, and Ziggler races to the ring to beat the hell out of Rusev. Ziggler and Lana then clear the ring of Rusev and Summer Rae.
Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
The build for this match has been tremendous, and I think it'll be a great story to tell in the ring as well, which is kind of interesting that the larger man in the match is the babyface; it kind of reminds me of Flair and Hogan in that regard. There is going to be a ref bump at some point, so just as Lesnar has Rollins beaten with the F-5, there is no one to count. As Heyman tries to revive the ref, Rollins hits Lesnar with a low blow and tries to escape, but Dean Ambrose comes out and throws Rollins back in the ring. Rollins then tries to escape through the crowd, but Roman Reigns returns to the building and he also tosses Rollins back into the ring, just as Lesnar is starting to get up. Reigns enters the ring and has Rollins targeted for a spear, but he suddenly changes directions and spears Lesnar. Ambrose then enters the ring, initially acting surprised, but then he too turns his attention to Lesnar and drops him with Dirty Deeds. Rollins then hits Lesnar with the pedigree, as the other two leave the ring, and just as the ref comes to, to make the pin. So Rollins keeps the title.
After the match, The Shield reunite again and deliver the triple powerbomb to Lesnar. They then corner Heyman, who cowers at first, but suddenly starts smiling, and hugs the three of them. Heyman then joins Rollins, Reigns and Ambrose, as they do their old Shield pose to end the show.
After the match, The Shield reunite again and deliver the triple powerbomb to Lesnar. They then corner Heyman, who cowers at first, but suddenly starts smiling, and hugs the three of them. Heyman then joins Rollins, Reigns and Ambrose, as they do their old Shield pose to end the show.
Here are my match predictions for SummerSlam:
Seth Rollins vs. The Undertaker for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship with Sting as the special enforcer - They really need something that will be bigger than the Lesnar match, and I think this just might do it. I was originally thinking Daniel Bryan for this match, but that all depends on his health I guess. Other names that crossed my mind to put against Rollins were Triple H, Samoa Joe or Sting, but I think this is probably the best selection, and I think it'll eventually lead to a three-on-two match at the Hell in a Cell pay per view with The Shield against Taker and Kane. It should also plant the seeds for the Taker vs. Sting match at WrestleMania 32, where Sting inadvertently costs Taker the title here. Sting's role in this match will be to essentially keep The Shield out of it.
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns w/Paul Heyman - Heyman's reason for turning on Lesnar was that he proved that he isn't the beast anymore, when he got busted open by Reigns at WrestleMania, eventually leading him to lose the title to Seth Rollins. Heyman will say that he now needs to focus on the future, and the future is Roman Reigns.
Dean Ambrose vs. John Cena - The Shield starts targeting any potential threat to Rollins' world title, starting with John Cena, whom they cost the U.S. title in Cena's rematch with Kevin Owens on Raw, a few weeks before this.
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn in 2 out of 3 falls for the U.S. Championship - This match entirely depends on Zayn's health, but he could easily be replaced by Cesaro or Neville.
Rusev vs. Dolph Ziggler in a Til Death Do Us Apart match - It's revealed on Raw that Rusev is legally married to Lana, so if he wins this match, Lana and Ziggler's relationship must end, but if Ziggler wins, Rusev and Lana have to divorce.
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Sheamus vs. Neville vs. The Big Show vs. Cesaro in a six-man contenders match - The man who gets the first pinfall or submission in this match gets a title shot against the champion of his choosing at Night of Champions.
Nikki Bella vs. Brie Bella vs. Alicia Fox vs. Sasha Banks vs. Naomi vs. Tamina Snuka vs. Paige vs. Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch in a battle royal for the Divas Championship
The New Day vs. The Usos for the WWE Tag Team Championships - Kick-off show
Seth Rollins vs. The Undertaker for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship with Sting as the special enforcer - They really need something that will be bigger than the Lesnar match, and I think this just might do it. I was originally thinking Daniel Bryan for this match, but that all depends on his health I guess. Other names that crossed my mind to put against Rollins were Triple H, Samoa Joe or Sting, but I think this is probably the best selection, and I think it'll eventually lead to a three-on-two match at the Hell in a Cell pay per view with The Shield against Taker and Kane. It should also plant the seeds for the Taker vs. Sting match at WrestleMania 32, where Sting inadvertently costs Taker the title here. Sting's role in this match will be to essentially keep The Shield out of it.
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns w/Paul Heyman - Heyman's reason for turning on Lesnar was that he proved that he isn't the beast anymore, when he got busted open by Reigns at WrestleMania, eventually leading him to lose the title to Seth Rollins. Heyman will say that he now needs to focus on the future, and the future is Roman Reigns.
Dean Ambrose vs. John Cena - The Shield starts targeting any potential threat to Rollins' world title, starting with John Cena, whom they cost the U.S. title in Cena's rematch with Kevin Owens on Raw, a few weeks before this.
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn in 2 out of 3 falls for the U.S. Championship - This match entirely depends on Zayn's health, but he could easily be replaced by Cesaro or Neville.
Rusev vs. Dolph Ziggler in a Til Death Do Us Apart match - It's revealed on Raw that Rusev is legally married to Lana, so if he wins this match, Lana and Ziggler's relationship must end, but if Ziggler wins, Rusev and Lana have to divorce.
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Sheamus vs. Neville vs. The Big Show vs. Cesaro in a six-man contenders match - The man who gets the first pinfall or submission in this match gets a title shot against the champion of his choosing at Night of Champions.
Nikki Bella vs. Brie Bella vs. Alicia Fox vs. Sasha Banks vs. Naomi vs. Tamina Snuka vs. Paige vs. Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch in a battle royal for the Divas Championship
The New Day vs. The Usos for the WWE Tag Team Championships - Kick-off show