WWE SummerSlam 2015 is here. The 28th edition of the WWE’s “Biggest Event of the Summer” comes to you from Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York, the location of last night’s classic NXT TakeOver show that this event will be looking to (somehow) top. There are four titles on the line (two in one match), almost all of the biggest stars of the promotion are ready to perform, and there’s even an actor that will step into the squared circle. Not to mention that the host of the show will be Jon Stewart, doing his first major appearance since the end of The Daily Show.
Okay, enough hype. Let’s get to the match-by-match preview. If you want to watch SummerSlam, read this to find out how.
Rusev vs. Dolph Ziggler – This is a good ol’ battle over the ladies. Lana was hooked up with The Bulgarian Brute (somehow he’s not Russian anymore), but has since sided with Ziggler while Rusev has taken up with Summer Rae. Ziggler had been away for a little while filming a movie so the storyline progressed without him, but he’s back now to take on the big man. This should be a very good style clash and we’re bound to see a catfight.
Prediction: Rusev
Team PCB vs. Team Bella vs. Team B.A.D. (Elimination Match) – Last night’s women’s match between Sasha Banks and Bayley at NXT Takeover was one of the best matches of the year, male or female, so I don’t see Sasha doing a ton tonight as a member of Team B.A.D. But her partners, Tamina and Naomi, will be in tough against Team Bella (Nikka, Brie, and Alicia Fox) and Team PCB (Paige, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch) in this three-team elimination match.
Prediction: Team PCB
Randy Orton vs. Sheamus – These two have faced off many times before, including last month. My guess is that this will be based around Sheamus’ Money in the Bank briefcase, which allows him to cash in for a title shot at any point. It’s not up for grabs as a stip right now, but I think it will still play a part. But I’m not sure how good this will be, despite me being a big Randy Orton fan (seriously).
Prediction: Sheamus
Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens – Owens took a hellacious beating at the hands of Finn Balor last night at NXT Takeover in a ladder match. The fact that he can even compete today is pretty impressive. They’ll either go one of two ways with it – act like last night never happened and Owens pulls out the victory after an excellent match, or they’ll play up that he’s not 100% and Cesaro will beat him after an excellent match. I’ll lean towards the latter.
Prediction: Cesaro
Prime Time Players vs. New Day vs. Lucha Dragons vs. Los Matadores (Tag Team Titles) – The tag team division still doesn’t get a ton of respect in WWE despite having some very talented duos. This match will undoubtedly feature a ton of high spots and crazy action. New Day could take the titles here, but my guess is that PTP retains.
Prediction: Prime Time Players
Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper – 2/3 of The Shield vs. 2/3 of the Wyatt Family will battle once again. This seems like a placeholder match for everyone involved, which is a bit disappointing since Wyatt, Ambrose, and Reigns could be doing more. But as usual, it should be a pretty entertaining match.
Prediction: Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper
Neville & Stephen Amell vs. Stardust & King Barrett – You may know Amell as the star of Arrow. The feud between him and Stardust (Cody Rhodes) has been ramping up for a while now, and the surprisingly athletic actor will look to settle the score alongside the high-flyer Neville against the weird guy and King Barrett. Normally using actors in the ring sucks, but I have a feeling that Amell is going to blow away expectations here. Barrett is always solid in the ring, Stardust can go, and Neville can make anyone look good. I really think this match has a lot of potential.
Prediction: Neville and Stephen Amell
Ryback vs. Big Show vs. The Miz (Intercontinental Title) – This will likely be the worst match on the card. Show is old and slow, Ryback’s character does nothing for me, and Miz is just there so it’s not a straight hoss match again. Miz will be the best part of this, by far. But he won’t win.
Prediction – Ryback
Seth Rollins vs. John Cena (for WWE Heavyweight Title and US Title) – Rollins is the current champ, and he’s about as slimy a character as you’ll find in WWE nowadays. He’s a great talent on the mic and in the ring, but resorts to chickens**t heel tactics to barely keep his title. In other words, he’s entertaining as hell. He also legitimately broke Cena’s nose a few weeks ago with a knee to the face. Cena is looking to tie Ric Flair’s record of 16 world title wins, and he’s still playing the good guy but getting booed a lot in the process. Since this is for both titles, I can’t see a legit finish right now. They can continue this feud for a while longer, so this will end in a double disqualification or something.
Prediction – No Contest
Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar – Yes, THAT Brock Lesnar. He shockingly broke “The Streak” at WrestleMania 30 a year and a half ago, and has been destroying everyone ever since. Taker is finally back for revenge, and they’ve played this bout up as a battle for the ages. Will they put Brock over again, sealing him as the only true monster left? Or will Undertaker get his win back and send the fans home happy (and possibly setting up a third match)? I’ll lean towards the latter.
Prediction: Undertaker
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