The Best & The Beast get top billing in the biggest party of the summer.
Here are my predictions for tonight's show:
United States Championship match: Dean Ambrose(c) vs. Rob Van Dam
I have to say that I'm a bit disappointed that this didn't make the main show. And I know that lately I haven't been reviewing many pre-show matches, but I'll make an exception for this. Ambrose is one of my favorite performers right now and RVD has been on the best roll of the last ten years of his career. On the main show, this could have been a strong candidate for match of the night. Ah well. As for who's going to win this one, I'll have to go with Ambrose. Say what you want about the Shield and their underhanded tactics, but the guy's been one of the more unbeatable US Champs in a long while.
Winner: Ambrose
Natalya vs. Brie Bella
Good to see Nattie back on a major show. I know Total Divas isn't a big hit here on the Internet, but it's damn sure providing great opportunities for it's charismatic stars. Natalya in particular has gained a ton of support from men & women alike for her charm and likability. That won't win her any matches though. Fortunately she's a skilled highly technician with an unparalleled level of in-ring confidence.
This match won't be listed on any "Best-Of" lists come year's end, but it should still be pretty exciting to watch Ziggler and Langston go at it a bit. It will serve it's purpose, but I don't think anyone even really cares too much about Kaitlyn-AJ at this point and with all the hoopla surrounding Total Divas, it may be a while before we see them wrestle each other again. Somehow I can only see this one ending with Kaitlyn pinning Lee to finally get a decisive win over her on a big show.
I was far more interested in this match a couple weeks ago when these two highlighted a spectacular episode of Smackdown that ended with the now infamous "river toss". In the weeks since, it seems that the focus of the blue brand has shifted less and less on it's two brightest stars and more on the major feuds from RAW. Though even with a bit of lost momentum, with the right level of crowd participation, these two can tear down the house. I see Sandow walking away the victor here and then refocusing on the world title picture.
The brilliant Wyatt is set to make his PPV debut and I couldn't think of a better opponent for him to start things off with. Kane is an established legend with the ability to turn in a four star classic at any moment and Wyatt should be looking to make a statement by defeating him in a match he made famous. I don't think any smart man would bet against the Wyatt Family interfering somehow and helping their leader earn his first major victory in the WWE.
These two have an amazing bit of chemistry. It's worth noting that for all of Del Rio's faults, he's becoming the rare kind of talent that can pretty much go out there and tear it up with anyone on the roster. Christian is another man with a similar reputation. I'm expecting these two to turn in the sleeper hit of the night. The whole angle has been built around Captain Charisma getting what may be his final shot a a major championship and that's enough to get the Los Angeles crowd firmly behind him. With the right heat, it could be a MOTYC. And I'm going to go out on a limb here and call it now. Christian will be your World Heavyweight Champion come night's end.
If you're a fan of this blog then you know that CM Punk is and always has been, one of my guys. He has more heart and determination than damn near anyone else in WWE history and the word "can't" means little or nothing to him. That being said, the man across the ring from him is the most dangerous individual to ever step foot inside of a WWE ring. I'm not looking for Punk to win here, I'm just hoping that he goes out swinging. Regardless of the outcome, look for this one to tear the house down. Literally.
As The Game said himself in a recent interview, this match could potentially change the entire industry in one night. Do I see that happening? Yes and no. I do think that Daniel Bryan has all the tools and momentum to become the top player for the WWE in the next half decade, but it's an interesting thing to think that he won't be WWE Champion for a good amount of that time. His popularity is similar to that of Kurt Angle in the early 2000s. He's a unbelievably gifted wrestler who's insanely watchable, but guys like Bryan have a built in fan base that will support him no matter what. It's a level of popularity that transcends championships. Sure, he'll earn a few wins here and there, but Daniel's legacy will be written the same way it's always been thus far, through his unmatched skill.
I do see him beating John Cena and finally silencing all of his critics, but one thing I KNOW will happen is that Randy Orton will be waiting in the wings to sour his moment. The Viper has been coiled and ready to strike for the past two years now and yet somehow he's been kept off of our radar. As a fan, I want to see Orton back on top. So where does that leave my feelings on this match?
There are rumblings that Orton will cash in and then lose. This would give Daniel bragging rights similar to that of Chris Jericho who beat The Rock and Steve Austin both in one night over a decade ago. I would love for this to happen, but it's highly unlikely. I see Orton cashing in and winning the title, leaving Daniel with even more fan support when the two meet again in September to main event Night Of Champions. That's my dream scenario and that's coincidentally the one most likely to occur.
If all the matches live up to their potential, this could be the show of the year. Some of the matches like Punk-Lesnar & Bryan-Cena (and to a lesser extent Wyatt-Kane & Christian-Del Rio) have MOTYC written all over them and the Los Angeles crowd should be bringing the heat with the stacked card they've been given. I haven't been this excited for a WWE event all year long and thus the lack of WWE PPV revs lately. The buildup of this show has renewed my interest tremendously. That's says all you need to know about where I stand here.
Winner: Natalya
Dolph Ziggler & Kaitlyn vs. Big E Langston & WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee
This match won't be listed on any "Best-Of" lists come year's end, but it should still be pretty exciting to watch Ziggler and Langston go at it a bit. It will serve it's purpose, but I don't think anyone even really cares too much about Kaitlyn-AJ at this point and with all the hoopla surrounding Total Divas, it may be a while before we see them wrestle each other again. Somehow I can only see this one ending with Kaitlyn pinning Lee to finally get a decisive win over her on a big show.
Winner: Ziggler & Kaitlyn
Cody Rhodes vs. Damien Sandow
I was far more interested in this match a couple weeks ago when these two highlighted a spectacular episode of Smackdown that ended with the now infamous "river toss". In the weeks since, it seems that the focus of the blue brand has shifted less and less on it's two brightest stars and more on the major feuds from RAW. Though even with a bit of lost momentum, with the right level of crowd participation, these two can tear down the house. I see Sandow walking away the victor here and then refocusing on the world title picture.
Winner: Damien Sandow
Ring Of Fire match: Kane vs. Bray Wyatt
The brilliant Wyatt is set to make his PPV debut and I couldn't think of a better opponent for him to start things off with. Kane is an established legend with the ability to turn in a four star classic at any moment and Wyatt should be looking to make a statement by defeating him in a match he made famous. I don't think any smart man would bet against the Wyatt Family interfering somehow and helping their leader earn his first major victory in the WWE.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
World Heavyweight Championship match: Alberto Del Rio(c) vs. Christian
These two have an amazing bit of chemistry. It's worth noting that for all of Del Rio's faults, he's becoming the rare kind of talent that can pretty much go out there and tear it up with anyone on the roster. Christian is another man with a similar reputation. I'm expecting these two to turn in the sleeper hit of the night. The whole angle has been built around Captain Charisma getting what may be his final shot a a major championship and that's enough to get the Los Angeles crowd firmly behind him. With the right heat, it could be a MOTYC. And I'm going to go out on a limb here and call it now. Christian will be your World Heavyweight Champion come night's end.
Winner: Christian
CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar
If you're a fan of this blog then you know that CM Punk is and always has been, one of my guys. He has more heart and determination than damn near anyone else in WWE history and the word "can't" means little or nothing to him. That being said, the man across the ring from him is the most dangerous individual to ever step foot inside of a WWE ring. I'm not looking for Punk to win here, I'm just hoping that he goes out swinging. Regardless of the outcome, look for this one to tear the house down. Literally.
Winner: BRRRRRAAAKKKKK Lesnar
WWE Championship match: John Cena(c) vs. Daniel Bryan with Special Referee Triple H
As The Game said himself in a recent interview, this match could potentially change the entire industry in one night. Do I see that happening? Yes and no. I do think that Daniel Bryan has all the tools and momentum to become the top player for the WWE in the next half decade, but it's an interesting thing to think that he won't be WWE Champion for a good amount of that time. His popularity is similar to that of Kurt Angle in the early 2000s. He's a unbelievably gifted wrestler who's insanely watchable, but guys like Bryan have a built in fan base that will support him no matter what. It's a level of popularity that transcends championships. Sure, he'll earn a few wins here and there, but Daniel's legacy will be written the same way it's always been thus far, through his unmatched skill.
I do see him beating John Cena and finally silencing all of his critics, but one thing I KNOW will happen is that Randy Orton will be waiting in the wings to sour his moment. The Viper has been coiled and ready to strike for the past two years now and yet somehow he's been kept off of our radar. As a fan, I want to see Orton back on top. So where does that leave my feelings on this match?
There are rumblings that Orton will cash in and then lose. This would give Daniel bragging rights similar to that of Chris Jericho who beat The Rock and Steve Austin both in one night over a decade ago. I would love for this to happen, but it's highly unlikely. I see Orton cashing in and winning the title, leaving Daniel with even more fan support when the two meet again in September to main event Night Of Champions. That's my dream scenario and that's coincidentally the one most likely to occur.
Winner and NEW WWE Champion: Daniel Bryan...and then Randy Orton
The Verdict
If all the matches live up to their potential, this could be the show of the year. Some of the matches like Punk-Lesnar & Bryan-Cena (and to a lesser extent Wyatt-Kane & Christian-Del Rio) have MOTYC written all over them and the Los Angeles crowd should be bringing the heat with the stacked card they've been given. I haven't been this excited for a WWE event all year long and thus the lack of WWE PPV revs lately. The buildup of this show has renewed my interest tremendously. That's says all you need to know about where I stand here.
Verdict: BUY
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