On Sunday, July 24, the WWE Network presents Battleground 2016! The event is the final WWE show before the brand extension officially goes into effect. Of course, both parties will be under the same roof again come Summerslam. Below is each match set for the event while Brock Allen and myself give our opinions on what we’ll see and who will win.
The Usos (Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso) vs. Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango)
Brock Allen: This is an unusual card for me. In some ways it feels a tad bit like WCW’s Great American Bash ’91 in that outside forces (in this case the Draft) have rendered the event virtually meaningless before it’s even happened. But, as they say, that’s why they have the matches.
While I was surprised to see this match tacked on at the very last minute, I’m glad it’s on the show. More specifically, I’m glad none of the announced matches (for the moment) have been bumped to the pre-show. That being said, this is the kind of old school TV tag team match I really like. There doesn’t have to be a story and there doesn’t have to be drama (somewhere Vince McMahon is rolling his eyes). If the announcers push the tag title angle and how important a win would be for each team in respect to “rankings”, then the match will have all the story it needs. If given enough time to work tag team psychology I think this match will deliver. While Breezango are a natural fit, the kind of team I want to see more of, I would be very surprised to see The Usos lose, though it would make sense given the climate of the “New Era”.
Winners: The Usos
Steve Coulson: Well, this one was out of nowhere. Right as I was fine tuning this article, this match was added. And while it has no story, I’m excited for it. I love both teams, although the Usos are fairly stale, and I know they could deliver a really fun match. If given ten minutes or so, this could be one of the more fun matches of the night on a show that already looks good. Anyway, I see the Usos winning here, clean.
Winners: The Usos
Natalya vs. Becky Lynch
Brock Allen: I’m not sure what to make of the Women’s division right now. If there’s one aspect of the WWE that suffers most because of the Draft, in my opinion, it’s the Women’s division. While it’s not perfect, the Women’s division of 2016 is arguably the best Women’s/Divas division in WWE history. Splitting it up now or creating second title would undo a lot of the work that WWE has put into the division. If there’s one champion who should be a “traveling” champion it should be the Women’s Champion, whomever that may be. That may not be popular, but that’s my point of view on the matter.
Now, as far as this match is concerned, I think Natalya takes it. It seems WWE really wants to push the new heel Nattie, so I can’t really see a loss here. However, I can see Becky winning via flash pin only for Nattie to clean her clock afterwards. But, given how much losing Natalya’s been doing on PPVs as of late, I think she cleans up here. Whatever the outcome, this should be a very solid match if it’s given the time.
Winner: Natalya
Steve Coulson: So, this one left me a bit unsure right from the start. With Nikki Bella and Emma not quite ready to return, I suspect these two will be the faces of the division on Smackdown, with Naomi, Bliss, and Carmella being the top challengers. So the question in my mind was who would win a title, supposing they make one, first?
I decided I think Natalya will win it first, since I see Sasha being Women’s Champion on RAW. While I could see Team BAE both having the titles, it isn’t what I think will happen. So Natalya wins the title, if it is indeed made, but for now Becky Lynch gets the win. WWE even steven booking.
Winner: Becky Lynch
Intercontinental Championship
The Miz (with Maryse) vs. Darren Young (with Bob Backlund)
Brock Allen: Man am I loving Darren Young and Bob Backlund. I know it’s going to played out eventually, but I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts. While I grew tired of seeing The Miz and Maryse at first as they struggled to work out the kinks in the act, I’ve grown to enjoy the goofiness of the whole thing.
This is one of those matches that has become “meaningless” thanks to the Draft. Neither brand is going to end up with both titles, and I highly doubt both Young and Ryder will win on the same night to swap the straps. And if they did lose, how would they get their rematches? If there’s going to be immediate drama over a title it’s going to be the World title, not the U.S. or Intercontinental. At least I hope not.
Winner: The Miz (Still Champion)
Steve Coulson: Darren Young and Miz are on separate brands, much like Rusev and Zack Ryder. So one of two things will be happening. Either both The Miz and Rusev will retain their respective titles, or both will lose them. This means that a title will remain on both shows. Due to Mojo Rawley being called up to Smackdown, I’m guessing the Hype Bros will become a main roster act.
By default, that means I don’t see Miz losing the title to Darren Young here and instead he will be Smackdown’s Intercontinental Champion going forward. The end will likely come out of some Maryse and Bob Backlund distraction, but that’s fun enough. Miz has been very entertaining for me since Maryse returned and somehow, Darren Young is over now and I love that it is. Hopefully that remains the case for this match.
Winner: The Miz (Still Champion)
United States Championship
Rusev (with Lana) vs. Zack Ryder
Brock Allen: See the above match for my feelings on this one. Another “meaningless” match in light of the Draft, I expect this one to be nip and tuck for a time until Rusev does what Rusev does (i.e. breaky breaky). It has been fun seeing Ryder, who has busted his backside for WWE, getting a chance to shine. If you ask me, he deserves it.
Winner: Rusev (Still Champion)
Steve Coulson: I already covered what I expect to happen here in the prediction above. With The Miz retaining, that means I see Rusev retaining. Just like with Maryse, I see Lana providing some sort of minor distraction before Rusev locks in the Accolade. Not much else to say here, except I like that Ryder has been made to be a bit more credible this year. He has worked hard and improved a lot, so I approve.
Winner: Rusev (Still Champion)
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E) vs. The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman, and Erick Rowan)
Brock Allen: Yet another “meaningless” match. A win or a loss by either team means nothing once the show ends. This feud is as good as dead, whether we want it to be or not. With The Wyatt Family effectively done after this match with Braun going to RAW, I’m going with New Day. I think its hard to make an educated guess as to what’s going to happen in terms of a finish or even possible dissension in the Wyatt Family given that there is no story going forward. I mean, who really benefits from a win? The only one that I can see benefiting from this match is Braun Strowman, given that he’s the one going his own way on RAW. If The Wyatt’s win it will be because of Braun, who will look every bit the monster they envision him being. I expect some post-match business here with Braun looking strong. But since this who thing means nothing, who the hell knows…
Winners: The New Day
Steve Coulson: So, I had two issues with the draft. The first was the Club being separated, although with Finn Balor I could see something coming from that. The second was Braun Strowman being separated from the Wyatt Family. I just can’t hazard a guess as to why. At best, Braun will be given a singles push and it will likely flop and that’ll hurt his career or ruin it unless he ends up back with Bray. At worst, he will literally do nothing. What’s the point?
But with that said, I suspect some sort of dissension with Bray and Strowman, which causes the Wyatt Family to lose. I can’t imagine them just winning here only to be separated immediately after. So I’ll say Strowman attacks Bray, and New Day pick up the win.
Winners: The New Day
Sasha Banks and ??? vs. Charlotte and Dana Brooke
Brock Allen: I could see Bayley being the mystery partner, but I’m just not sure. Bayley is going to be in NXT until after SummerSlam as her fued with Asuka seems far from over. It may very well be Naomi, but I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest Nia Jax. Let’s not forget that WWE has been less than lackluster when it comes to surprise opponents/teammates lately. Either way, I’m not going against the champ here. The obvious direction they’re going is for a Sasha/Charlotte match at SummerSlam. I see a loss for Sasha making far more sense than win in respect to the story.
Winners: WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte & Dana Brooke
Steve Coulson: Is it finally that time? People have been eagerly anticipating the main roster debut of Bayley, and this could very well be that time. Sasha’s mystery partner doesn’t have to be Bayley, but there aren’t many feasible or realistic options otherwise.
Some say Naomi, but she’s on Smackdown. While it doesn’t technically mean anything for this show, I don’t see a brand crossover. That applies to Becky Lynch as well, though she’s wrestling anyway so I’m not sure why people would even consider that. That leaves three options. Bayley, who I think it will be. Nikki Bella, who I don’t think will be ready, and I suspect will be on Smackdown anyway. And lastly, a legend like Lita or Trish Stratus as a surprise. While that is possible, my smart money says Bayley is the pick. And if so, Sasha and Bayley win.
Winners: Sasha Banks and Bayley
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn
Brock Allen: So this was supposed to be The End, then both guys got drafted to RAW, so it’s far from over. Why would WWE end a money feud like this in a normal match?
Given that it is a normal match I’m going out on a limb and saying there will be NO winner in this one. I think it’s a double-something, DQ or countout or peppermint twist, that forces the two to meet at SummerSlam once and for all in a cage or a “Loser Leaves RAW” type of match. They’ll have a slobberknocker of a match only for it to end with both guys brawling all over the arena or knocked out cold. This one is far from over.
Winner: Double Countout/Disqualification
Steve Coulson: So the idea going into this is that it will be the last match between the two. But will it be? I mean, obviously at the very least they will feud again in the future, but for now, could it be the end? I’m not entirely sure.
I think this could go a few ways. One, is that the feud continues anyway, possibly culminating to a Hell in a Cell match supposing that is a RAW brand pay-per-view. Another option is that GM Mick Foley insists that this really is the end of the feud.. and perhaps forces them into a tag team? Just a thought. Regardless, I see Sami getting the win here since Owens got the win the last time they met one on one. Oh, and this should be great.
Winner: Sami Zayn
John Cena, Enzo Amore, and Big Cass vs. The Club (AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows)
Brock Allen: This one, on it’s face, seems like another “meaningless” match, but it’s really not. The tag teams are going to RAW (drafted back-to-back, I might add) while Cena & Styles are going to SmackDown Live. So, in essence, there are three matches here: the 6-man, The Club/Enzo & Cass, and Cena/Styles. This is the biggest 6-man tag in WWE since the Shield and Evolution tore the house down in 2014, and I can’t wait.
Picking a winner is tough for this one, but I’m leaning towards Cena & Co. This should be an epic war and one that very well could steal the show.
Winners: John Cena, Enzo Amore, & Big Cass
Steve Coulson: This should be a great atmosphere. With one side being extremely popular and the Club being over in its own right, the fans should be electric here and I expect both teams to go all out. And with the draft shaking things up, we won’t be able to see this six-man again for quite some time, if ever.
So who wins? I’m giving the nod to Cena, Enzo, and Cass just because. I think Cena and AJ’s feud may continue into Summerslam, and it would make sense to “even things up” before hand. Meanwhile, Enzo and Cass getting a big win with a John Cena rub certainly can’t hurt their credibility.
Winners: John Cena, Enzo Amore, and Big Cass
WWE Championship
Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns
Brock Allen: The old methodology of reading the PPV tea leaves by what happens last on TV simply doesn’t apply for this event, not with the Draft shaking everything up five days before the show. When I think about this match I don’t really think in terms of which wrestler is going to win but in terms of which brand will have the opportunity to create a new World title. Last time around Lesnar took the Undisputed title to SmackDown!, leaving Eric Bischoff no choice but to award Triple H the new World Heavyweight Championship. This time around I think RAW will get the WWE Championship and SmackDown Live will create a new title, which makes the most sense given that SmackDown Live is supposed to be the “land of opportunity”.
So, who leaves with the title? Well, it won’t be Ambrose. World title prediction aside, I just can’t see Ambrose, whose been on a roll, winning yet another big match. The seeds were laid for this on Tuesday when the announcers constantly reminded us that Ambrose’s luck will run out sooner or later. With Ambrose out of the equation we’re down to Rollins and Reigns. Given that Rollins/Reigns is the most logical SummerSlam main event this is only the beginning for these two. With that in mind, I’m going with Rollins. Reigns redemption will have to wait as I see Rollins pinning Reigns to win it all, leaving Ambrose without a title and having never been beaten for it.
Winner: Seth Rollins (New Champion)
Steve Coulson: I’ve gone back and forth a lot here. Will Ambrose leave champion, causing RAW to create a title? Will Rollins leave champion, causing Smackdown to create a title? Will we get some sort of double pin, and both guys are declared a champion?
Hell, we could even see the title go back on Roman Reigns. It doesn’t feel likely, and it seems like a bad decision, but at the same time, the company has made consistently bad decisions with Roman for some time, so this happening wouldn’t be completely shocking. If pressed, I’m going with an Ambrose win as just like with the initial draft, the prestigious title going to Smackdown helps give it more credibility, meanwhile a new or resumed title on RAW will have credibility instantly because it is on RAW.
Winner: Dean Ambrose (Still Champion)
Closing Thoughts
Brock Allen: The Highlight Reel with Randy Orton is also set for Sunday night. Ordinarily I would say that Lesnar shows up, but given the trouble he’s in for two failed drug tests, I doubt he’ll show up. Paul Heyman is more likely to show up and take an RKO from Orton, despite the “news” that Heyman may not be under contract because his picture and name weren’t used during the Draft. Considering Dave Meltzer is the source for most of this contract talk, I’m taking it with less than a grain of salt. This is the kickstart for the big Lesnar/Orton match and I can’t see Orton just talking and leaving or only taking out Y2J. This should be interesting.
Though a lot of this card is “meaningless” thanks to the Draft I don’t see that as a negative. On the contrary, I see this as one of the most unpredictable shows of the entire year. There’s no telling what exactly will happen, from heel/face turns to title changes, and I love it that way. Given that it is so wide open, creatively, I’m really looking forward to see how this show unfolds. We may not see an event like this is WWE for some time, or at least another year. There’s not a single match on the card I’m not looking forward to seeing, and that doesn’t happen all that often.
Steve Coulson: So on top of all of that, we have a Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho and his special guest Randy Orton. Cool. I don’t really have much else to say about it, except that I think Jericho gets nailed with a RKO. Will the Brock/Orton feud have much build? I’m not convinced it will, and I suppose it doesn’t need to. Just have Heyman (if he’s around) and Orton cutting promos before they meet up at Summerslam. Let’s not have them jumping from brand to brand please.
Anyway, the show itself looks very strong. A lot of the show might not have much meaning due to the draft, but I can genuinely say I’m looking forward to every announced match on the card, and several could end up great. Let’s just hope wacky booking doesn’t ruin what is sure to be a show that delivers.
There you go! Who do you predict will win the big ones? Be sure to let us know in the comments section. Don’t forget we will have quick results available at the conclusion of the show and a more detailed review of the event later on Monday!