The WWE moves into the final weeks of 2016 as Monday Night Raw will present its final pay-per-view of year with Roadblock: End of the Line this Sunday.
Roadblock: End of the Line is highlighted by three title matches, including a 30-minute Ironman match between Sasha Banks and Charlotte. This show will set the stage for Monday Night Raw going into 2017 since most of the storylines, new and old, will pause for the remainder of the year while the company reduces the number of shows for the holidays. The biggest issue going into Roadblock: End of the Line is where do they go in regards to their major titles as ratings are dropping and interest in the WWE’s flagship show is dwindling.
Here are predictions for Roadblock: End of the Line and the reasoning behind those picks. Roadblock: End of the Line takes on Sunday with the main show beginning at 8 p.m. ET on the WWE Network and on pay-per-view.
Big Cass vs. Rusev
This feud all started because Cass’ tag partner Enzo Amore made fun of Rusev’s wife Lana and ultimately was invited to a hotel by “The Ravishing Russian.” A beating ensued as Rusev destroyed Enzo, which led to Big Cass stepping up to get revenge for his partner.
Not having Enzo fight his own battle makes him look weak, but this is what happens when Vince McMahon likes someone and he really likes Cass. Big Cass should have a good showing in this match, but he is still not ready for primetime as he will more than likely go down to “The Bulgarian Brute.”
Your winner, Rusev
Rich Swann (champion) vs. The Brian Kendrick vs. T.J. Swann (Triple Threat Match for the Cruiserweight Championship
Swann is the favorite in this match as this triple threat Cruiserweight match will attempt to steal the show on Sunday. Kendrick as the old, arrogant veteran works great as he is trying to get in the heads of both of his opponents. Perkins is still trying to find his place in the WWE as the fans like him, but there’s nothing great about his character. Swann is the opposite as the fans has taken to him due to his great in-ring ability and charisma.
It makes sense to have Swann retain the title that he just won two weeks ago. Kendrick received his run with the title and Perkins did as well. At this point, you have to present a dominant champion and not have the belts flip every other week like the Raw Women’s Title has been for months. Let Swann build a following and find that nasty heel that will destroy him when the time comes.
Your winner and still champion, Rich Swann
Sami Zayn vs. Braun Strowman
Can this storyline finally end? Strowman is a monster who is unstoppable and Zayn is the little guy that is being doubted. It’s an age old story in professional wrestling (sorry, sports entertainment) and in this story, it stinks. Mick Foley preventing Zayn from taking on Strowman for so long only to agree to put them together at the pay-per-view makes little sense if Foley was trying to protect him.
With Strowman dominating Zayn for so long, logic would say that Zayn would win this match but, logic is not big in the WWE. Strowman is seen as a future star in the WWE, while Zayn is being used as someone experience who can work with Strowman and show him how to work a good match.The night will not end with Zayn’s arm being raised in victory.
Your winner, Braun Strowman
Chris Jericho vs. Seth Rollins
Is it me or is Seth Rollins just not clicking as a good guy? The crowd cheers for him but it’s one of those cheers that is “we’re cheering because we know you’re the good guy.” Jericho , on the other hand, is receiving more cheers even though he is supposed to be a bad guy. When Jericho mentions “The List,” he gets more cheers than anyone in the company on any show.
Rollins wants Triple H after H cost Rollins the Universal Championship four months ago. We still have no explanation as to why Triple H did what he did and Rollins has finally gotten around to asking for his match against “The King of Kings.” Sunday may feature an appearance from Triple H, which could cost Rollins the match. Once again, that’s logic so don’t expect that to happen.
Your winner, Seth Rollins
The New Day (champions) vs. Sheamus & Cesaro for the Raw Tag Team Championship
The New Day broke the record for the longest reigning Tag Team Champions in WWE History this past Monday night. Now that they broke the record, the clock has started ticking as to when they will lose their titles and Sunday could be that night as they take Sheamus and Cesaro for the straps.
Sheamus and Cesaro have turned into a capable tag team after just being just thrown together. The fans has even taken to the group and the crowd reaction to the tag team has gotten louder and louder. With that said, I don’t see The New Day losing the titles right after breaking the record so quickly. It will happen soon, but not on Sunday.
Your winner and still champions, The New Day
Sasha Banks (champion) vs. Charlotte (30-Minute Ironman match for the Raw Women’s Championship
This feud HAS TO END on Sunday. You could only move the belt back and forth so many times between two people before the crowd starts to become numb to it and it has hit that point. Did Sasha have to win the title on Raw a few weeks ago? You couldn’t just set this match up without another title change? The WWE are advertising this match as the end of their feud and I will take the company at face value, but I predict that we will see another between the two in six months.
Sasha competed in a 30-minute Ironman Match against Bayley in NXT, which tore the house down, so there is no doubt that these two women will kill it on Sunday. The problem becomes who gets the belt going forward. Banks needs to be a heel and Charlotte needs a title as a Charlotte/Bayley feud is something that everyone wants to see. There has probably been many arguments among WWE writers as to who wins this match. Since Charlotte is undefeated at pay-per-views, it is a foregone conclusion.
Your winner and new champion, Charlotte
Kevin Owens (champion) vs. Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship
Kevin Owens has been Universal Champion for four months, but does anyone really care? Owens has been one of the most overshadowed champions in recent history as his reign has done nothing for him or the title. Enter United States Champion Roman Reigns, who is still getting booed by everyone and you have the probable main event for Roadblock.
Owens, for the sake of his character, needs to hold on to the Universal Title until at least late spring. Not WrestleMania or the April show but closer to the summer. This is the time that Owens needs to become a dominant champion and someone that fans can hate and despise. He wants to be that character and the WWE needs to take the reigns (no pun intended) off of Kevin Owens.
Your winner and still champion, Kevin Owens
What are your predictions for Roadblock: End of the Line ? Let us know in our comment section.
