On Sunday, the WWE presents Battleground. This Smackdown Live pay-per-view has a mix of both good and bad, as the show has not been as consistent as it was early on in the brand split. While the writing staff is hitting 8-for-10, those two non-hits have been terrible failures (both Jinder Mahal and the women’s division).
We will look at all the matches on the card and offer our predictions for the eight bouts. I will warn you, though, don't expect much analysis on the Cena Vs. Rusev match. I mean, is there any doubt that Cena will win? Anyway, let’s get started.
Tye Dillinger vs. Aiden English
Poor Tye Dillinger. With all the fanfare of his debut from NXT, it seems like the Smackdown Live writing crew has nothing for him. He is a good wrestler and decent on the microphone, but he’s gotten lost in the shuffle. Now he is probably going to be the curtain jerker (first match of the night) against Aiden English in either the pre-show or on the main show.
Dillinger wins this match because English is destined for WWE purgatory and that means WWE Superstars fame.
Your winner, Tye Dillinger
Sami Zayn vs. Mike Kanellis w/ Maria Kanellis
I am not going to lie; I kind of like the theme song for Mike and Maria Kanellis. The gimmick is cheesy, and I would have liked Mike to use his name (Bennett), but that theme song is catchy. Anyway, this feud came out of nowhere as Zayn has been doing nothing in the last few weeks.
In his first feud in the WWE, Kanellis should win the bout, which creates another problem. Sami Zayn is a forgotten entity in the WWE and for every match that he loses, the fans begin to care less and less about him. I am curious to see when his contract is up because if Zayn were to leave the company, I would not blame him. He had more success as El Generico on the indies and he wore a mask.
Your winner, Mike Kanellis
Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Natalya vs. Tamina vs. Lana (Fatal Five-Way, Winner becomes #1 contender for the Smackdown Live Women's Championship)
Why is Lana is championship matches? She has lost every title match she has been in and, oh yeah, SHE IS AWFUL. Other than that, this match could be a show-stealer as Charlotte, Natalya and Lynch will bring it in the match. They will carry Lana and Tamina through the match.
This match is a toss-up due to the way that the WWE has booked the Smackdown Live Women’s division. Lana received a title match out of nowhere and I would not put it past the writers to give the shot to Tamina, who cannot wrestle. I am going to go with a familiar name, but I am still not sure about this one.
Your winner, Natalya
AJ Styles (champion) vs. Kevin Owens for the United States Championship
Styles defeated Owens to win the U.S. Title at a house show at Madison Square Garden, which never happens. Now Owens gets his rematch at Battleground against Styles, who has turned into a fan favorite in the last couple of months. The problem with Styles losing this match is that a short title reign does him no good unless they plan on switching the belt between the two a few more times.
The U.S. Title has become the de facto number one title on Smackdown Live. With Jinder Mahal’s lackluster WWE Title reign and many of the big names going for the U.S. Title. I have no issue with that as the rumored match at Summerslam in August is A.J. Styles vs. John Cena once again.
Your winner and still United States Champion, A.J. Styles
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin
Nakamura is still finding his way on the main roster as he takes on “Mr. Money in the Bank” Baron Corbin. Like other matches on the card, this is a crapshoot because of the position of both men. Nakamura continues to win and needs to win to build momentum to become the star that he should be. Corbin has the Money in the Bank briefcase. To be taken seriously as a future champion, he needs to win matches.
In the past, the WWE has always had their Money in the Bank holders lose matches and then have them win the title out of nowhere. I think they will do that here.
Your winner, Shinsuke Nakamura
The Usos (champions) vs. The New Day for the Smackdown Tag Team Championship
While tag teams are not Vince McMahon’s favorite, I have been looking forward to this match. The rap battle was better than I thought it would be as The Usos brought their A game. Both teams are the perfect compliment to each other and have brought out the best in each other.
The New Day needs a win and the titles. Their schtick is getting a little old so the titles will rejuvenate their gimmick during their time in need. Even with a loss, The Usos will receive a rematch and the feud can continue but, The New Day needs this one.
Your winners and new Smackdown Tag Team Champions, The New Day
John Cena vs. Rusev (Flag Match)
Cena is back and will not lose to Rusev. That is all.
Your winner, John Cena
Jinder Mahal (champion) vs. Randy Orton (Punjabi Prison Match for the WWE Championship)
There isn't much to say about this match or this feud. It has fallen flat since Mahal became the number one contender and eventually won the title. Mahal as WWE Champion just isn't working, but Orton as champion is just annoying as hell and adds nothing to the title.
Throw in the fact that this match is taking place in the confines of the Punjabi Prison and this has all the makings of a crappy match. Nothing else to say about this match.
Your winner and still WWE Champion, Jinder Mahal
What are your predictions for WWE Battleground? Let us know in our comment section.
