
Summerslam Predictions: Grudge Matches
By Rob Siebert
Fanboy Wonder
We continue this year’s Summerslam predictions with “grudge matches,” i.e. matches that are based on personal issues and not titles. We’ve actually got a couple of pretty good ones this year, including a match that’s been in the making for the better part of a decade.
Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin
Well, here we are again. I can’t say I was dying to see this one again. They obviously don’t see Finn Balor as a big priority right now. But the silver lining here is that he at least made the show. Unless the move this one to the pre-show. Which, come to think of it, is a real possibility.
I thought Finn would take the match at Extreme Rules, and that obviously didn’t happen. So I’m hoping he takes this one. It’s a far cry from becoming the first Universal Champion. But it’s better than nothing…
PREDICTION: Finn Balor
STIPULATION MATCH:
Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens
Winner keeps the Money in the Bank briefcase.
This is one of those instances where, for my money, a feud gets downgraded from one pay per view to another. At Extreme Rules, these two had a cage match. Here, they’re in a regular match. Granted, it’s got a hell of a stipulation attached to it. But it feels like this should have at least been a no-DQ match.
I wouldn’t have a problem with Owens taking the Money in the Bank contract away from Braun. He’d actually be a hell of a briefcase holder. But I really don’t think Braun should be losing a big match like this. Especially given the trouble he’s been having on TV lately with Jinder Mahal. God forbid his next pay per view match ends up being with Jinder…
Whoever wins this match is going to have eyes on them during the Brock Lesnar/Roman Reigns match. I’ve heard a few online pundits say a cash-in has to happen if that match is going to be even the least bit palatable. It may actually be the best chance they have, as I don’t see the Brooklyn crowd being happy about either Lesnar or Reigns walking out with the belt.
PREDICTION: Braun Strowman
Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz
This is a big one. It feels oddly rushed, considering how many years it’s been in the making. I suppose that’s just me wishing they’d have teased us a little more, and really built it to its boiling point.
The elephant in the room on this one is Daniel Bryan’s contract. It expires next month, and allegedly he hasn’t resigned. One would think then, that Miz takes this one. They could always swerve us and have Bryan take it, only to have Miz win a big match on television. But I’m thinking they want to give Miz a big win here. And frankly, he deserves it. I’d love to see this program catapult him into the WWE Title picture.
PREDICTION: The Miz
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