Greetings. This week we’ll take a look at the WWE’s “Clash of Champions” pay per view. from top to bottom.
Universal Title Match
Seth Rollins (C) vs. Braun Strowman
I’m not sure if this match is slated to take place before or after Seth and Braun defending their tag straps against Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode, but I would anticipate that it will take place after the tag match.
If such is the case, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s some kind of screw up, or “malfunction at the junction” as the late, great Ed Whalen used to say, in which Seth and Braun lose the match (and their belts) and then have an acrimonious altercation afterward, which would nicely set the stage for their Universal title showdown.
In the Universal title match, I would have a pretty heated back and forth brawl, which eventually gets out of hand – perhaps with the referee getting bumped, which would result in some kind of chaotic pull apart, with all the wrestlers being summoned to break them up. That could set the stage for a hot re-match, perhaps in a cage, perhaps at Survivor Series.
WWE World Heavyweight Title Match
Kofi Kingston (C) vs. Randy Orton
Most experts are predicting that The Viper will be going over in this one and regaining the WWE Championship, which he’s held several times in the past.
That would be okay, I suppose, but Kofi continues to gain a following as the champion and by that token, it might not be a bad idea to leave the strap on him for a while, since Randy’s already established as an iconic superstar and Kofi needs the belt around his waist more than his opponent.
RAW Women’s Title Match
Becky Lynch (C) vs. Sasha Banks
This should be a terrific match, as both girls are at their peak and seem to have captured the imaginations of the so-called WWE Universe. It’s hard to tell who the face or heel is here, even though Sasha has just switched, while Becky’s supposedly a face, but is as disliked as she is liked.
All things considered, I’d be inclined to have Banks perpetrate some kind of dastardly deed and win the strap – which should gain her some needed serious heat, while garnering some sympathy for The Man, as well – all of which should set up a hot return, also likely at Survivor Series.
SmackDown Women’s Title
Bayley (C) vs. Charlotte Flair
Even though both of these girls are among the hardest working and most charismatic performers in the WWE, the lead-up to this match has been pretty tepid, in part because both Bayley and Charlotte have been cast as lukewarm heels, even though most fans seem to still prefer to take them as faces.
As for the outcome, I’m expecting Flair to go over, hopefully on a relatively straight finish – which might garner some heat for her and perhaps might result in Bayley reverting back to a face, which seems to suit her better, as well.
Roman Reigns vs. Erick Rowan
I’ve long been a fan of Erick, who’s been a hard working, dedicated heel, albeit quite underrated. As such, this should be a good match. As for the outcome, I’d be surprised if the Big Dog doesn’t go over pretty decisively in this one, although I wouldn’t rule out some type of interference by Daniel Bryan.
Intercontinental Title Match
Shinsuke Nakamura (C) vs. The Miz
While both Nak and the Miz are quite popular and over with the fans, for whatever reason this match hasn’t really captured anybody’s imagination and, sadly, tends to reflect how much the once coveted Intercontinental title has declined in prestige.
As for the outcome, I’m expecting the MIz – probably as a means to hype his television series (The MIz and Mrs) will likely emerge victorious here, hopefully on a straight, no bullshit attached finish.
RAW Tag Team Titles
Braun Strowman and Seth Rollins (C) vs. Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler
As I stated earlier, I’m kind of expecting an upset here, with Roode and Ziggler winning the straps, probably as the result of some kind of miscue by Strowman or Rollins – which then results in them having an acrimonious break up, which should, of course, nicely set the stage for their Universal title match later on in the card.
All things considered, something along those lines seems almost too predictable and begs the question why the hell Brawn and Seth are fighting against each other later on in the card, when they’re still the tag champs and have no prevailing issues or conflicts with each other either. Ours is not to reason why, I suppose.
Smackdown Tag Title Match
The New Day (C) vs. The Revival (Dawson & Wilder)
Even though all four of these guys are hard working, diligent types, for whatever reason, this match tends to pale in comparison to the RAW tag title match, which has a lot more attached to it.
Even so, this should be a decent match, which will probably be pretty short and to the point. As for the outcome, I’d be surprised if Big E and Xavier don’t go over.
Women’s Tag Team Title Match
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross (C) vs. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville
For whatever reason, I’m not all that excited about this match. That said, I, nonetheless, figure Alexa and Nikki will go over in short order, with a minimum of contrived b.s.
Cruiserweight Title Match
(Triple Threat Format)
Drew Gulak (C) vs. Lince Dorado vs. Humberto Castillo
While I have a lot of respect for the cruiserweights – most of whom are underrated, this match probably would have been better off if it had been saved for another occasion. Even so, it should be a pretty high energy, spectacular match, albeit probably with a few too many over choreographed high spots.
As for the finish, it’s pretty likely that Gulak will be retaining his belt.
That about sums up my outlook on the Clash of Champions show – hopefully it will live up to expectations.
Enjoy!