There is no doubt that Roman Reigns is the top dog in WWE, but is the clock ticking?

The Tribal Chief garners all the attention whenever he’s out with The Bloodline. His presence oozes ‘superstar’ and the WWE Universe has indeed acknowledged him.

The ‘Head of the Table’ gimmick was a much-needed turnaround for Reigns. While WWE always viewed him as a main-eventer, the audience knew he was being forced on them for many years.

Back in the summer of 2020, Reigns turned heel and aligned with Paul Heyman. Eventually, he forced The Usos to join him and they formed The Bloodline faction.

Since then, Roman Reigns has become the top draw in WWE. He is the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

While WWE has been enjoying the success of the “Tribal Chief,” it may not last much longer. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reported that Reigns has signed a new contract for fewer dates.

Prior to the news breaking, Reigns spoke to fans during a house show in Trenton, New Jersey and said that he was entering a new phase in his career.

It’s also been reported that Reigns could be missing the June 5 Hell in a Cell show. With Reigns having fewer dates and the potential of Hollywood knocking on his door in the not-so-distant future, it’s left many wondering who could be the one to replace Reigns when the time comes.

For the five stars named here, we won’t be including the likes of Cody Rhodes or Drew McIntyre. They have already been established as big stars who are in their mid-30s. Instead, we’ll be taking a look at talent on the rise.

Let’s dive into five potential WWE Superstars to replace Roman Reigns:

Gable Steveson

WWE has high hopes for Gable Steveson. The Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling is signed to a WWE contract. While Steveson hasn’t had a match yet, he’s already gotten physical, giving Chad Gable an overhead belly-to-belly suplex at WrestleMania 38.

Very few are doubting that Steveson can become a great in-ring performer given his amateur wrestling background. The real question is, can he captivate the WWE audience with his personality?

So far, Stevenson has been purely presented as an athlete but he’ll need more than that to thrive in WWE.

Time is certainly on Gable Steveson’s side. He will turn 22 years old on May 31. He’ll be hard at work in the ring and in promo classes behind the scenes before he becomes a regular on WWE TV.

Theory

At least for now, Theory is Vince McMahon’s golden boy.

The reigning United States Champion has been pushed on TV as Vince’s new “chosen one.” WWE officials are high on Theory as he seems to attract younger viewers to Monday Night Raw, something the company has struggled with.

Some fans are struggling with Theory’s rise, however. The concern is that he’s a bit too generic on the mic and in the ring, at least when working the WWE style. Some feel Theory is being held back by heavily scripted promos and needs to be unchained similar to what happened with Reigns.

Theory is reportedly viewed as the next John Cena by Vince McMahon. The WWE United States Champion has even teased a SummerSlam match with Cena.

Solo Sikoa

This option would certainly be close to home for Reigns. Solo Sikoa is the younger brother of Jimmy and Jey Uso. He’s currently featured on the NXT 2.0 brand and it hasn’t taken him long to become a fan favorite on the show.

Being a member of the Anoai family certainly isn’t a bad thing when you’re a WWE superstar. At 29 years old, Sikoa isn’t the youngest guy on this list but he isn’t the oldest either. His size certainly fits the bill with WWE’s new initiative when looking to build stars.

If Sikoa develops fast enough, they may just have the perfect person to dethrone Reigns and possibly snap his brothers out of the mind control that the “Tribal Chief” has over them.

Madcap Moss

Madcap Moss is in the midst of a babyface push. After winning the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, Happy Corbin got jealous and the team ended up splitting. They had a one-on-one match at WrestleMania Backlash, which Madcap won.

While many within WWE feel Madcap has potential, he has some things working against him. WWE has had difficulty finding the right fit for Moss and even as a face, he has still retained his bad joke gimmick when he was with Corbin.

At the age of 32, Moss isn’t exactly a young prospect either. While he may not seem like the most appealing choice, don’t rule out WWE trying to tie the rocket ship to Moss’ back.

Bron Breakker

To many fans, this is the only option.

Bron Breakker just looks like he was born to be a WWE main eventer. The son of Rick Steiner hasn’t had a lot of experience but he’s already been impressive in the ring.

He certainly stands out above the other green talent that fills up NXT 2.0. Breakker made his WWE TV debut back in Sept. 2021 and he’s already a two-time NXT Champion.

He’s got an intimidating presence, has great facial expressions when selling, is as intense as they come, and can hold his own on the mic.

To top it off, Breakker will be 25 years old this October. He has all the ingredients to headline WrestleMania one day. It’s up to WWE to maximize his potential.

Whether that means replacing Roman Reigns remains to be seen.

In his final in-ring promo before leaving All Elite Wrestling, an impassioned Cody Rhodes addressed a rabid crowd in the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C. Standing in the center of the squared circle in his suit and tie, Cody shouted to be heard over the jeers and heckles, like a presidential candidate trying to sway a gathering of his biggest detractors. Throughout this 7- minute-long speech, Cody touched on his recent contract negotiations, the creation and evolution of AEW, and his complex relationship with the fans.

“You wanna ask why I won’t turn heel?” he screamed into the mic as his voice cracked under the emotional weight of the moment. “It’s because you cheered me when I needed it most. When it says, ‘There is more than one royal family in wrestling,’ I am talking about me and ALL OF US!”

Cody was referencing the continued calls from a large section of the AEW fanbase for him to “turn heel.” In wrestling terms, turning heel is when a good guy (the babyface) becomes a bad guy. It’s a role Cody has fulfilled to great success before, both in his previous (and potentially future) home of the WWE and in Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. But since signing with Tony Khan’s AEW in January 2019 as a wrestler and executive vice president (alongside Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks), Cody has always played the babyface.

This was clearly the correct decision in the beginning as the upstart wrestling promotion sought to establish itself on a national scale. As Cody stated in his Washington promo, he carried “every ounce of empty monopoly sentiment on his shoulders” and “held every grain of the revolution in his hands,” and the fans cheered him every step of the way. He was the blood-pouring, throne- smashing, flag-waving hero that helped launch the first serious alternative to WWE in decades.

Fans wanted to cheer him ever since his NWA World Title match against Nick Aldis at All In — the 2018 event that inspired the formation of AEW. That sentiment carried through to his classic encounter with his brother Dustin Rhodes at AEW’s first pay-per-view Double or Nothing and helped set the tone of Dynamite in its first few months on TNT through his feuds with Chris Jericho and MJF. While the company was rebuilding Hangman Adam Page and laying the early foundations for its future stars like Darby Allin, Jungle Boy, and Sammy Guevara, Cody was the one holding down the fort.

However, somewhere along the way, Cody went from the most beloved babyface in AEW to one of its most polarizing figures. As funny as it is to pretend it started when he got that ugly neck tattoo, it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact moment of the shift. You might look to the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 and how the loss of live crowds killed some of Cody’s luster. But that would be dismissing his incredible run as the first TNT Champion, where his open challenges were a weekly highlight, helping showcase up-and-comers like Ricky Starks and undervalued industry veterans like Eddie Kingston.

It wasn’t until Cody’s second run as TNT Champion and the return of live crowds that things started to feel different. Having taken time off to film the TBS game show The Go Big Show, Cody would make his return to Dynamite, adorned in a black suit, his trademark bleached blond hair replaced with a darker cut, looking like a lost member of My Chemical Romance. He quickly regained the TNT Title from the late Mr. Brodie Lee and just as quickly went back blond — perhaps the first sign of a character in the midst of an identity crisis.

Cody’s second reign as TNT Champion lacked the appeal of the open challenge era, with his matches often feeling more like time-stalling devices rather than compelling feuds with their own intent and purpose. And he would ultimately drop the title to Darby at the Full Gear ppv in November 2020. Everything that came next felt like a wild rollercoaster ride through Codyland, where you were never sure when the ride would stop or restart or leave you hanging upside down on a loop-the-loop.

Let’s briefly summarize Cody’s adventures in AEW since late 2020. He interacted with a debuting Sting but never followed up on what could have been a blockbuster dream match. There was a similarly intriguing feud set-up with Penta El Zero M that abruptly ended after a couple of weeks. He beefed with Shaquille O’Neal in a slew of awkward segments, despite the surprisingly entertaining match at the end of it. And how can we forget the seemingly never-ending saga with QT Marshall and the Nightmare Factory trainees that led to the uncomfortably jingoistic rivalry with British Olympian Anthony Ogogo? All the while, he was dipping in and out to shoot his various reality shows.

During this period, fans began referring to Cody’s matches and segments as the “Codyverse,” a mocking term used to describe how Cody’s parts of the show felt like they were happening in a bubble. He seemed disconnected from the rest of AEW, both in the tone of his segments and the way he never interacted on-screen with the company’s other top stars. While this was partly due to taking himself out of contention to challenge for the AEW World Title, it still felt odd not to see any interaction between Cody and The Elite or Hangman or even Jon Moxley, what many would describe as potential money feuds and matches.

With that storyline disconnect came fan disconnect. The audiences — at least those in the arenas following AEW’s return to touring in July 2021 — no longer had the same level of investment in Cody’s character as they did when AEW first started. It was fatigue brought on by underwhelming storylines, confusing character motivations, and semi-frequent disappearing acts. This was only exacerbated by the signing of big-name talents like CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and Adam Cole,

not to mention the growth of popular homegrown stars like Darby, Sammy, and Jungle Boy. The fans now had new heroes to cheer for and didn’t need Cody to fulfill that role like he did in the company’s early days.

And yet, Cody couldn’t let the fans go. Even as more and more people started to boo him, he tried to reel them back in. But the harder he tried, the louder the boos became. The crowds didn’t want All American, “undesirable to undeniable” babyface Cody anymore; they wanted despicable, shit- talking heel Cody. That’s why they cheered when Malakai Black arrived and kicked his head off. That’s why they applauded in agreement when Arn Anderson called him a coward. It was time for a change, just like when Kenny and the Bucks turned heel or when the Dark Order went the other way and became faces. AEW had a good track record of gauging crowd reaction and giving fans what they wanted, even if it meant adjusting, and so, that’s what was expected of Cody.

But Cody never gave the fans the satisfaction. Sure, he teased heel tendencies on several occasions and played up to it in front of particularly raucous crowds. His Homelander-like attire and elaborate, pyro-filled entrances, accompanied by an entourage that would make Madonna blush, fit the image of an obnoxious prick that believed he was the good guy when really he was the biggest villain of all. And many people, including myself, thought this was intentional. It seemed like Cody was leaning into this meta character arc and that eventually, he would morph into full heel mode and make the turn official.

As suggested in the title of this piece, I believe a Cody Rhodes heel run in AEW could have been one of the best of all time. And that’s because there was real justification behind it. In interviews, Cody has said that turning heel and going back on his word to the fans would have been too predictable. But predictable doesn’t necessarily have to mean bad. Sometimes, predictable is also logical, and there was logic and reasoning behind a Cody turn. The once adored hero the fans rejected in favor of the new shiny toys would create the kind of justifiable resentment to form the basis of a heel turn.

A pissed-off Cody turning his back on the fans because they turned on him first is so perfect that it’s almost shocking it never happened. His character could remain in the right while still acting like a dick and taking his animosity out on the AEW crowd favorites. That would mean proper heel versus babyface feuds with Hangman Page and Sting and Moxley and CM Punk. It would mean going back on his word and winning the AEW World Title, preferably with his wife Brandi (also better as a heel) by his side. The mileage of the Cody heel character and the potential dream matches was almost endless.

But we never got that, and perhaps never will, all because Cody refused to change his on-screen character. In interview after interview, Cody has firmly stood his ground when it comes to not turning heel. Many thought this was part of the meta-story arc and would only add to the impact of the turn when it eventually happened. However, it’s become clear now that Cody was being completely sincere. He said he would retire before turning heel, emphasizing that his role as a new father and the head of AEW’s community outreach program meant more to him than “doing heel stuff on TV.”

“I am not turning heel, and I’m not going back on my word to challenge for the title. That stuff was real,” he told Pop Culture in late 2021, echoing comments he’d made to a fan on Twitter earlier in the year when he said, “After a decade of honing my skills at this, and the last 3 – 4 years of such a strong and growing connection with my fans… I’d be a fool to throw it away and swim upstream.”

Yet, the last year of Cody’s career has felt like he was swimming against the current of what many fans wanted to see. Sure, with new parental responsibilities and increasing his charitable work, you can understand him wanting to be a role model on TV and continuing the pure babyface legacy of his father, Dusty Rhodes. And wrestling is this weird artform where performers often straddle the line between reality and fiction, putting a lot of their true selves into their characters, which is certainly the case for Cody. But there is such a thing as separating the art from the person, and people (fans and performers both) should be able to make that distinction.

Roman Reigns’ current run in WWE is the perfect example of how much a heel turn can improve a character. Like Cody, Roman faced backlash from fans who grew tired of the company shoving him down their throats. His babyface character had passed its use-by date. The heel turn reinvented Roman’s image while only increasing his popularity. The same thing happened back in 1996 when a stale Hulk Hogan turned to the dark side and launched the NWO, leading to one of the hottest angles in wrestling history. Even uber babyface and highest Make-A-Wish granter John Cena was ready to turn heel in the late 2010s (having custom heel gear made and everything) before Vince McMahon nixed the idea.

If John Cena, of all people, was willing to turn, why not Cody? It’s not as if he lacks awareness. Anyone that has seen his appearances on the AEW backstage vlogs will know that Cody can be very self-aware and self-deprecating. But turning heel is the one bridge he seems unwilling to cross. Is that because he views being a bad guy as a reflection of his true self? Can he not separate Cody Rhodes the character and Cody Runnels the man? Or maybe he’s just addicted to the adulation of the fans and unwilling to give that up; it could be why he set himself on fire and dressed up as Fuego II, just to receive that positive affirmation from the audience.

In many ways, Cody reminds me of the character Ace Spade from the Starz show Heels. The Stephen Amell drama series revolves around an independent wrestling promotion owned by brothers Jack and Ace Spade. Ace is a clean-cut babyface who the crowd absolutely adores until something happens that turns them against him. Try as he might to win them back over, Ace is met with rejection. Jack knows it’s time to turn his brother heel; the fans not only demand it, but Ace is good at it, a natural if you will. But Ace resists, believing the mere suggestion of turning heel is an attack on his personal character.

“You do not have to be an asshole to be a heel. You got to be able to take the heat if you’re a heel, and you need to learn how to separate you the character from you the person. You cannot take this shit home with you. And when you’re starting out… that is easier said than done.” – Jack Spade, Heels.

We don’t know the exact reasons Cody chose to part ways with AEW, but I’d be shocked if his refusal to turn heel didn’t at least contribute. If Tony wanted the heel turn and Cody didn’t, it’s reasonable to think that it led to creative clashes. It would also explain the disjointed booking over the past year, with this half-measure, heel-but-not-really Cody character, which had the air of a forced compromise where neither party was particularly satisfied. It’s why despite the Pedigree teases, the “Cody Sucks!” chants, and his wife entering through the heel tunnel, Cody would still cut babyface promos and primarily feud with bad guys. In turn, it led to a baffling character involved in awkward storylines, which diminished Cody’s stock as a main event talent to the point where Tony felt it wasn’t worth meeting Cody’s contract demands.

As of writing, Cody is a free agent, and rumors suggest he is likely WWE-bound. It’s a surprising development given that Cody was an EVP at AEW and had a significant role in birthing the company. But it becomes less surprising the more you look back at his actions on and off-screen over the past year. I’m sure WWE will offer him a major money contract — and good for him. At

the end of the day, it’s his choice and nobody can take that away from him. He will undoubtedly receive the hero’s welcome he so craves when he first makes his WWE return. But how long will those cheers last? Six months? A year? What happens if the crowd turns on him again and Vince McMahon wants him to turn heel? Without the executive title and backstage influence, he might not have a choice next time.

The past 18 months have had a huge impact on the professional wrestling scene internationally. Stars that would usually travel for much of the year have now had to work either local shows or be forced to semi-retire for the foreseeable future.

With the potential of the pandemic now getting to a somewhat controlled point, with vaccines being rolled out across the major hubs of independent wrestling, there’s a good chance that some of the biggest names on the indie scene will be able to work internationally once again.

Here are 5 of the names we want to see making the rounds again on the US, European and Australian scenes towards the end of the year and into 2022.

Chris Hero returns to the Indies?

Before Chris Hero re-signed with WWE back in 2017 as Kassius Ohno, he was regarded as one of the very best performers on the independent circuit. The Knockout Artist moved to NXT UK during his last stint with WWE, and he has a wealth of experience on the UK scene overall.

Chris Hero has not wrestled since March 2020 for the NXT UK brand, so a return to the UK independents, where he was a major star for PROGRESS and Rev Pro, would be more than welcome later this year.

Match we NEED to see: Chris Hero vs PROGRESS World Champion Cara Noir

Chelsea Green

The former WWE NXT Superstar was released from the company earlier this year and has been extremely active on social media. Recent appearances on Ring of Honor and IMPACT have shown that she is more than ready to get back out on the circuit, and there’s a ton of fantastic independent companies that could use the talents of Green.

GCW looks like it could be a great fit for Chelsea at some point; with her fiance Matt Cardona having just won the Game Changer Wrestling title, she could be brought in as part of a ‘GCW Universe’ stable to bring even more heat to the jacked Champion.

Match we NEED to see: Chelsea Green vs Mickie James

Charli Evans

The Medusa Complex (Charli Evans and NXT UK Superstar Millie McKenzie) were one of the most intriguing acts on the UK independent scene before the pandemic. McKenzie has since signed for WWE; however, Charli Evans is still an incredible performer in her own right. The Australian star has helped build PWA Black Label, Deathmatch Down Under and Newcastle Pro Wrestling in 2021.

There’s still a wealth of opportunities for Evans on the UK circuit, with the former Pro Wrestling: EVE Tag Team Champion (along with Millie) looking like an ideal fit for the next generation of UK talents such as Lizzy Evo, Kanji, Gisele Shaw and Mercedez Blaze.

Match we NEED to see: Charli Evans vs PROGRESS Women’s Champion Kanji

Drew Parker

Drew Parker was a promising UK performer when he made the jump to Japan. That was several years ago, and the Deathmatch specialist has proven that the expectation levels were right for the current GCW Ultraviolent and BJW Death Match Heavyweight Champion.

There is a renaissance of Deathmatch wrestling across the globe (although we Deathmatch fans would say it never went away). Parker could be a mainstay with the likes of TNT Wrestling in the UK, who have a wealth of Deathmatch talent on their roster and seem to be cornering the market on the style in the United Kingdom.

Match we NEED to see: Drew Parker vs TNT Extreme Division Champion Clint Margera

Mickie James

One of the most important performers in Women’s wrestling history is back on the free market and looking to prove once again why she is up in the pantheon of greats. Not that Mickie James needs to prove anything, but the former WWE Women’s Champion could be a fantastic fit on both the European and Australian indie scenes.

With the aforementioned current crop of Women’s talent in the UK, James could be having some blow-away matches against some of the EVE, Rev Pro and PROGRESS talent. Gisele Shaw looks like she would be a top draw opponent for Mickie, with the Rev Pro Women’s Champion building herself up as the Quintessential performer on the UK circuit right now.

Match we NEED to see: Mickie James vs Revolution Pro Women’s Champion Gisele Shaw

Samoa Joe was perhaps the biggest name to be released by WWE last week as part of the company’s latest round of cost-cutting.

Whilst many fans and critics were completely shocked about the former TNA and ROH World Champion being released; WWE would’ve had fair reason.

Well hopefully they would’ve had fair reason and not just the petty usual stuff.

• Edge Reveals Why He Chose To Adopt ‘Tweener’ Character for WrestleMania 37
• Jim Ross Can’t Understand Why This Superstar Never Turned Heel

Check out the video below and let us know if you agree or disagree with my reasoning for defending WWE somewhat in their decision to release Samoa Joe.

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The WWE NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver event is taking place over the course of two nights. Night 1 took place yesterday, Wednesday April 7th (airing on USA Network).

Tonight’s show, Thursday, April 8th will be available to watch via Peacock and WWE Network for International fans.

WWE had already announced the main events of both nights that take place in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. WWE NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai vs. Raquel Gonzalez headlined the first night, with Gonzalez winning the Championship for the first time in her career.

WWE NXT Champion Finn Balor vs. Karrion Kross will main event tonight, with Balor putting his Championship on the line.

This show marks the second special for the yellow brand in 2021, which features a stacked lineup. As a reminder, we will be providing ongoing coverage of tonight’s show throughout.

Here’s the full card for Night 2 of the event:

NXT Takeover Stand & Deliver: Night 2

• Unsanctioned Match – Kyle O’Reilly vs Adam Cole
• NXT Championship Match – Finn Balor (c) vs Karrion Kross
• Undisputed NXT Cruiserweight Championship Ladder Match – Jordan Devlin vs Santos Escobar
• NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship Match – Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon vs The Way
• NXT North American Championship Match – Johnny Gargano (c) vs Bronson Reed

Here are Jake’s predictions for the second night of WWE NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver:

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The WWE NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver event will take place over the course of two nights, tonight Wednesday, April 7th (airing on USA Network) and Thursday, April 8th (Peacock broadcast). 

The company has already officially announced the main events of both nights that take place in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. WWE NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai vs. Raquel Gonzalez will headline the first night while WWE NXT Champion Finn Balor vs. Karrion Kross will go down the following night. 

This show marks the second special for the yellow brand in 2021, which features a stacked lineup. As a reminder, we will be providing coverage of this special on both nights.

Here’s the full card for Night 1 of the event:

Stand & Deliver: Night 1

• WWE NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai vs. Raquel Gonzalez
• MSK vs. Grizzled Young Veterans vs. Legado del Fantasma for the Vacant NXT Tag Team Titles
• WWE NXT UK Champion WALTER vs. Tommaso Ciampa
• Bronson Reed, Dexter Lumis, Cameron Grimes, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Leon Ruff, and LA Knight – Gauntlet Eliminator Match
• Pete Dunne vs KUSHIDA

Here are Jake’s predictions for the opening night of WWE NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver – MINUS Pete Dunne vs KUSHIDA…because honestly someone forgot it was on the card tonight.

Pete Dunne to win by the way.

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Welcome to Women’s Wrestling Focus, the show talking all thing’s women’s wrestling! Hosted by: Ella Jay of A Wrestling Gal Podcast.

From WWE & AEW to the independent circuit and all around the world, Women’s Wrestling Focus (WWF) looks to explore and showcase the past, present, and future of women’s wrestling! This first edition discusses the predictions and potentials at stake for the WWE women at WrestleMania 37.

Check out the very first episode of Women’s Wrestling Focus with Ella Jay below:

Asuka Returns To In-Ring Action On WWE Raw

Here’s the current Women’s matches that are likely for WrestleMania 37 on April 10/11:

• WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship Match – Sasha Banks (c) vs Bianca Belair (CONFIRMED)
• WWE RAW Women’s Championship Match – Asuka (c) vs Charlotte Flair (LIKELY)
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match – Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler vs ?

As you can see there’s not currently much in the way of Women’s representation as we head to WrestleMania. Hopefully the card will have more bouts confirmed after this Sunday’s WWE Fastlane event from the ThunderDome.

What would you like to see us produce for video content on YouTube going forward? Let us know in the comments

Jake Jeremy looks at Paul Heyman’s recent bombshell remark that The Rock called him to set up a match with Roman Reigns at WWE WrestleMania.

Check out our opinion editorial video below and let us know if you think The Rock will return to WWE at some point and challenge Roman Reigns.

For context, Paul Heyman recently made the following comments in an interview with GiveMeSport.

“If I could show you one day’s worth of text messages, emails and calls that come into my phone from some of the biggest superstars in sports and entertainment on this planet, it would blow your mind” Heyman stated.”

“Crossover celebrities in their prime would love to step into a WrestleMania ring with Roman Reigns. It’s not just Dwayne Johnson. The Rock is just one of many. Top stars in many sports are yearning for the publicity, the notoriety, fame, legacy and money of main eventing WrestleMania with Roman Reigns.”

Roman Reigns himself has commented on the possibility of this match in the past.

“He’s the biggest box-office attraction for the big screen. So, to be able to take that and match it up with the biggest box-office attraction in sports entertainment, I think some magic would be made.”

Check out the full article for this story below:

• Paul Heyman Says The Rock Contacted WWE For Roman Reigns WrestleMania Match

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On the February 26^th edition of WWE SmackDown, Women’s Royal Rumble winner Bianca Belair selected Sasha Banks as her WrestleMania 37 opponent. With over 6 weeks of build-up and with two women at the top of their game, this match should headline night one of WrestleMania 37 on April 10^th

Bianca Belair battled in the Women’s Royal Rumble for almost an hour, entering at number 3 and winning the match. At the same time Sasha Banks fought of Carmella, ending the storyline she was involved in leading up to the Rumble. Since then, it had been rumored that Bianca would choose Sasha as her opponent at WrestleMania.

The two have been involved in tag-team action up until last Friday and are now set to enter their own feud leading up to the big showdown. The only previous time a women’s match headlined WrestleMania was in 2019, but this matchup has all the makings to be a lot better and holds the potential to be a main event that lives long in the memory.

Bianca Belair & Sasha Banks

With the benefit of WrestleMania being spread of two nights again, there is more opportunity for exposure and appreciation. Edge and Roman Reigns will deservedly be the main event for night 2 of WrestleMania, but Bianca and Sasha have just as much claim to also close out the show.

Bianca has only been a part of the main roster since last year’s WrestleMaina, where she was put with the Street Profits, but her meteoric rise since has been admirable. After being transferred to the blue brand of WWE, Bianca has been involved in exciting feuds with Billie Kay and Natalya as well as representing SmackDown at Survivor Series. She then went on to become the second-ever African American Superstar to win the Royal Rumble, lasting a total 57 minutes in the match.

On the other hand, we have Sasha Banks, who has finally been given the opportunity to hold on to the Women’s Championship belt for a sustained period of time. After a lengthy back-and-forth with the company, Sasha stayed with WWE despite there being rumours she was set to leave the promotion. The Boss entered a memorable feud with long-time best friend Bayley, from whom she captured the SmackDown Women’s Championship from at the 2020 Hell in a Cell pay-per-view.

Prior to this defence, Sasha had lost all of her title matches where she held the belt going into the match. After beating Bayley in the rematch, she ended a drought of unsuccessful defences with a main roster singles title, finally opening up a new chapter in her era of being champion.

With the match now made official, we have just over a month until WrestleMania where both women have the opportunity to prove why they should be headlining one of the nights.

Both Sasha and Bianca’s promo-cutting skills are only bettered by their in-ring abilities, providing us with a plethora of entertainment. May the best woman win.

WWE is finally starting to make inroads into one of the largest untapped market they have for their product, India. Known for being the second most populous country in the world with 1.4 Billion people, India has long been one of the markets many companies have tried to enter. Given the large population, capturing even a tiny percentage of the market enables the company to reach another level.

With the WWE Superstar Spectacle, WWE hosted one of their first televised events directed completely towards their Indian audience.

What WWE knows, and what not too many viewers know, is that WWE already has a large ready-made market in India. When it comes to viewership, WWE is second only to cricket, a sport that has been compared to a religion for many Indians. The large portion of the WWE audience in India is young and it’s a burgeoning audience. However, the biggest challenge that WWE will face in the country is breaking down societal  and cultural barriers.

WWE is not widely accepted in Indian culture because the violence in the genre lends it a taboo quality that’s difficult to overcome. Thus, while large portions of the Indian audience are watching WWE, the same audience are not discussing it openly among themselves as the do cricket in fear of being judged. Getting acceptance among Indian audience will be the first and biggest step for the company.

The Indian WWE fanbase, however, can be divided into two broad categories – casual fans and smart fans.

WWE’s Indian Fanbase

Much like the rest of the world, India has a diehard smart fanbase for WWE, who not only follow RAW and SmackDown, but NXT as well, while also seeing the documentaries released by the company on their network.

With a massive broadcast partner in the form of Sony Sports Network, WWE is broadcast live, as well as repeated throughout the day at prime times, given the interest the product has garnered.

The second more casual fan may not regularly watch the shows religiously, but they tune in t times and add to the viewership tremendously, simply because of how many of them there are.

For example, according to reports by Economic Times, WrestleMania 33 had a massive reach across all their channels with repeats included of 67.3 million viewers. When it comes to consumption of WWE on YouTube, India ranks first as well. According to another report from The Bridge last year, WWE weekly shows attract a total of 335 million unique viewers over a whole week.

In 2018, WWE made the brave and controversial decision of deciding to push Jinder Mahal, someone who had only been treated as a jobber before. The move was an obvious one to pander to Indian fans, but it was not as successful as WWE hoped. While Mahal did appeal to the fans, the fact that he was a heel, that he had a stereotypical Indian gimmick, and that he was made Champion out of nowhere and with no apparent build all worked against him.

What WWE had failed to note, is that back in the day, they had already cracked the Indian equation with a giant. Mahal found success and pushed the WWE market in India more, but he himself did not find the same popularity that his predecessor had.

The Role of Indian Pro Wrestlers

When The Great Khali first came to WWE, he was fierce and known for his huge height. The fact that he used those attributes to run over his opponents, including the likes of Batista, The Undertaker, and Triple H, made him a convincing character. He was someone the fans could understand and get behind and they did in force. His popularity sky rocketed until he was a household name and every Indian knew of him, in the same manner they know of The Rock, John Cena, or Hulk Hogan.

Even more interestingly, when his weaknesses and slowness became more apparent and his push disappeared, his popularity in the Indian market didn’t. He is still famous and an extremely beloved figure among Indian fans. As a result, the natural push he got could be a lesson to WWE, as it was clear that much like the rest of the world, Indians like representation on the biggest stage, but only when it’s not forced.

That’s exactly the chance WWE has with their newest crop of stars at the WWE Superstar Spectacle.

WWE Superstar Spectacle

The recent Superstar Spectacle was huge for India and quite a lot of people tuned in, as it was the first time that WWE was shown taking active and real interest in the Indian wrestling scene. There was a lot of support there, but at the same time, people were worried the Idian show might be nothing more than another Saudi Arabia, where WWE panders to the fans and leaves and the Indian stars find no standing outside India.

However, those following the product know this is not the whole case as WWE is actively trying to make India their base of operations in Asia and that’s something that is appreciated. Superstar Spectacle allowed a lot of young stars to shine through, with Guru Raaj, Jeet Rama, Sareena Sandhu, Indus Sher, Dilsher Shanky, and Giant Zanjeer, all being appreciated by the fans for their performances. If WWE can continue to book them so strongly, and find others like them, then they might have found a huge launchpad for their product in India.

At this time, they have everything in their control, and it depends on how they plan to develop. Given the proper push, they could find themselves sitting with a massive market share in the country.

All Elite Wrestling returns to the pay-per-view arena this weekend with their AEW Full Gear show from Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.

The top matches heading into this Saturday’s AEW show are Chris Jericho vs. Cody for the AEW World’s Heavyweight Championship and an unsanctioned “Lights Out” match between Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley.

A Closer Look At AEW Full Gear Lineup

Other championship action at AEW Full Gear this weekend includes a three-way match for the AEW World Tag-Team Championships, as SoCal Uncensored defends against The Lucha Brothers and Private Party, and a singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship, with Riho defending against Emi Sakura.

Also scheduled this Saturday night is The Young Bucks vs. Santana & Ortiz, “Hangman” Adam Page vs. PAC and Joey Janela vs. Shawn Spears (with Tully Blanchard), as well as a “Buy-In” pre-show match featuring Dr. Britt Baker vs. Bea Priestley.

SEScoops.com Round Table Writers For AEW Full Gear

As is the case before every major pay-per-view event, SEScoops.com compiles a handful of pro wrestling journalists to provide their in-depth insight and analysis into each match scheduled on the card in our SEScoops.com Predictions Roundtable feature.

Joining us for this AEW Full Gear installment will be veteran staff writers Ian Carey, Andrew Ravens and Jeff Moss.

Without further adieu, let’s take a look at our official AEW Full Gear Predictions.

Buy-In Pre-Show: Britt Baker vs. Bea Priestley

Ian Carey: I’m a little torn on this one. Baker just lost to Riho and they will likely want to rehab her from that but on the other hand, Bea Priestley seems like the biggest star they have in the division. They have to push her to a shot at Riho, right? It’s also weird this is on the preshow considering the role Baker seems to have and the rivalry that’s been brewing. I’m picking Bea but I’m not super confident about it. (Prediction: Bea Priestley)

Andrew Ravens: I think this is a pretty easy pick from all of the matches on the card. Baker should and will win. She is being groomed as a top star under the AEW banner in the women’s division. Outside of Riho, she is their biggest women’s talent that they have. I like this matchup, which will be a fun match. (Prediction: Britt Baker)

Jeff Moss: What’s interesting about this match is that Britt Baker, sorry, DOCTOR Britt Baker is a dentist, and AEW managed to go almost a whole show without mentioning it! Seriously though, Baker has a bit of payback to exact over the concussion she suffered courtesy of Priestly at Fight For The Fallen, so there’s a grudge to be settled here. With that said, I’d take Baker — who is totally a dentist — in this one, for the best reason of all: Revenge. (Prediction: Britt Baker)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Britt Baker

Shawn Spears vs Joey Janela

Ian: Both of these two need wins. Actually, I’m not certain Janela actually needs to win his matches to be popular but all the same. Spears has one singles win against Michael Nakazawa but it seemed like they would push him harder than they have after he aligned with Tully Blanchard. Perhaps, Full Gear will be the start of a winning streak for Spears. I wouldn’t be that surprised to see Janela pull off an upset though. (Prediction: Shawn Spears)

Andrew: A late addition to the card and this is just a random thrown together match that I’m not sure why was added than other to fill time. They have no program but will be wrestling with each other. Following his match with Cody Rhodes at All Out, Spears has fallen off a cliff on television and seems to have no direction. I think a cheap win can get him back on track. (Prediction: Shawn Spears)

Jeff: Another match that has the potential to get bloody, fast. I can’t stress how much I’m enjoying Asshole Tye Dillinger. Just being associated with Tully Blanchard makes him even more snake-like in my book. That said, Joey Janela is hardcore. I’d rather see Spears go over here, mainly so he doesn’t find himself back in an enhancement talent role, so we’ll see how things shake out. (Prediction: Shawn Spears)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Shawn Spears

SCU vs. The Lucha Bros vs. Private Party

Ian: After Private Party won the bronze medal match against Dark Order this week, they were added to this match here. Triple threats are great for having a team win without them having to actually beat another team. For that reason, expect SCU to get the pin over Private Party and not the Lucha Bros, that way Pentagon and Fenix stay in the tag title picture. I’m predicting a successful title defense for SCU, followed by a post-match beatdown by the Lucha Bros, followed by a run-in save by Christopher Daniels. (Prediction: SoCal Uncensored)

Andrew: Since SCU just won the titles, I don’t see why a title change would take place here. They have a built-in story with SCU vs. The Lucha Brothers but since they made it a three-way, I think they didn’t want Lucha to eat the loss but wanted to continue this story. Thus, they put Private Party in the contest for them to take the fall. With that said, SCU should and will retain the straps here. (Prediction: SoCal Uncensored)

Jeff: SCU just won the titles on Dynamite, so I can’t see them dropping them so quickly here. I expect them to win, but the Lucha Brothers will do something spectacularly dangerous, if for no other reason than to upstage the Bucks in their match. Adding Private Party to the mix here adds an element of the unknown, but regardless, the titles stay put. (Prediction: SoCal Uncensored)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, SCU

Riho vs. Emi Sakura (AEW Women’s Title)

Ian: As much as we’d all love a Freddie Mercury cosplayer as champion, it feels as though the belt will stay on Riho here. Riho garners such sympathy whenever she takes a move that I have to imagine she’ll eventually drop the title to one of the divisions larger women, such as Awesome Kong or Nyla Rose or possibly to Bea Priestley. I just can’t see her dropping it here. (Prediction: Riho)

Andrew: Riho wins. This is a no brainer as Riho is a big fan favorite especially with women and young girls. The ratings back that up. Sakura is a talented star but is still unknown to most fans who watch the AEW product. It will be interesting to see if fans in attendance believe any of Sakura’s offense against Riho. (Prediction: Riho)

Jeff: I honestly didn’t know much about Riho when she first won the Women’s title, but I’ve grown quite fond of her. As we watch Brandi Rhodes slowly descend into madness, I like the idea of Riho establishing herself as a champion. This will be a really fast, cool NJPW match between two rising stars in North America, but in the end Riho retains. (Prediction: Riho)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Riho

Hangman Page vs. PAC

Ian: So between the match they had in England and the match they had on Dynamite, these two are 1-1 against each other. The thing with Page is, he’s not going back to the world title picture anytime soon, at least I don’t think. It feels like Page chasing the title is a long-term plan, whereas they want PAC in the title picture soon. For that reason, I think PAC gets the win and moves closer to a title shot. (Prediction: PAC)

Andrew: So between the match they had in England and the match they had on Dynamite, these two are 1-1 against each other. The thing with Page is, he’s not going back to the world title picture anytime soon, at least I don’t think. It feels like Page chasing the title is a long-term plan, whereas they want PAC in the title picture soon. For that reason, I think PAC gets the win and moves closer to a title shot. (Prediction: PAC)

Jeff: Honestly? I’d watch PAC fight a potted plant and call it match of the year. The dude is practically unrecognizable from his NXT Champion days, and twice as entertaining. British Strong Style? More like BASTARD PAC STYLE. He’s the next contender for the AEW title in my mind, so I’d expect him to win decisively and brutally here. (Prediction: PAC)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, PAC

The Young Bucks vs. Santana & Ortiz (AEW Tag Titles)

Ian: After dropping the semi-final of the tag tournament to Private Party, it feels like the Young Bucks could use a big win here. A loss for Santana and Ortiz this early after debuting isn’t great but losing to the Young Bucks never hurts anyone too hard. I’m fairly certain both of these teams will be in the title chase not long after this PPV. (Prediction: The Young Bucks)

Andrew: This is one of the hardest matches to pick as Santana and Ortiz should win and will likely do so but The Young Bucks lost at All Out and then in the Tag Team Title Tournament so they need a big win. I will take Santana and Ortiz only because they are part of the Inner Circle as Jake Hager could cause a distraction for the win. (Prediction: Santana & Ortiz)

Jeff: This should be a really fun match, with lots of hard hits, high flies, and of course tassels. The Bucks know how to put on a show, and Santana & Ortiz were one of the highlights of TNA (I’m told). This is a great match to forward the Elite Vs Inner Circle feud that’s taking over AEW storylines, so while the stakes aren’t that high on paper, overall it should have some impact. I have to take the Bucks in this one. (Prediction: The Young Bucks)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, The Young Bucks

Jon Moxley vs. Kenny Omega (Unsanctioned “Lights Out” Match)

Ian: This is a tough one to pick because it seems like AEW will want to push both of these guys into the world title scene sometime soon. Omega has lost to PAC and Jericho already and probably can’t afford another loss. Moxley hasn’t lost yet but did go to a time-limit draw with PAC. I think it makes sense for Omega to get the win and then we get a triple threat with these two and PAC with the winner earning a title shot. Otherwise, Omega is really going to have a hard time making up for some of these early losses. (Prediction: Kenny Omega)

Andrew: This is going to be a fun match but a more interesting finish to it as both guys need to win. Yes, Moxley has been more protected than Omega up to this point and could eat a pinfall but I see Moxley heading to the world title picture quicker than Omega. I think Omega will lose here but I don’t agree with it. Prior to the launch of AEW, Omega was booked as a bigger deal and to the hardcore fans, he still is but in the eyes of the casual fans, he’s a top mid-card guy, which isn’t good. Moxley goes over. (Prediction: Jon Moxley)

Jeff: It’s been months in the making and this match is the leading candidate for match of the night for me. This should include some crazy spots, hardcore action and I’d expect a whole bunch of blood. If I had my way this match would be the official “Return of the Cleaner” and let Kenny Omega go full Omega on the guy who would take it the best (non-PAC division) Jon Moxley. I wonder if they will put this match on last, or save it for the title bout? At any rate, Kenny Omega will (and needs) the win here. (Prediction: Kenny Omega)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Kenny Omega

Chris Jericho vs. Cody (AEW World Title)

Ian: Well, up until Dynamite this week I would have said that Jericho is winning this match but now that’s all up in the air. Cody’s announcement that if he doesn’t beat Jericho then he’ll never challenge for the title again changes things. It’s possible Cody could lose and just decide he doesn’t want to ever book himself to win the title or he could win and become the 2nd ever champion. I’m betting he wins the title but then loses it back to Jericho fairly quickly after, similar to what his Dad used to do with Ric Flair. (Prediction: Cody)

Andrew: This is the rightful main event and the right #1 contender to the AEW World Title. While Rhodes is an executive in the company, he was the right star to be chosen for this spot at the moment. His win record backs that up and since AEW puts a focus on it, this was the right call. This has been a great build-up as both guys are great talkers and while it might not be the best match on the card, it will live up to expectations. There’s no reason to take the title off of Jericho right now as he’s the biggest star that AEW has right now. I don’t like the stipulation that Rhodes added as that means there will have to be a screw job finish to this contest. (Prediction: Chris Jericho)

Jeff: If the fact that Chris Jericho is universally beloved “Shampiown” right now, and Cody is the EVP of the company weren’t enough to telegraph the result of this match, adding a “I’ll never challenge for it again” stipulation certainly seals the deal. Who wins then? Well, I’d expect Cody to win, but Jericho to keep the title in what will assuredly be a DQ, run-in and outside interference filled match. (Prediction: Cody via DQ)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Cody

AEW Full Gear Predictions Outro

What do you think about Ian, Andrew and Jeff’s picks for Saturday’s matches? How do their above picks compare to yours? Let us know by sharing your own AEW Full Gear predictions in the “Comments” section below.

Join us here at SEScoops.com throughout the weekend for the best coverage of AEW Full Gear news, rumors and spoilers.

Make sure to stop by on Saturday night for the absolute fastest and most-detailed, live AEW Full Gear results coverage on the web!

Until next time …

WWE Crown Jewel 2019 Predictions Opener

WWE returns to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for their WWE Crown Jewel 2019 pay-per-view from King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and as always, SEScoops.com is your number one destination on the web for the most comprehensive coverage leading into a significant pro wrestling event.

The WWE Crown Jewel 2019 show on Thursday marks the second event WWE has promoted under the “Crown Jewel” chronology, and marks the fourth event WWE will be holding as part of their ten-year partnership in support of Saudi Vision 2030.

A Closer Look At WWE Crown Jewel 2019 Lineup

WWE Crown Jewel features an absolutely stacked card loaded with “special attraction” matches such as former UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez making his WWE in-ring debut against the man he defeated to become the king of UFC’s Heavyweight division, current WWE Champion Brock Lesnar.

The Lineal Boxing Heavyweight Champion of the World Tyson Fury will also step into the squared circle for his WWE in-ring debut, as he meets Braun Strowman in a one-on-one showdown at the event.

Also on tap in a main event featured-attraction bout at WWE Crown Jewel 2019 is a “Falls Count Anywhere” match where there must be a winner, as Seth Rollins defends the WWE Universal Championship against “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt.

Rounding out the card will be a Team Hogan vs. Team Flair five-on-five match, a nine-team Tag-Team Turmoil Match for the WWE World Cup and a 20-man Battle Royal with the winner facing AJ Styles later in the show in a one-on-one match for the WWE United States Championship, the first-ever women’s match in Saudi Arabia with Lacey Evans taking on Natalya, and WWE’s first Saudi Superstar Mansoor will challenge Cesaro.

The Crew Analyzing & Breaking Down WWE Crown Jewel Matches

As is the case before every major pay-per-view event, SEScoops.com compiles a handful of pro wrestling journalists to provide their in-depth insight and analysis into each match scheduled on the card in our SEScoops.com Predictions Roundtable feature.

Joining us for this WWE Crown Jewel 2019 installment will be myself, Matt Boone, as well as fellow veteran staff writers Ian Carey and Andrew Ravens.

Without further adieu, let’s take a look at the SEScoops.com predictions for WWE Crown Jewel 2019.

20 Man Battle Royal For Shot At U.S. Title

Matt Boone: Advertised to compete in this match, where the winner faces AJ Styles later in the show for the WWE United States Championship are: Apollo Crews, Buddy Murphy, Andrade, Drake Maverick, Eric Young, Luke Harper, Cedric Alexander, Heath Slater, Humberto Carrillo, No Way Jose, 24/7 Champion Sunil Singh, Mojo Rawley, Erick Rowan, R-Truth, Sin Cara, Brian Kendrick, Titus O’Neil, Tony Nese, Akira Tozawa, and Shelton Benjamin. What a tough pick. I’d love to see a number of these guys one-on-one against “The Phenomenal One” later in the broadcast for a potential “show-stealer” performance. With that in mind, I’ll go with Buddy Murphy for the win. Who knows! (Prediction: Buddy Murphy)

Ian Carey: This is a complete crap shoot. The person who wins will likely just be in line to lose to AJ Styes shortly after. So it’s likely going to be a babyface so there is a heel vs babyface dynamic in the US title match. Sin Cara, Apollo Crews, and R-Truth are possibilities. Buddy Murphy is another possibility. To be honest, I have no idea if Murphy is a heel or babyface but he could certainly have a great match with Styles! (Prediction: Buddy Murphy)

Andrew Ravens: There is a lot of filler in this match with only a few guys who I can see winning the match. While Andrade and Erick stick out as the top names in this match, both guys are heels. This would make for an odd selection to face AJ Styles since he’s a heel. Thus, they are not an option. I’m taking Cedric Alexander here as he’s a face that WWE has done something with over the last few months although his push has halted. Plus, he has a history with Styles. (Prediction: Cedric Alexander)

CONSENSUS: Buddy Murphy (2-1)

Tag-Team Turmoil For 2019 WWE World Cup

Matt: This one will feature nine WWE tag-teams vying to determine who the best duo in the business is today. The teams competing for the 2019 WWE World Cup in this tag-team turmoil match are The New Day vs. The Viking Raiders vs. Heavy Machinery vs. Lucha House Party vs. Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins vs. The Revival vs. The O.C. vs. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode vs. The B-Team. In a complete shot-in-the-dark, because much like the battle royal, I could see 100 different people coming out on top in this one, I’ll go with the safe pick. (Prediction: The New Day)

Andrew: It seems like every time that WWE holds an event in the country there has to be some sort of gimmick match. This fills that gap. It’s whatever though because unless your name is Shane McMahon then does it matter who wins this match? Does Braun Strowman even have his trophy from last year? Okay, I’ll take The New Day to win because they’re the top tag team in this match. (Prediction: The New Day)

Ian: This match has to go to the Viking Raiders. They are the monster tag team WWE is buiding right now so there is no way they will get pinned in this match. Granted, last time WWE had a tag team turmoil match they were able to get the Raiders out by having them go to a double count-out with the O.C. So something weird could happen but it just seems to be this is a good opportunity to showcase arguably the top team in the company. Expect the Revival and New Day to do something to build to their title match on Friday’s Smackdown as well. (Prediction: Viking Raiders)

CONSENSUS: The New Day (2-1)

Mansoor vs. Cesaro

Matt: See, we have Saudi Superstars, too! In what feels like a clear showcase of the man WWE is heavily promoting as “WWE’s First Saudi Superstar,” I can’t see Mansoor losing here. With Cesaro involved, however, I can see Mansoor looking like 1,000,000 bucks in this one. (Prediction: Mansoor)

Andrew: Who cares? Okay, with us giving picks and all, it’s pretty easy to see who will win this contest. This marks Mansoor’s second match on WWE pay-per-view and with it being in Saudi Arabia, which is the only time he’s basically booked, he should go over in this contest. (Prediction: Mansoor)

Ian: WWE didn’t really capitalize much off Mansoor’s battle royal win on a previous Saudi show but he’ll be in single’s action here. Cesaro is an excellent opponent for Mansoor as he will be able to give him a good match. Mansoor will win here but don’t expect it to lead to anything for him after, as the last time he won on a Saudi show pretty much led to nothing at all… aside from this match here several months later. (Prediction: Mansoor)

CONSENSUS: Mansoor (3-0)

Team Hogan vs. Team Flair

Matt: I think this is unfortunately more an excuse to get big names like Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair on the show for promotional purposes, as the Saudi Arabian deal clearly guarantees some high-profile stuff. It’s also an excuse to get a bunch of guys on the card, which a lot of the matches we’ve broken down thus far appears to be designed to do. In any matter, a Hogan muscle-posing outro with an angry Flair freaking out in over-the-top Nature Boy fashion feels like the ending to me for this one, so … (Prediction: Team Hogan)

Andrew: I’m taking Team Hogan on this one. WWE has clearly been building Ric Flair as the heel in this storyline and in legend vs legend matches, usually the babyface goes over. Not always, but the vast majority of the time. I’m expecting that to be the case here. This isn’t an elimination match so expect Roman Reigns to pick up the win for his team, likely over McIntyre, Nakamura or Corbin. (Prediction: Team Hogan)

Ian: This is a one-off match and at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who actually wins the match. However, with it being a special show for the Saudi government, I suppose the right call would be for Team Hogan to go over here. The reason for that is due to the team being full of babyfaces and competed under one of the biggest babyfaces in the history of pro wrestling in Hogan. (Prediction: Team Hogan)

CONSENSUS: Team Hogan (3-0)

First-Ever Women’s Match In Saudi Arabia: Lacey Evans vs. Natalya

Matt: In what was a late addition to the lineup and one that is definitely meaningful in the sense that it is yet another feather in the promotional cap of WWE, as they managed to make history with the first-ever women’s match in the history of Saudi Arabia. This one should be good, with Nattie going far out of her way to deliver, as she clearly is something who takes things like this extremely serious. With that said, the winner is a toss-up in my mind. (Prediction: Lacey Evans)

Andrew: A late addition to the card and while it may be historic, why WWE went with this match remains to be an odd choice for me. These two have worked together so much together with various gimmick types that makes me less interest in seeing it. Since Natalya is a babyface, I’ll have her to win here. (Prediction: Natalya)

Ian: Natalya and Lacey Evans will make history as the first WWE women’s wrestlers to perform on one of these shows. These two have been trading wins and losses for some time now so it’s no guarantee who wins here. I imagine Natalya will win with the sharpshooter as they’d rather the babyface go over for a match like this, however. (Prediction: Natalya)

CONSENSUS: Natalya (2-1)

AJ Styles (C) vs. TBD (WWE United States Title)

Matt: Well, since I’ve got Buddy Murphy winning the aforementioned 20-man battle royal earlier in the show to determine who will be facing AJ Styles in this contest with the WWE U.S. Title up for grabs. It should be an excellent match, but unless they need the strap off of Styles to prepare him for bigger and better things (which is a very good possibility, by the way), I don’t see him losing here. (Prediction: AJ Styles)

Andrew: Aside from a select few guys who were not in this Battle Royal, the title shouldn’t be taken away from AJ Styles at this time. Unless, which I highly doubt, WWE has plans to put him back in the Universal Title scene, Styles should remain as the United States Champion. He makes the title more prestigious and has done a good job as champion thus far. (Prediction: AJ Styles)

Ian: I’m predicting this match is Styles vs Buddy Murphy but really no matter who wins the battle royal, Styles will win this match here. There is not one name in the battle royal which could be argued is a bigger star than Styles. (Prediction: AJ Styles)

CONSENSUS: AJ Styles (3-0)

Tyson Fury vs. Braun Strowman

Matt: Straight out of the gate, I’m a giant combat sports (MMA and boxing, primarily) fan and a huge mark for “The Gypsy King.” That aside, I’ve always thought Fury would be a perfect fit in the world of WWE, and he’s done pretty well so far. He’s definitely making the media rounds to help make this thing feel big, like he is in stature, in the boxing world, the European market in general and internationally as the lineal boxing heavyweight champion of the world. Will this match succeed? Triple H is putting Fury in a rare category that only seems to include Floyd Mayweather and Ronda Rousey in terms of combat athletes making flawless transitions to the world of sports entertainment in WWE. Thursday will be a big test for Tyson Fury. It should be interesting to watch play out, regardless of how it unfolds. WWE has my money for this one! (Prediction: Tyson Fury)

Andrew: If this was a year ago I would wonder how they beat Strowman but he isn’t the same protected guy that he once was. Thus, Fury should go over. Now, the finish of this contest will be interesting to see as they can’t make Strowman look weak in losing. Maybe Fury catches him with a KO punch like Big Show’s finisher used to be. (Prediction: Tyson Fury)

Ian: I don’t expect Tyson Fury would have agreed to this match unless he was going to win. On the other hand, if the Saudi family was able to pay him enough then maybe he doesn’t care about losing. Strowman has been kept strong in Saudi, however, so there could be some type of shakanary at the end to prevent either guy from truly losing in the eyes of the fans. This is a tough one but I’m going to pick Fury. (Prediction: Tyson Fury)

CONSENSUS: Tyson Fury (3-0)

Seth Rollins (C) vs. Bray Wyatt (WWE Universal Title)

Matt: This one should be given all the bells and whistles that come with story-telling in a gimmick match, especially one involving such an extreme gimmick/character like “The Fiend.” Everyone knows the reaction to the (non) finish of their match at the WWE Hell In A Cell pay-per-view. Obviously this one won’t play out anything like that one did. We will have a winner here, and I think it’s time for the reign of “The Fiend” to begin. (Prediction: Bray Wyatt)

Andrew: WWE should put the title on Wyatt in this match but the company has made it where that is impossible. Wyatt is on SmackDown and obviously, WWE can’t have two world titles on the same brand. I don’t see Wyatt being moved over to RAW either. Also, WWE has already shown that they don’t want to put the title on Wyatt, which is what led to the disaster of the Hell in a Cell match finish. With the odd stipulation that this match can’t be stopped for any reason, WWE will have to be creative with the finish and protect Wyatt. I have Rollins retaining the title over Wyatt. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Ian: I almost want them to stop this match without a winner just to see the reaction it would cause on social media. Expect something weird to happen here. Rollins will keep the title most likely because Wyatt is on Smackdown. Now hear me out on this one but Smackdown owes RAW future considerations for the Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. If Wyatt wins the title, does he end up on the RAW brand? Is that the end game here? Probably not, probably Rollins wins. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

CONSENSUS: Seth Rollins (2-1)

Brock Lesnar (C) vs. Cain Velasquez (WWE Title)

Matt: Did I mention I’m a giant combat sports fan? This match is too cool on so many levels. Watching the face-to-faces, reading into some of the comments in the social media entries particularly shared by Velasquez the past couple of days. Knowing the history these two and how everything played out in their past, it just makes for very entertaining programming. It’s the Bret Hart-Shawn Michaels rivalry on a whole other level of reality. Cool stuff. Will the match deliver? We know Cain can flip around in his Lucha Libre style. We know Brock can make things look like a dog-fight. Will the styles blend? Will their egos sneak into the picture, ala Lesnar decking Strowman in the past hard-way, etc.? We’ll find out in less than 24 hours. (Prediction: Brock Lesnar)|

Andrew: When this match was first announced, I figured that WWE wouldn’t beat Cain in his first match with the company. However, with it being for the WWE Title, I can’t see Cain becoming the champion so soon. I also don’t see them beating him either. However, Lesnar must retain the title so I figure they will do a DQ finish with Cain winning. It isn’t like WWE is against doing these finishes anyways. (Prediction: Cain Velasquez)

Ian: This match runs into the same scenario as Fury vs Strowman. Would Cain agree to lose to Brock his first match in the promotion? Velasquez is signed to WWE for an extended period of time and has retired from MMA. To kick off his WWE career right, they will want to have him win here but that’s not to say that’s what will happen. I feel like Cain is likely going to win this match but I wouldn’t bet my life on it. (Prediction: Cain Velasquez)

CONSENSUS: Cain Velasquez (2-1)

WWE Crown Jewel 2019 Predictions Outro

What do you think about Matt, Ian and Andrew’s picks for Thursday’s matches? How do their above picks compare to yours? Let us know by sharing your own WWE Crown Jewel 2019 predictions in the SEScoops.com “Comments” section below.

If you have somehow failed to get your fill of insight, analysis and predictions for Thursday afternoon’s show, fear not!

In addition to the above picks from our trio of veteran reporters, you can also see what the “betting experts” expect to happen in the top matches by checking out the WWE Crown Jewel 2019 betting odds from 5Dimes (Odds updated as of Tues., Oct. 29th).

Join us here at SEScoops.com throughout the weekend for the best coverage of WWE Crown Jewel news, rumors and spoilers. Make sure to stop by on Thursday afternoon for the absolute fastest and most-detailed live WWE Crown Jewel results coverage on the web.

WWE returns to the pay-per-view arena this weekend, as they present their WWE Clash Of Champions event on Sunday, September 15th from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Sunday’s show will feature champions from the RAW, SmackDown LIVE and 205 Live brands competing in an 11-match card with ten titles on-the-line, and will mark the third event under WWE’s “Clash of Champions” chronology. The PPV is an extension of their former “Night of Champions” chronology that included the same theme.

WWE Clash Of Champions will also stream live via the WWE Network this Sunday night, with a one-hour “Kickoff Show” pre-show starting at 6pm Eastern Time.

A Closer Look At WWE Clash Of Champions Lineup

In the headline spot this Sunday night will be the WWE Universal Championship showdown between the reigning RAW Tag-Team Champions, as Seth Rollins defends against Braun Strowman the same night the two will also unite to defend their tag-team titles against the team of Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode.

In other tag-team championship action, the current SmackDown Tag-Team Champions The New Day (Big E. & Xavier Woods) will look to hold onto their belts as they put them on-the-line against highly-regarded opposition, The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder).

The co-main event will see Kofi Kingston attempt to hold onto his WWE Championship, as he defends against longtime career rival, “The Viper” Randy Orton.

In women’s action, the reigning RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch will put her title on the line against potentially her most dangerous challenger since becoming champion — Sasha Banks, while Bayley defends the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair and the team of Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross defend the WWE Women’s Tag-Team Championships against Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville.

Also on tap for WWE Clash Of Champions this Sunday night is Shinsuke Nakamura vs. The Miz for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, AJ Styles vs. Cedric Alexander for the WWE United States Championship, Drew Gulak vs. Humberto Carrillo vs. Lince Dorado for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship and Roman Reigns vs. Erick Rowan in a “No Disqualification Match.”

SEScoops.com Panel For WWE Clash Of Champions Predictions

As is the case before every major pay-per-view event, SEScoops.com compiles a handful of pro wrestling journalists to provide their in-depth insight and analysis into each match scheduled on the card in our SEScoops.com Predictions Roundtable feature.

Joining us for this WWE Clash Of Champions installment will be veteran staff writers Ian Carey, Andrew Ravens and Jeff Moss.

Without further adieu, let’s take a look at the SEScoops.com predictions for WWE Clash Of Champions.

Drew Gulak (C) vs. Humberto Carrillo vs. Lince Dorado (WWE Cruiserweight Title)

Ian Carey: I figure Gulak will likely retain the title here. if you haven’t been following 205 live, first of all, you’re not alone, but Gulak has really been an interesting champion for the cruiserweight division. He’s been there since the beginning and we’ve really seen him come to define the brand a little bit. This cruiserweight division isn’t like wcw’s cruiserweight division. It’s not about moves you’ve never seen before, it’s about wrestlers under 205 lbs telling stories. Gulak tells good stories. (Prediction: Drew Gulak)

Andrew Ravens: I like the addition of Dorado late in the build of this match as a three-way match with these guys should make for a great match. The only bad thing is the fact that no one will care about these guys, which is a shame. That’s a big problem with 205 Live these days and has been for quite some time. Gulak should win although I wouldn’t be shocked to see the title be put on Carrillo. (Prediction: Drew Gulak)

Jeff Moss: Occasionally there comes a champion or wrestler that I’m just always going to pick to win because I like them so much. Drew Gulak is one of those wrestlers. Dorado and Carrillo are fantastic, and this match is going to be great (if anyone sees it) but Drew should carry that purple belt as long a humanly possible, perhaps into a new Golden age of 205 Live on a network without NXT on Wednesdays. (Prediction: Drew Gulak)

CONSENSUS 3-0, Drew Gulak

AJ Styles (C) vs. Cedric Alexander (WWE United States Title)

Ian: The goal of this match is to help turn Cedric Alexander into as big of a star as possible without him actually beating AJ Styles. The United States title is staying on Styles. Alexander got the pin on AJ on raw in the build-up to this match so this is an opportunity for AJ to avenge that loss. He might require the help of the OC which will help establish Alexander without actually giving him the win. (Prediction: AJ Styles)

Andrew: As much as I think Alexander would be a good champion and a deserved role for him as he’s extremely talented, I don’t see it. AJ still has a big push going on and it doesn’t make sense for WWE to take the title off of him at this time. (Prediction: AJ Styles)

Jeff: This could be a star-making match for Cedric Alexander, and headed into the fall and a new TV landscape, new stars is what the WWE needs. If the good version of AJ shows up these guys will put on a clinic, but I think it’s Cedric who’s going to leave the crowd talking and walk away with the title. (Prediction: Cedric Alexander)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, AJ Styles

Shinsuke Nakamura (C) vs. The Miz (WWE Intercontinental Title)

Ian: Nakamura isn’t going to lose the Intercontinental title just a few weeks after being paired with Sami Zayn as his mouthpiece. That the title and Sami Zayn we’re both put on Nakamura relatively recently means there’s been some discussion in the back about how to get the most out of him. It’s very unlikely that discussion involved deciding to have him lose to the Miz. One little note here, if the Miz wins the title here it will likely mean he surpasses Pedro Morales’ combined days with the Intercontinental title record. He’s only 20 days shy of the record. (Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura)

Andrew: WWE can be a petty company and I see them being that here with The Miz. Currently, Chris Jericho holds the record of most reigns as Intercontinental Champion with only The Miz being behind him at eight. Thus, with The Miz winning the title here then he would be tied with Jericho. He could also surpass this record down the road. WWE has done the same with guys who hold records no longer being on good terms with the company. That happens here. (Prediction: The Miz)

Jeff: An Intercontinental Title Match? On PPV? Jebus, I’d forgotten that title was still a thing. And this young upstart who has the belt, Shinsuke Nakamura? He seems like pure money, and there’s no way he could languish in the bottom of the WWE barrel for three years is there? Anyways, this match has had very little to build on, so part of me hopes they go out there and tear it up as a middle finger to WWE forgetting about what should be one of it’s most prestigious titles. But I think we’re looking more at 6 minutes, Kinshasa, 1,2,3, moving on. (Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Shinsuke Nakamura

New Day (C) vs. The Revival (SmackDown Tag-Team Titles)

Ian: What happens here will really depend on what WWE decides to have happen in the Kofi vs Orton match. One possibility is that the Revival and Randy Orton take all of the titles from New Day on Sunday but I don’t think that is going to be the result. First of all, the Revival are from RAW and New Day are on SmackDown so it feels like this match wasn’t put together with much forethought anyway. I can’t see it leading to a title change. (Prediction: New Day)

Andrew: The Revival has had another renewed push with their alliance with Randy Orton, which is nice to see. Whether that means that they win some more gold remains to be seen but I don’t see that happening here. Other than just having a title change for the sake of it, they don’t need the titles if they are paired up with a top act like Orton. Thus, The New Day retains. (Prediction: New Day)

Jeff: I expect these guys to put on a great match because, well, how could they not? New Day has been having killer matches, Revival really are Top Guys (when they are allowed to be) and unless the Revival are headed to USA and an NXT return, I say put the belts on them and let them be themselves. (Prediction: The Revival)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, New Day

Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross (C) vs. Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville (WWE Women’s Tag-Team Titles)

Ian: Unfortunately for fans of Fire and Desire, I don’t think they are taking the titles here. it would be nice if an established tag team would win these titles and defend them against other established tag teams, but that isn’t what has been happening in this division. It’s also not clear what is going to happen with this division in the fall. The women’s tag titles exist independent of any brand in WWE. Is that still the case when smackdown goes to Fox? Or do these titles find a permanent home on RAW or NXT? The titles are being used as a prop for this backstage sitcom between Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross they’re filming and I expect the titles will stay with them on Sunday. (Prediction: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross)

Andrew: WWE hasn’t done a great job of getting fans invested in seeing this match and I could care less about it. Bliss and Cross recently won the titles so it doesn’t make much sense for them to drop the titles. With that being said, it appears to just be a match on the card. (Prediction: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross)

Jeff: Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose have improved as a tag team, but they are still the 6th most interesting team in a 5-team division. Where are the IIConics? The Kabuki Warriors? ANYONE ELSE?! WWE has nerfed the Women’s Tag Titles so hard, you’d think it was a King of The Ring Tournament. Bliss and Cross should retain here, and a real challenger should rise from the fiery (and desiery) ashes. PS – Can we get something going for Sonya Deville? That girl is nothing but up sides. (Prediction: Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross

Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman (C) vs. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode (RAW Tag-Team Titles)

Ian: Seth and Braun will win here because neither one is getting pinned before their title match later in the show. A schmohz ending is possible with no real winner but more likely is the two don’t get along during the match but still win, keeping both strong for their Universal title match later. (Prediction: Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman)

Andrew: This is where Rollins and Strowman should and will likely drop the titles. I expect this match to be the opener or early on the card to allow Strowman and Rollins to give them time to recover. Also, WWE is behind the pairing of Ziggler and Roode. Thus, with Rollins and Strowman only holding the titles to further their program, let Ziggler and Roode have a run. (Prediction: Dolph Ziggler & Bobby Roode)

Jeff: (Sigh) “And New RAW Tag Team Champions… Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode!” Two randomly paired wrestlers who’s only thing in common is neither one has anything better to do will take the titles instead of any one of the excellent new or established tag teams on the roster. They probably don’t want Seth & Braun to hang onto those straps going forward. So one will probably do something to make the other eat a pin, shove, shove, punch, punch, and oh yeah, this was about the tag team titles right? Bah, who cares about tag team wrestling anyway? (Prediction: Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode

Bayley (C) vs. Charlotte Flair (SmackDown Women’s Title)

Ian: Several different things could happen here. The most likely, however, is that Bayely retains the title by nefarious means. Considering Bayley just turned heel, it’s possible this is an opportunity for Flair to turn babyface. I hope that isn’t the case, however, as I’m hoping the real-life conflict between Ric Flair and Becky Lynch over “the Man” moniker will lead to storyline angle between the two with Ric in his daughter’s corner. I’m not expecting that to happen, however. (Prediction: Bayley)

Andrew: If WWE didn’t turn Bayley heel then I would’ve said that Flair wins the title. However, that has changed with the heel turn. WWE is going to give Bayley a big push with this new role. Unless WWE just wants a title change and have her only be aligned with Banks again as a tag team, Bayley will likely retain. The only problem is the fact of where does Flair and Bayley go from here. (Prediction: Bayley)

Jeff: I know we were supposed to be shocked by Bayley’s big “heel” turn, but really, aside from having a bit of an attitude, what’s changed? She’s still doing the same entrance. She’s still doing the same things in and out of the ring. She’s still trusting Sasha when she shouldn’t. If we’re going to buy Evil Bayley, she has to be just that, EVIL. So I’d like to see her win this match through blatant cheating, lost the wacky inflatable arm men, and fully become Dark Bayley. (Prediction: Bayley)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Bayley

Roman Reigns vs. Erick Rowan (No Disqualification Match)

Ian: The goal of this match for WWE is to have Erick Rowan get over while still losing to Roman Reigns. With Reigns playing the role that he is now, championing WWE’s charitable efforts and sharing his own story, he’s not going to lose to a bully. The job for both of the wrestlers in this match is to turn Rowan into a guy fans want to see again while still keeping Roman looking unbeatable. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)

Andrew: One would have to think that Reigns goes over in this match to get his revenge but not so fast. With Daniel Bryan looming all be it after being attacked by Rowan, I see him costing Reigns the match and being revealed as the mastermind behind these attacks. Perhaps HIAC is a more fitting place for Reigns to get his revenge. (Prediction: Erick Rowan)

Jeff: Woof. The way this feud has been going, I half expect the winner of this match to be a parking garage attendant from the condos across the street from the arena. That said, if they let these guys go all out (Copyright and Trademark AEW) and have a silly match where they hit each other with the prerequisite slangy poles in the backstage area, it could be a lot of fun. As far as a winner goes, Roman wins and we can put a bullet in this story. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Roman Reigns

Kofi Kingston (C) vs. Randy Orton (WWE Title)

Ian: I’m not overly confident in this pick but I think Orton’s taking the title. Then I think Kofi’s character has additional motivation. He’ll want to prove that he is at Orton’s level and can be a better champion than he was. Kofi then chases the title for a few months and wins it back maybe at Survivor Series or the Rumble. The story only comes full circle when Kofi beats Orton for the title after Orton takes it from him. The Revival will get involved. (Prediction: Randy Orton)

Andrew: Let’s hope that this match is better than the one that they had at SummerSlam, which I found to be disappointing. I like this feud and the way that WWE has built it up over the last month or so. With that said, just like heading into SummerSlam, I don’t see Orton being the guy to take the title. In fact, I don’t see Kingston going over clean. With the draft taking place after the HIAC PPV next month, I see them doing a DQ finish where Kofi loses his cool and Orton winning cheap with the payoff being in the HIAC structure. (Prediction: Randy Orton)

Jeff: Oh crap… could Randy Orton be winning the WWE title here? They’ve booked Kofi pretty strongly against him in the last little while and that’s usually one of WWE’s tells in terms of a title change. That said, I think Kofimania could keep going a little longer, at least until we get to fox, shake up the roster and see a few fresh matchups. As I mentioned elsewhere, Seth Rollins on Smackdown would be a great feud for Kofi. (Prediction: Kofi Kingston)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Randy Orton

Becky Lynch (C) vs. Sasha Banks (RAW Women’s Title)

Ian: This will be the best match on the show because it is a match Sasha Banks has been planning in her mind for months. She’s going to win the title here too. This will mean that Sasha Banks and Bayley will both be respective champions of their brand. The win will make Sasha a focal point of the women’s singles division and also allow for an opportunity for Becky to go to SmackDown in time for the move to Fox. (Prediction: Sasha Banks)

Andrew: I find this to be the hardest match to pick because either talent could win here and rightfully so. Lynch has been one of the hottest acts that WWE has had for the entire year while Banks has only been back a few weeks and still in the middle of her heel turn that got people talking. Unless WWE does a cheap finish, I don’t see Banks losing but can’t see her winning the title here. I have Lynch winning by DQ. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)

Jeff: I’ll just say it: This should be the main event of Clash of Champions. These two are the best going, they’ve got a good story to tell and we know they could close it out with a banger. If they still want us to believe that Becky is “The Man” (Trademark and Copyright Ric Flair) then she’s gotta prove it against the best, and Sasha is one of the best. Let Becky chase the title into Hell In a Cell next month and finish it up with a killer match at Survivor Series. (Prediction: Sasha Banks)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Sasha Banks

Seth Rollins (C) vs. Braun Strowman (WWE Universal Title)

Ian: The key here is the winner goes on to face Bray Wyatt at Hell in a Cell. It’s possible Wyatt shows up during or after this match too. In the end, I think Seth retains, possibly due to Wyatt interference (to keep Strowman strong) and this sets up Rollins vs Wyatt at Hell in a Cell. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Andrew: Obviously, Braun is someone that Vinnie Mac likes but it’s also clear that Rollins is a guy that WWE officials are behind and has been for quite some time outside of Roman Reigns. Thus, with the challenge already being set by Bray Wyatt for the HIAC PPV next month, I find it interesting that WWE is doing a one-off match for this program that could easily be extended through storytelling. With that said, Rollins should retain. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Jeff: While I think it feels too soon to take the belt off of Seth, WWE has been working hard to rehabilitate Braun’s image as a monster to be reckoned with. It’s odd, but my prediction of a winner for this match is built entirely who I want to see defend that title against The Fiend at Hell In a Cell, and that’s Braun. He may not be totally ready for the top spot, but he’d be entertaining. Plus, those two could do some real damage to each other and Seth could go back to chasing the title like he does best, or get Drafted to SDL. Either way, I expect The Fiend to make an appearance either before the pin, or after it. (Prediction: Braun Strowman)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Seth Rollins

WWE Clash Of Champions Predictions Outro

What do you think about Ian, Andrew and Jeff’s picks for Sunday’s matches? How do their above picks compare to yours? Let us know by sharing your own WWE Clash Of Champions predictions in the SEScoops.com “Comments” section below.

If you have somehow failed to get your fill of insight, analysis and predictions for Sunday night’s show, fear not!

In addition to the above picks from our trio of veteran reporters, you can also see what the “betting experts” expect to happen in the top matches by checking out the WWE Clash Of Champions betting odds from 5Dimes (Odds updated as of Sat., Sept. 14).

Join us here at SEScoops.com throughout the weekend for the best coverage of WWE Clash Of Champions news, rumors and spoilers. Make sure to stop by on Sunday night for the absolute fastest and most-detailed live WWE Clash Of Champions results coverage on the web.

WWE returns to the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday, August 31st, as they present their NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff live special event on the WWE Network.

Saturday’s show marks the second event promoted under the NXT UK TakeOver chronology, after their inaugural event — NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool — back on January 12th. It will stream live via the WWE digital subscription service starting at 2pm Eastern Time / 11am Pacific Time.

Heading into the event this weekend, WWE is advertising a five-match card for the NXT UK special event, three of which will feature World Championships on-the-line.

Closer Look At NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff Card

Scheduled in the headline spot for NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff on Saturday is a one-on-one showdown pitting WWE United Kingdom Champion against Tyler Bate with the title up-for-grabs.

In other title matches advertised for the show, Toni Storm will put her NXT UK Women’s Championship on-the-line against Kay Lee Ray, while The Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson & James Drake) will defend their NXT UK Tag-Team Championships in a three-way match that includes the teams of Gallus (Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) and Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster.

Rounding out the lineup will be two additional matches, as Travis Banks meets Noam Dar in the opener, and Dave Mastiff vs. Joe Coffey is scheduled in a Last Man Standing Match.

SEScoops.com NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff Round-Table Team

As is the case before every major pay-per-view event, SEScoops.com compiles a handful of pro wrestling journalists to provide their in-depth insight and analysis into each match scheduled on the card in our SEScoops.com Predictions Roundtable feature.

Joining us for this NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff installment will be veteran staff writers Matt Boone, Ian Carey and Andrew Ravens.

Without further adieu, let’s take a look at the SEScoops.com predictions for NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff.

Travis Banks vs. Noam Dar

Matt Boone: In what could be, if positioned as such, an excellent show-opener to set the tone for the evening inside the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales this Saturday, Travis Banks and Noam Dar will collide. Banks is a talent the company has appeared to have their eye on since launching the United Kingdom title and brand. Meanwhile, Dar doesn’t exactly appear to be soaring through the ranks. That should be your indicator right there if you’re going to the betting window. (Prediction: Travis Banks)

Ian Carey: I want Noam Dar to win this but it feels as though he’s in NXT UK mainly to put over talent they see as bigger stars. Travis Banks is one of those stars. Dar is a fun wrestler to follow but it just doesn’t seem to be his role to in NXT UK to win matches on a Takeover show. Putting over other talent? That seems more what Dar is about on the brand. Expect Banks to get the win and move on to a top storyline. (Prediction: Travis Banks)

Andrew Ravens: In theory Banks should come out on top here considering the spot that Dar is in during this storyline. In the eyes of the casuals, I can see why people would think Dar would go over here but Banks is someone to keep an eye on. Banks should go over to finish this program. (Prediction: Travis Banks)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Travis Banks

Joe Coffey vs. Dave Mastiff (Last Man Standing)

Matt: A Last Man Standing Match always makes for compelling storytelling from bell-to-bell. With the players involved in this one, Dave Mastiff and Joe Coffey, this one has the opportunity to be pretty unique. There is a lot they can do in terms of bells and whistles, but when the time comes for someone to stay down for the count of ten, I’m having a tough time envisioning which one it will be. In a coin-flip pick, I’ll go with … (Prediction: Dave Mastiff)

Ian: This should be fun as two big tough brutes clash in a Last Man Standing match. They have the opportunity here to have their match stand-out and I think they are going to do just that. At the end of this match, I’m expecting Mastiff to stand tall (unless Gallus gets involved) but this is basically a toss up. I think Mastiff could win because I could see them putting him up against WALTER shortly after. (Prediction: Dave Mastiff)

Andrew: Another Last Man Standing match on a TakeOver special and this will actually fit well on the card. Coffey and Mastiff have bright futures in the company. This one should deliver and I expect to see more of a hardcore style in this one. While I don’t think this feud needs this type of stipulation, it brings a different dynamic. (Prediction: Joe Coffey)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Dave Mastiff

Grizzled Young Vets (C) vs. Gallus vs. Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster (NXT U.K. Tag Titles)

Matt: The Grizzled Young Veterans just captured the tag-team titles from Moustache Mountain and still appear to be on their ascension. With that said, I can’t see a title change happening here. If WALTER doesn’t lose his title, and I don’t expect Toni Storm to drop hers this weekend either, you would think at least one title would change hands on this card. If so, this would seem the most likely candidate, unless they go the upset-route in the main event. From a logical standpoint, I think the champs retain. (Prediction: The Grizzled Young Veterans)

Ian: I’m almost wondering if a title change could happen here purely on the fact that I don’t think we’ll see new champions in either of the other two title matches. With that being said, the last NXT Takeover in Toronto had no title changes either, so it’s not like that doesn’t happen. Still, I sort of feel like the belts could go on Gallus here. It doesn’t seem right to have the Young Vets beat Moustache Mountain only to lose the titles here but maybe that is what they have planned. (Prediction: Gallus)

Andrew: Well, this one is a hard one to pick. I can see Gibson and Drake retaining the titles but at the same time, I can see Andrews and Webster winning if WWE wants to do a title change. This should be a really fun match with high paced tag team action. In the end, I see this being the only title change on the card with Andrews and Webster winning. (Prediction: Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster)

CONSENSUS: 1-1-1, PICK’M

Toni Storm (C) vs. Kay Lee Ray (NXT U.K. Women’s Title)

Matt: Toni Storm should get the “W” here. This should be a good match, but is most likely a showcase bout for what is one of the more promising talents on the current NXT U.K. roster. She’s already been called out by “The Man,” as Becky Lynch named her when asked about talent she’d like to fight that isn’t already on the main roster. With that in mind, the only questions are how good does she look and how much does she impress en route to victory on Saturday night? (Prediction: Toni Storm)

Ian: I’m expecting Toni Storm to retain here. She’s one of the top athletes in the company not on the main roster, it doesn’t seem like they would want to take the title off her anytime soon. As for Kay Lee Ray, she could get her time with the belt at some point but it feels like Storm might hold it for a while to really establish the NXT UK Women’s title as a tough one to win. (Prediction: Toni Storm)

Andrew: I’m a big Toni Storm fan and while I think it’s likely a lock for her to hold onto the title, I can’t rule out Ray getting an upset win if WWE wants to move Storm to NXT with the show moving to the USA Network soon. In the end, I think it’s best for Storm to stay in NXT UK and she will retain. (Prediction: Toni Storm)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Toni Storm

WALTER (C) vs. Tyler Bate (WWE U.K. Title)

Matt: With the NXT U.K. brand still very much resting on the broad shoulders of their current champion and his faction, WALTER appears to be one of the locks of the card. While the match itself should be interesting, and could get you to bite on a potential title change due to how it is laid out (particularly if there are any run-ins and/or distractions), in the end, Imperium’s leader should retain with a victory. By the way, does Cesaro get inserted here, or somewhere else? WWE might want to do something newsworthy so they don’t overwhelmingly lose, at least in terms of fan interest coming out of each show, their final AEW vs. NXT (UK) same-day-showdown before the “Wednesday Night Wars” kick off. Nah. I’m over-thinking things! (Prediction: WALTER)

Ian: Watching WALTER chop down Tyler Bate could be the highlight of this show. We will get a real David and Goliath type battle. With Bate’s strength and WALTER’s size this could turn into a really interesting match. Don’t miss this one. In terms of who wins, WALTER has to be the heavy favourite as Imperium continues to make NXT UK their “yard.” (Prediction: WALTER)

Andrew: I like Bate a ton but does anyone actually give him a real chance of winning this match? WALTER has been an unstoppable force since making his way to NXT UK and with only holding the title for months, WWE should keep the title on him. The company likes for their champions in NXT UK to hold the strap for long periods of time and I don’t see that changing here. (Prediction: WALTER)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, WALTER

NXT U.K. TakeOver: Cardiff Outro

What do you think about Matt, Ian and Andrew’s picks for Saturday’s matches? How do their above picks compare to yours? Let us know by sharing your own NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff predictions in the “Comments” section below.

Join us here at SEScoops.com throughout the weekend for the best coverage of NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff news, rumors and spoilers. Make sure to stop by on Saturday afternoon for the absolute fastest and most-detailed live NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff results coverage on the web.

AEW returns to the pay-per-view arena this weekend, as All Elite Wrestling presents their ALL OUT event from the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois on Saturday, August 31st.

The show will feature the crowning of the inaugural AEW World Champion and the unveiling of the AEW Women’s World Championship belt.

In the headline spot for Saturday’s highly-anticipated event is Chris Jericho vs. “Hangman” Adam Page in one-on-one action to determine the first-ever World Champion in AEW history.

Supporting the main event at ALL OUT will be Kenny Omega squaring off against late-replacement PAC.

PAC, formerly known as Neville during his WWE days, fills in on short-notice for Jon Moxley after the former WWE Superstar known as Dean Ambrose came down with a vicious bout of MRSA in his elbow.

Closer Look At AEW ALL OUT Undercard

Also on tap for AEW ALL OUT main card this weekend is Cody vs. Shawn Spears, The Lucha Bros vs. The Young Bucks in a Ladder Match for the AAA Tag-Team Championships and The Dark Order vs. Best Friends with the winning team earning a bye in the first-round of the AEW World Tag-Team Championship Tournament.

Additionally, Darby Allin vs. Joey Janela vs. Jimmy Havoc in the “Cracker Barrel Clash,” Riho vs. Hikaru Shida in women’s action and a six-man tag-team match pitting Luchasaurus, Jungle Boy & Marko Stunt vs. SoCal Uncensored is advertised for the card.

AEW ALL OUT “Buy-In” Pre-Show & Round Table Notes

AEW ALL OUT will also feature a “Buy-In” pre-show.

The show leading into the main card currently features two advertised matches — Private Party vs. Angelico & Jack Evans and the 21-Woman Casino Battle Royale with the winner advancing to the inaugural AEW Women’s World Championship bout on the debut episode of AEW On TNT on Wednesday, October 2nd.

As is the case before every major pay-per-view event, SEScoops.com compiles a handful of pro wrestling journalists to provide their in-depth insight and analysis into each match scheduled on the card in our SEScoops.com Predictions Roundtable feature.

Joining us for this AEW ALL OUT installment will be veteran staff writers Ian Carey, Andrew Ravens and Jeff Moss.

Without further adieu, let’s take a look at our official AEW ALL OUT Predictions.

21-Woman Casino Battle Royale (Pre-Show)

Ian Carey: This is tough, especially considering we don’t know all the participants. Awesome Kong seems like the safest pick, however. She’s popular, she looks larger than life, and she’s a key character on a hit Netflix series which just released its newest season. Expect many talented wrestlers to get some time to shine in this match but in the end, Kong has to be the favorite, though how likely it is she’ll win is not clear. (Prediction: Awesome Kong)

Andrew Ravens: AEW has done a great job of loading up this battle royal with some fun names. It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Britt Baker although I don’t see her winning this match despite the fact that she could be the real star of this division. It’s a battle royal so expectations should be kept low. I have Nyla Rose being an upset winner. (Prediction: Nyla Rose)

Jeff Moss: Like the Male version of the Casino Battle Royal, this one is hard to call because we don’t know everyone in the match. I’d have to say that of the announced participants, Brandi Rhodes would be a front runner in that I feel like she should be in the October 2nd match for the Women’s Title in some way. Jazz, Ivelisse and Britt Baker all make perfect sense as winners as well. Given that I don’t know how the other participant(s) of the Oct 2nd match will be determined, I suspect it’s an unannounced entry that wins here. (Prediction: Unannounced Entry)

CONSENSUS: 1-Awesome Kong, 1-Nyla Rose, 1-???

Private Party vs. Angelico & Jack Evans (Pre-Show)

Ian: I think Angelico and Evans will win the match but the commentary team will focus on how much potential Private Party has. Evans and Angelico are an established team and Jack Evans on the mic can keep them heels in any situation. I expect Evans and Angelico to get the crowd against them and then cheat to win, building sympathy for Private Party. (Predictions: Angelico & Jack Evans)

Andrew: Private Party all the way. Evans and Angelico are a fun tag team but I see more potential in Private Party as a top tag team under the AEW banner. Private Party should be booked as near the top of the division. Thus, Private Party goes over. (Prediction: Private Party)

Jeff: I love watching Angélico and Jack Evans work, so I’m pretty stoked for this match. That said, aside from getting a bit of momentum (Copyright & Trademark WWE) heading into TV, the winners of this match are pretty inconsequential. So with that in mind, I’ll take Angélico and Jack Evans. (Prediction: Angelico & Jack Evans)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Angelico & Jack Evans

Luchasaurus, Jungle Boy & Marko Stunt vs. SoCal Uncensored

Ian: SCU will get the win in this fun trios match which will likely have a lot of comedy in it. If you notice, we’ve got no librarians and no Michael Nakazawa on the preshow here so I expect AEW to get all their silliness out in this match. Despite his popularity, I’m expecting Marko Stunt to eat the pin in this match as AEW attempts to build SCU into one of their top tag teams. With the tag tournament coming up, Stunt likely will be the 3rd man out from the A Boy and his Dinosaur team, which makes him taking the pin in this match the most likely result. (Predictions: SoCal Uncensored)

Andrew: With this being such a late short notice match, this has a ton of potential to be a really fun match and one that I am looking forward to seeing. Luchasaurus, Jungle Boy, and Marko Stunt have been on the independent scene for a few years now but are unknown to the masses. That changed at the last AEW show and they put on one heck of a match. I expect nothing less. With that being said, it’s a pick em so I have SCU getting the win. (Prediction: SoCal Uncensored)

Jeff: Jungle Boy. I’m going to pick Jungle Boy in every match he’s in until it pays off. I love that guy. SCU are an awesome team and have proven so in a million matches, but Jungle Boy RIDES TO THE RING ON A LUCHASAURUS WHO’S ALSO HIS PARTNER. (Prediction: Luchasaurus, Jungle Boy & Marko Stunt)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, SoCal Uncensored

Riho vs. Hikaru Shida

Ian: The winner of this match will face the winner of the Casino Battle Royale on October 2nd for the AEW Women’s Championship. Riho’s stock with the company seems like it’s higher than Shida’s. Riho is Omega’s former tag partner in DDT and seems to be someone AEW wants to feature in their Joshi matches. The winner here will really depend on who wins the Casino Battle Royale, however. (Prediction: Riho)

Andrew: This should be a solid match but I don’t think AEW has done a great job of explaining the back stories of these two stars. Personally, and I think a lot of people would agree with this, but I have no interest right now in seeing this contest. It’s just a match on the card. In a real pick em, Riho goes over. (Prediction: Riho)

Jeff: These are two wrestlers who will definitely wrestle a wrestling match that will be seen by the audience in attendance and on PPV. The winner of the match will for sure be the one who beats their opponent. It will be enjoyed by some, but perhaps not enjoyed by others. Possibly. Beyond that, I got nothing. But I’m told I can’t just put “ ¯_(?)_/¯ ” for my prediction, sooooo…. (Prediction: Hikaru Shida)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Riho

Darby Allin vs. Jimmy Havoc vs. Joey Janela (Cracker Barrel Clash)

Ian: The Cracker Barrel Clash could be the show-stealer for fans who like plunder and hardcore matches. This is a toss up, honestly but I feel Janela needs the win more than anyone else. Janela could use a win as he’s lost in every match he’s had in AEW so far. Jimmy Havoc seems like he could lose every match and it wouldn’t impact him much so I don’t expect him to win. Darby Allin could use a win but his draw against Cody was basically that. I’m picking Janela here but wouldn’t be surprised to see Allin win this either. (Prediction: Joey Janela)

Andrew: Well isn’t this a pick em match. I don’t see how Havoc winning will do anything so it comes down to Allin and Janela. Both guys have so much potential and either could win here but I think AEW has more stock in Janela right now although I think Allin will be the bigger star among them. (Prediction: Joey Janela)

Jeff: (I will NOT call it a Cracker Barrel Clash… unless it’s IN a Cracker Barrel). Should be a good one as all three men are known for doing whatever it takes to win. I’m pretty into the idea of three guys being mad at each other about losing a wrestling match settling it with another wrestling match (Jesus, has watching WWE for so long actually made that concept something NOVEL in wrestling?) and it should get the crowd whipped into a frenzy. I have no idea why, but my guy is telling me Jimmy Havoc ends up with the win. (Prediction: Jimmy Havoc)

CONSENSUS: 2-1-0, Joey Janela

Shawn Spears vs. Cody

Ian: Spears needs the win more than Cody does. We’ve watched Spears as Tye Dillinger lose and lose and lose again in other promotions, it wouldn’t make sense for him to drop his first single’s match in a new promotion. Cody can lose, Cody’s fairly untouchable. Spears needs a little boost right now. Receiving Tully Blanchard as a manager is a good start to his push and beating Cody will help even further. (Prediction: Shawn Spears)

Andrew: Rhodes is the bigger star and the babyface going into this match. With history saying that Rhodes should get his revenge on Spears, I think it’s a pretty clear booking decision by AEW. Spears has done a great job of reinventing himself as a heel and could be a solid star going forward. While Rhodes should go over, you can’t rule out a surprise outcome. (Prediction: Cody Rhodes)

Jeff: A grudge match brought on by a devastating chair shot to the head! (I know the story, don’t @ me). Newly-married Spears is coming off a gruelling honeymoon and has the legendary Fifth-Greatest (of the original Four) Horseman in his corner. This’ll be Spear’s biggest match to date since leaving WWE, so I expect him to win here. Cody is an established star, but Spears, even though most of the audience knows him, needs to get a win here to show he’s a force to be reckoned with. (Prediction: Shawn Spears)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Shawn Spears

Kenny Omega vs. PAC

Ian: Kenny Omega has to win this match. PAC is no longer the Dragon Gate champ and can lose in other promotions again so the issue which impacted Double or Nothing won’t apply here. Omega has a big rivalry with Jon Moxley pending in AEW and it’s unlikely the promotion has him lose in a match with little build-up and no chance of his rival interfering. (Prediction: Kenny Omega)

Andrew: This is one of the hardest picks of the entire card because both guys have big status’ and the promotion will want to keep them looking as strong as possible coming out of this show. I think PAC losing here won’t hurt him as many might think. I also see AEW booking Omega vs. Jericho for the AEW World Title at a later date potentially at their final 2019 PPV event. Thus, Omega should go over. (Prediction: Kenny Omega)

Jeff: Everyone was bummed to hear that Jon Moxley wouldn’t be able to take on Kenny Omega. But if you’re looking for a replacement, PAC ain’t a bad choice! Also not a bad way to debut PAC in AEW. This is the match of the night for me, which is saying a lot since it has had almost no build due to time constraints. As for a winner, I’m going with Kenny Omega. It makes more sense to keep him hot until Mox is able to come back and the two of them can tear up TNT. (Prediction: Kenny Omega)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Kenny Omega

The Dark Order vs. Best Friends (AEW Tag-Tourney First-Round Bye)

Ian: The Dark Order should take this match and be granted a bye to the second-round of the upcoming tag title tournament. It’s too early for the Dark Order to lose as it does appear AEW wants to build them up as a heel team in the division. Fans know and like the Best Friends but don’t seem as knowledgeable regarding the former Super Smash Bros. It seems unlikely that AEW has them lose straight up here. (Prediction: The Dark Order)

Andrew: Best Friends are a more well-known team compared to The Dark Order. This should be one heck of a match but I see more upside with The Dark Order as AEW is gonna want a babyface vs. heel dynamic in the finals of this tournament. I have The Young Bucks making it to the finals so The Dark Order has to go over here. (Prediction: The Dark Order)

Jeff: Winners receive a first round bye in the AEW World Tag Team Championship tournament. Given how stacked this Tag Team Tournament is going to be, having a bye in the first round is a huge advantage. The Best Friends have really impressed me in their AEW matches, so I’m thinking them taking this one and getting the Bye would be great. After all, these teams could face each other again in the tournament brackets, so let’s give it to the Best Friends and light a fire under the Dark Order. (Prediction: Best Friends)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, The Dark Order

Lucha Bros (C) vs. Young Bucks (AAA Tag-Title Ladder Match)

Ian: To fans who have not been following AAA as well, this rivalry seems incredibly one-sided. The Bucks won at Double or Nothing and Fyter Fest, so if they win again here it’s not going to make the Lucha Bros look like title threats in the upcoming tag team title tournament. The Bucks have yet to lose in AEW but I think All Out is where they take their first L. (Prediction: The Lucha Bros)

Andrew: Their match at Double or Nothing was great and this could be the match that ends up stealing the show. Throw in the fact that this will be a ladder match with some insane moves could prove to be one of the best matches of the year and that’s a bold statement to make. With the AAA titles on the line, I don’t see a reason as to why Young Bucks should hold the titles any longer considering they will be exclusive to AEW. Lucha Brothers go over. (Prediction: The Lucha Bros)

Jeff: This match is going to be a banger! We all know what these guys are capable of, and I’ve loved just about every match they’ve had over the last few months over the AAA Titles. As for this match though, I can’t see the Bucks heading into a weekly TV show with another promotions tag straps (especially with the AEW tag titles as a primary focus as the kick off the TNT show) so I’d expect the Lucha Brothers to retain here, in what is sure to be a great match. (Prediction: The Lucha Bros)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, The Lucha Bros

Chris Jericho vs. “Hangman” Adam Page (AEW World Title)

Ian: AEW is doing their best to make you believe Hangman Page has no chance in this match. On recent shows, he’s been portrayed as injured and barely able to eek out a win over Kip Sabian, somebody many AEW fans have little experience watching. AEW may be doing this so that Page winning is a total shocker or they are doing this so that somehow they can make it believable during the match that Page could win. In the end, they just aren’t going to put that belt on Page yet and maybe not for a few years. That belt is going on Jericho. (Prediction: Chris Jericho)

Andrew: As much as I would like to see Page become the top champion, I don’t think it’s his time and especially going up against the biggest name that AEW has right now. Yes, having a former WWE star be their first champion isn’t the great thing to do but in this situation, it will help them more than hurt them just starting out. Page should be showcased in this match and be a bigger star coming out of it. It’ll be interesting to see how long Jericho stays champion. (Prediction: Chris Jericho)

Jeff: It’s exciting as hell to be in on the ground floor of a World Title that means something again. It reminds me a lot of how the NXT title still feels important in that promotion. This is going to be a straight up fight though, with Jericho somehow still doing the best work of his career and Page able to match him every step of the way. In the end, it makes more sense to me to put the inaugural title on Page. It fits with the “newness” of AEW and gives Jericho a reason to continue heeling it up so excellently. It’ll be weird to have two Wednesday night shows with “Adams” as champions. But I’ll take it. (Prediction: “Hangman” Adam Page)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Chris Jericho

AEW ALL OUT Predictions Outro

What do you think about Ian, Andrew and Jeff’s picks for Saturday’s matches? How do their above picks compare to yours? Let us know by sharing your own AEW ALL OUT predictions in the “Comments” section below.

If you have somehow failed to get your fill of insight, analysis and predictions for Saturday night’s show, fear not!

In addition to the above picks from our trio of veteran reporters, you can also see what the “betting experts” expect to happen in the top matches by checking out the AEW ALL OUT betting odds.

Join us here at SEScoops.com throughout the weekend for the best coverage of AEW ALL OUT news, rumors and spoilers.

Make sure to stop by on Saturday night for the absolute fastest and most-detailed, live AEW ALL OUT results coverage on the web!

Until next time …

WWE continues their four-day stretch of special live events at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Sunday evening, as they present their WWE SummerSlam 2019 pay-per-view.

The show will follow-up Saturday night’s NXT TakeOver: Toronto II live special on the WWE Network and preceed two consecutive nights of WWE television, as the post-SummerSlam episodes of RAW and SmackDown LIVE will also emanate from the Toronto-based venue.

Sunday night’s PPV marks the thirty-second event under the WWE SummerSlam chronology and the second to be held in the Toronto market, with the first being WWE SummerSlam 2004 at the Air Canada Centre.

As of this writing, the advertised WWE SummerSlam card consists of ten matches, with six championships on-the-line from the RAW, SmackDown LIVE and 205 Live brands.

Closer Look At WWE SummerSlam PPV Card

Representing the red brand as the main event will be the WWE Universal Championship showdown between Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins.

The blue brand main event offering will see WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defend his crown against longtime rival Randy Orton.

205 Live will be represented with championship action as well, as Drew Gulak defends his WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Oney Lorcan.

In other featured attraction matches this Sunday night will be returning WWE Hall Of Famers Bill Goldberg and Trish Stratus, who square-off in separate one-on-one matches against Dolph Ziggler and Charlotte Flair, respectively.

Rounding out the lineup for WWE SummerSlam will be Becky Lynch vs. Natalya in a Submission Match for the RAW Women’s Championship, Bayley vs. Ember Moon for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, A.J. Styles vs. Ricochet for the WWE United States Championship, Finn Balor vs. “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt and Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon in a match where Owens has vowed to quit WWE if he loses.

It’s worth noting that there is a strong possibility that multiple additional matches could be added to WWE SummerSlam at the last minute.

As is the case before every major pay-per-view event, SEScoops.com compiles a handful of pro wrestling journalists to provide their in-depth insight and analysis into each match scheduled on the card in our SEScoops.com Predictions Roundtable feature.

Joining us for this WWE SummerSlam installment will be veteran staff writers Ian Carey, Andrew Ravens and Jeff Moss.

Without further adieu, let’s take a look at the SEScoops.com predictions for WWE SummerSlam.

Drew Gulak (C) vs. Oney Lorcan (WWE Cruiserweight Title)

Ian Carey: This match really sums up what 205 Live is all about. While WCW’s cruiserweight division was all about bringing in luchadors and high-flying innovative moves, 205 Live is just about smaller wrestler putting on good wrestling matches in whatever style is deemed fit. Gulak and Lorcan won’t be putting on a lucha libre or highspot fest here but it’ll be a unique and hard-hitting match which Gulak will win. Don’t sleep on this match or feel you can miss it. (Prediction: Drew Gulak)

Andrew Ravens: This should be a fun match and it’s nice to see Lorcan get this chance to shine on PPV as he’s a great talent. However, he doesn’t seem to be someone that WWE wants to be champion. It’s a fresh feud, which is different but Gulak retains with ease. (Prediction: Drew Gulak)

Jeff Moss: I’ve been asleep and honestly don’t know if this match is on the main card or the kickoff show, but that’s really neither here nor there. I’d just like to see some of this action on the main show, is all. These guys will tear it up, just as Lorcan has been doing in NXT UK, NXT and on 205 Live for a while now. I’d like to see Lorcan get some payoff for all the hard work he’s put in over the last year, all over WWE, but I think that the title stays with Gulak here, and maybe after SummerSlam he makes some NXT appearances with that purple belt. (Prediction: Drew Gulak)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Drew Gulak

Finn Balor vs. “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt

Ian: It would be pretty bad form for WWE to beat the Fiend in its very first match. So much has gone into Bray Wyatt’s new character that one can only assume the plan is to go strong with it. This is likely the strongest Wyatt will ever be in his career, it’s possible that WWE goes all the way with it. Wyatt’s fanbase will be hoping this is the case. (Prediction: “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt)

Andrew: There should be no way that Wyatt suffers a loss in this contest as it serves as his in-ring return with his new gimmick. Also, Balor is slated to take time off from WWE after this event and there’s no reason why someone taking time off with what I mentioned above should lead to him getting the win. (Prediction: “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt)

Jeff: I am a huge fan of Finn Balor, but The Fiend needs to crush the Demon here. I’d love to see a Finn Balor that doesn’t have that persona to “channel” when things get rough and is just a down and dirty fighter who can kick your ass. For that to happen, he needs to lose here, “take some time off” as has been rumoured, and then come back better and stronger. As for the Fiend, it’s time for him to show us what he is all about. I want this match to be fast, hard-hitting and the Fiend should dominate. Not in that weird WWE way where he wins in 25 seconds with a rollup, but actually take the time to be the fearsome character we all want him to be. (Prediction: “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt

A.J. Styles (C) vs. Ricochet (WWE U.S. Title)

Ian: Expect this match to steal the show. These are arguably two of the best wrestlers in the world, not just WWE. Amazingly, we never saw these two wrestle when they were both competing in NJPW. With there being a weight division between them at the time, their paths never crossed. I’m expecting A.J. to pull out the win here as the O.C is kept strong. Styles will likely cheat to keep the title somehow, however. (Prediction: A.J. Styles)

Andrew: These two have had plenty of matches thus far but I see this being the best match of them all as WWE should give them plenty of time to tell the story that they want to do in the ring. A.J. has had a renewed push as a champion on television and with him being paired again with Gallows and Anderson, they could play a factor in him winning this contest. Let’s move onto a different program. (Prediction: A.J. Styles)

Jeff: WWE loves a “dominant” faction that has a lot of belts, so I can’t see A.J. losing the US title so soon after the OC (Califoooooooornia) just picked up the tag belts. There’s 2 things I can hope for here; 1.) That this match will steal the show, because on paper there is no reason it shouldn’t, and 2.) A.J. wins and the OC (Califoooooooornia) begins a rise on RAW that’ll make them more powerful and somewhat of an Undisputed Era group. Ricochet can take a hard-fought loss here and it won’t hurt him. (Prediction: A.J. Styles)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, A.J. Styles

Goldberg vs. Dolph Ziggler

Ian: What? It’s going to be a spear plus jackhammer and that’ll be that. Do you think they are going to waste 20 minutes on this match? Is Ziggler being kept strong for something? Nope, this match is entirely so that fans (and likely Goldberg himself) can just forget about what happened at Super ShowDown. Too bad for Ziggler, who seems to have really found himself again lately. (Prediction: Goldberg)

Andrew: This should be a one minute match with Goldberg absolutely destroying Ziggler for the comments that he made and sending a message to the critics who voiced their opinion about his match against The Undertaker in Saudi Arabia. Let Goldberg remind fans that he can still work and be a monster. (Prediction: Goldberg)

Jeff: Here’s a pre-recap: Bell. Spear. Jackhammer. Ziggler explodes. Goldberg pins the shiny pair of pants left over. Look, we all know why this is happening. It’s a make-good for Goldberg’s terrible, terrible match in that other place with the Undertaker. My only hope is that this starts the show because even though it will be hot garbage, it’ll get the crowd hyped and be done with quick. After that, perhaps we call it even with the man who has admittedly repeatedly concussed himself during his into actually retire before something even worse happens. (Prediction: Goldberg)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Goldberg

Trish Stratus vs. Charlotte Flair

Ian: With this being Trish’s final match, don’t expect her to win. Oddly enough, Stratus’ first send-off into retirement resulted in a veering away from tradition. Instead of losing in her final match as a full-time wrestler, Stratus won the WWE Women’s title in her last match. Expect things to work out more traditionally this time, with the wrestler from yesteryear putting over the star of today. (Prediction: Charlotte Flair)

Andrew: It’s nice to see Trish back on television and in the ring competing again. This should make for a fun entertaining match but Flair should go over. Trish will go back into retirement while Flair still has many years left as one of the top stars in the women’s division. This is another accolade that Flair can boast about. (Prediction: Charlotte Flair)

Jeff: While I don’t always hate Legends returning for “one more match” this one is just flat. The build to it has been tepid at best and frankly, I don’t care who wins. That said, since Trish is in her hometown (and mine, just to town-drop) lets give her the win. It’s really not going to matter to Charlotte if she loses here, so why not give us the feel-good moment with Trish? (Prediction: Trish Stratus)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Charlotte Flair

Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon (Owens’ Career On-The-Line)

Ian: I find everything with Shane McMahon involved to be quite fast-forwardable. This is too bad considering it is the backdrop for Kevin Owens’ Stone Cold-esque character pivot. Owens needs to win here and win big. He’ll do so with a Stunner and hopefully we won’t see Shane O’ Mac for a long long time. (Prediction: Kevin Owens)

Andrew: The most predictable match on the card as no one really thinks Owens will quit the company. If for some reason he should lose this match, which I highly doubt then Raw could always sign him. McMahon has picked up some notable wins over top talent as of late. I don’t see Owens being the next star to fall to McMahon with this stipulation that appears to be the conclusion of this storyline. (Prediction: Kevin Owens)

Jeff: I’m so sick of Shane stories at this point that even if Kevin doesn’t win, and they do that “he quit but is back 2 weeks later for some reason” thing, I might just live in denial and pretend he won anyways. Heading into the Smackdown on Fox era, Shane needs to be erased and Kevin Owens needs to the the top guy on Smackdown. Heel or Face he can work it, and I know that Roman’s always had the golden boy tag, but Owens is where the money is going forward. (Prediction: Kevin Owens)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Kevin Owens

Bayley (C) vs. Ember Moon (SmackDown Women’s Title)

Ian: Bayley should win this but you have to wonder if something unexpectant could occur here. There hasn’t been much to talk about in terms of Moon and Bayley building up this match and of the 3 women’s matches booked, it feels the least important by a wide margin. Could Sasha Banks enter back into the picture soon? It’s been 4-months, that’s one heck of a sabbatical. No matter what, Bayley wins. There’s no way a title-change occurs on a match which is being presented as such an afterthought. (Prediction: Bayley)

Andrew: I’m glad WWE decided to do something with Ember Moon but she just feels like she is a beatable opponent and placeholder until Charlotte Flair gets back into the mix, which is a shame considering how talented Moon is. Bayley should and will retain her before moving onto a more meaningful program. (Prediction: Bayley)

Jeff: Bayley, oh Bayley. Our beloved NXT star has fizzled out completely in this run as SD Champion (not entirely her fault) and it’s time for some new blood. Ember is one of the few women in the division right now that’s got potential to be a character in the vein of the Fiend or even NXT Asuka, so let’s give her a chance to build that. Make her scary. Make her Luna Vachon for a new generation. If “one ember can start the fire” let’s light it and see where it goes. (Prediction: Ember Moon)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Bayley

Kofi Kingston (C) vs. Randy Orton (WWE Title)

Ian: I was in attendance when Randy Orton won his first world title – it was at SummerSlam 2004 which was also held in Toronto. He defeated Chris Benoit that night and his Evolution teammates would subsequently turn on him in the following days. I think it’s too early for them to take the title off Kofi but I’m worried that’s exactly what is going to happen. It’s been awhile since Orton had the title but I’m wondering if he’s who WWE wants with the strap for when they move to Fox. (Prediction: Randy Orton)

Andrew: WWE has done a great job of building this program up and incorporating the backstory of this feud leading into the match. Kofi has had a pretty good reign as champion that I don’t see why should end at the hands of Orton. We’ve seen Orton as champion and while he’s a good talent to have, he shouldn’t be WWE Champion over Kofi at this stage. Kofi beating Orton is just another top name to help give him more credibility. (Prediction: Kofi Kingston)

Jeff: Is Randy Orton the Joker to Kofi Kingston’s Batman? If you’d asked me a few months ago I would have said no, but WWE has actually done a pretty good job of checking it’s homework on this match. The lead up has laid out the history between the two really well, and I’m hoping that Kofi can pull an actual match out of Orton while they try to trade finishers. Orton can go when he feels like it, but the last thing I want to see is another Championship around is waist. I fear WWE’s temptation to have John Cena come back and feud with him over it to break Ric Flair’s record would be too great. Damn, even just in typing that I’m sure someone in Stanford got chills. (Prediction: Kofi Kingston)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Kofi Kingston

Becky Lynch (C) vs. Natalya (Submission Match For RAW Women’s Title)

Ian: Becky will get booed. The Toronto crowd will not cheer against Natalya though Becky always gets a big pop when she’s here too. Expect some bizarro world comments from the commentary team (via Vince) but also expect Becky to get a chance to cut a somewhat heel promo on the live crowd. There has to be a reason they booked Becky in a match where she’ll get booed, it’s just not clear what that reason is yet. Regardless, unless Natalya cheats like crazy and does a full heel turn (possible), Lynch should win. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)

Andrew: While the match itself should be decent, I like the fact that they have let these two stars go out there with a more ediger dialog with their promos that have been quite entertaining. Once this match was booked, most fans felt numb about it because WWE hadn’t done much with Natalya leading up but they have turned that around with promos. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)

Jeff: My presumption is that this match will end with some kind of farting. Either actual farting from Natalya, or some kind of sill over-booked farting around on behalf of WWE creative. I mean wouldn’t you just LOVE for Lacey Evans to interfere and cost Becky the Title? No, neither would I and I have no reason to think she would other than we haven’t seen her in a while. Yup, I’m so disinterested in this match, I’m just making stuff up at this point. Anyway, Becky wins. Especially if we’re going to give the “Yay Canada!” win to Trish. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Becky Lynch

Brock Lesnar (C) vs. Seth Rollins (WWE Universal Title)

Ian: It’s got to be Brock Lesnar winning this match. Rollins just beat Lesnar at WrestleMania so I don’t see what the point would be in having him beat him again. Lesnar’s not going back to the UFC, he’s going to be a key figure in WWE for the foreseeable future. It doesn’t make sense for him to lose again and so I don’t think he will. I think Rollins will ultimately get bumped down a notch, which could allow a guy like Ricochet to move up. (Prediction: Brock Lesnar)

Andrew: This is a rematch from WrestleMania 34 with pretty much the same build, which says something about the state of WWE right now. Lesnar just won the title a few months ago so I don’t see a reason why they would him drop it here. However, that doesn’t mean having Lesnar as champion once again is a good thing as I thought Rollins was making progress as champion despite feuding with Baron Corbin before dropping the title. Lesnar predictably retains the title. (Prediction: Brock Lesnar)

Jeff: So, Seth has breathlessly “guaranteed” that he’ll beat Brock at SummerSlam. If I know anything (and according to the comments, I don’t) that’s WWE’s way of saying he’s not going to win this match. Why wouldn’t he win this match? Beats me. Maybe WWE just doesn’t like the idea of a title or champion being on TV regularly. Maybe they think Seth is better chasing a title than holding one? I don’t know, but I truly hope I’m wrong because the longer that Big Red Belt is around Brock’s Big Pink Waist, the less I care about it. So here’s hoping Seth overcomes the odds/obstacles/numbers game/whatever and wins in spite of WWE’s telegraphing. Then the Championship can feel like part of the show again. What a SWERVE!!! Extremely hopeful. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Brock Lesnar

SEScoops.com SummerSlam Predictions Outro

What do you think about Ian, Andrew and Jeff’s picks for Sunday’s matches? How did the trio fare with their predictions for last year’s WWE SummerSlam PPV? Find out by checking out the SEScoops.com Roundtable Predictions feature for WWE SummerSlam 2018.

How do their above picks compare to yours? Let us know by sharing your own WWE SummerSlam predictions in the “Comments” section below.

If you have somehow failed to get your fill of insight, analysis and predictions for Sunday night’s show, fear not!

In addition to the above picks from our trio of veteran reporters, you can also see what the “betting experts” expect to happen in the top matches by checking out the WWE SummerSlam 2019 betting odds from BetOnline.

Join us here at SEScoops.com throughout the weekend for the best coverage of WWE SummerSlam news, rumors and spoilers. Make sure to stop by on Sunday night for the absolute fastest and most-detailed live WWE SummerSlam results coverage on the web.

In addition to WWE Extreme Rules, there will be an All Elite Wrestling (AEW) show this weekend, as AEW Fight For The Fallen goes down from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday night, July 13th.

The special, which will stream live via B/R Live service with a “Buy-In” pre-show leading into the main event, features a stacked lineup with several high-profile matches and segments.

On tap for Saturday night’s show is a tag-team bout pitting The Young Bucks against The Brotherhood, Cody and Dustin Rhodes, as well as singles action with Kenny Omega going one-on-one against CIMA and “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Kip Sabian, a “Live Mic” segment with Chris Jericho, women’s singles action with Brandi Rhodes vs. Allie, SoCal Uncensored (Frankie Kazarian & Scorpio Sky) vs. Lucha Bros (Pentagon Jr. & Rey Fenix) and The Dark Order (Evil Uno & Stu Grayson) vs. Angelico & Jack Evans vs. Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus in a three-way tag-team match with the winning team advancing to AEW All Out for a chance at a first-round bye in the AEW World Tag-Team Championship Tournament.

Scheduled for the AEW Fight For The Fallen “Buy-In” pre-show leading into Saturday night’s main card will be Sonny Kiss vs. Peter Avalon (with Leva Bates) in one-on-one action, Britt Baker & Rihno vs. Bea Priestly & Shoko Nakajima in a women’s tag-team bout and Jimmy Havoc, Darby Allin & Joey Janela vs. MJF, Sammy Guevara and Shawn Spears in a six-man tag-team match.

SEScoops.com writers Andrew Ravens, Ian Carey and Matt Boone have come together to offer their insight and predictions for all of the matches for Saturday night’s show (Editor’s Note: The women’s tag-team match on the “Buy-In” pre-show was announced after this feature was compiled). Check out their breakdowns and picks for AEW Fight For The Fallen below.

Sonny Kiss vs. Peter Avalon (Pre-Show)

Andrew Ravens: A last minute addition to the AEW Fight For The Fallen card that I don’t think many fans are excited about. Avalon and Bates caught a lot of backlash over their characters after fans saw them in action at the Fyter Fest event a few weeks ago. I have Avalon going over with some cheap heat help by Bates to barely get by Kiss. (Prediction: Peter Avalon)

Ian Carey: I feel like the reason this match got added was specifically because of the poor reaction the librarian gimmick has received. It sort of seemed that way this week on BTE when Leva told the Bucks how great she feels the gimmick is getting over. It’s possible this match is being done specifically to get Jim Cornette all worked up. Regardless, Sonny Kiss should win what will be a rather silly match. (Prediction: Sonny Kiss)

Matt Boone: This one is your comedic relief match for the “Buy-In” portion of the AEW Fight For The Fallen event. Should be some more character development and storyline advancement in this one, with some goofy spots mixed in to keep it wrestling~! (Prediction: Peter Avalon)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Peter Avalon

Jimmy Havoc, Darby Allin & Joey Janela vs. MJF, Sammy Guevara & Shawn Spears (Pre-Show)

Andrew: This should close the pre-show and a match that has fun written all over it with such personalities in it. I have MJF, Sammy Guevara & Shawn Spears going over just because they’re heels that have more potential than the babyfaces. MJF should be a talent that is protected in his booking as he could be a megastar for them once they get on TV. Thus, that’s the reason behind my belief. (Prediction: MJF, Sammy Guevara & Shawn Spears)

Ian: Expect some conflict between Shawn Spears and MJF during this match. MJF says that Cody is his mentor and Spears walloped (took me awhile to determine what word to use) Cody in the head with a chair at Fyter Fest. I’m expecting MJF and Spears to be too concerned with each other and not concerned enough with their opponents. (Prediction: Jimmy Havoc, Darby Allin & Joey Janela)

Matt: Should be an interesting dynamic playing out on one team between MJF and Shawn Spears after Spears ripped Cody’s head open with a steel chair at the last AEW show. As far as inside the squared circle, this one should absolutely deliver from bell-to-bell, both in terms of entertainment and good wrestling action. (Prediction: MJF, Sammy Guevara & Shawn Spears)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, MJF, Sammy Guevara & Shawn Spears

Dark Order vs. Jack Evans & Angelico vs. Luchasaurus & Jungle Boy

Andrew: A late addition to the card that should see some excellent in-ring action with these three teams. Luchasaurus & Jungle Boy have more upside in my opinion that makes for a fun dynamic of a tag team. Jungle Boy has a ton of potential and could be a real star under the AEW banner. I see officials getting behind him and it could start at this show. (Prediction: Luchasaurus & Jungle Boy)

Ian: I’m expecting Evans and Angelico to pull out the win here. Dark Order are debuting but I expect they will be kept strong by attacking and getting heat on Jungle Boy during and after the match. Angelico and Evans are a fantastic tag team and likely one AEW will want to build up before the tag tournament begins in the fall. (Prediction: Angelico & Jack Evans)

Matt: This one should be good for what it is. They are really trying to make this tag-team tournament something special, and I think the slow-build over multiple shows is a smart way to do it. It helps showcase multiple teams and individuals by the time all is said-and-done. Who out of three makes the most sense moving forward? It’s actually a pretty tough one to pick. (Prediction: Luchasaurus & Jungle Boy)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Luchasaurus & Jungle Boy

Brandi Rhodes vs. Allie

Andrew: A tough pick here as this match does mark Brandi’s in-ring AEW debut and if they plan for her to be a top star, which I would assume to be the case, then you could make the argument that she should go over here. The dynamic of these stars should be interesting regarding the heel/face roles. Rhodes goes over in a win that doesn’t hurt Allie. (Prediction: Brandi Rhodes)

Ian: This will be Brandi Rhodes’ first match for the promotion but Allie is coming into this one having defeated Leva Bates at Fyter Fest. Something tells me Brandi has it out for Allie more than she is letting on. I’m expecting Allie to pull out the win on Saturday and the frustration from the loss haunting Brandi for the weeks that lay ahead. (Prediction: Allie)

Matt: Is it more important for Allie to go 2-0 and remain an undeated emerging singles star in AEW’s women’s division, or does AEW want Brandi Rhodes to start off her AEW career with a “W?” We’ll find out on Saturday, but I’ll assume it will be the latter. They could pull a swerve and have Brandi become a scorned women’s executive / authority figure after the loss, but I don’t think that will happen. (Prediction: Brandi Rhodes)

CONSENSUS: 2-0, Brandi Rhodes

SoCal Uncensored vs. The Lucha Bros

Andrew: While SoCal will have a role in the tag team division, Lucha Bros are such money and one of the top teams in the division going forward. I don’t see a reason as to why Lucha Bros would lose here unless AEW is just going for a surprise. With that said, Bros go over in an entertaining bout. (Prediction: The Lucha Bros)

Ian: SCU comes into this one having defeated the Strong Hearts but also having not won the tag team triple threat at Fyter Fest (won by the Best Friends). The Lucha Bros come into this one 0-2 after having lost to the Bucks at Double or Nothing and then lost to the Bucks and Kenny while teaming with Laredo Kid at Fyter Fest. The Lucha Bros really need a win here and I’m expecting they get it. (Prediction: The Lucha Bros)

Matt: Like Ian and Andrew, I feel it’s time for the team of Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix to get their hands raised and their profiles strengthened in the minds of the AEW fanbase, and I believe that begins this Saturday night with a win over SCU in what could be a “Match of the Night” candidate. (Prediction: The Lucha Bros)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, The Lucha Bros

Hangman Page vs. Kip Sabian

Andrew: Another example of an easy pick as Page should go over here to keep him strong heading into the biggest match thus far in his pro wrestling career when he takes on Chris Jericho for the World Title at All Out next month. I wouldn’t rule out though Jericho costing him the match to further their feud that needs some heat. (Prediction: Hangman Page)

Ian: Hangman Page is 2-0 in AEW having won the Casino Battle Royale at Double or Nothing and then defeating MJF, Jungle Boy, and Jimmy Havoc in a fatal 4-way match at Fyter Fest. Sabian defeated Sammy Guevara at Double or Nothing leading to this clash between unbeatens in the promotion. Page has the PPV main event coming up in late August, so he’ll get the win here. (Prediction: Hangman Page)

Matt: Screw it, I like to be different. While I agree with Andrew and Ian in the sense that Hangman Page should win here to keep his stock strong heading into the first-ever AEW World Championship match against Chris Jericho at AEW All Out, I feel with Jericho at the show for his “Live Mic” segment, he’ll also be used in an angle shot at the end of this match. I see Jericho costing him the match, heating up their personal issue heading into their already booked match in August. (Prediction: Kip Sabian)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Hangman Page

Chris Jericho “Live Mic” Segment

Andrew: I would assume that Jericho is going to cut a heated promo about how much credit he should get for AEW’s success. I also see him hyping his match against Hangman Page at All Out next month. Should be fun.

Ian: With Jericho building up that he’ll have a live mic at Fight for the Fallen, expect him to have something noteworthy to say. Jericho isn’t the kind of performer who will build something up only for it to be a letdown when it happens.

Matt: If this is held before the Hangman Page / Kip Sabian match, I expect an entertaining heel-promo from Chris Jericho demanding his outstanding “Thank You” owed to him by the AEW fans from the inaugural AEW Double Or Nothing show. If this is scheduled after the Page-Sabian match, I see Hangman hitting the ring at some point to have a big pull-apart brawl segment leading to cool footage for the Jericho-Page video package for AEW All Out. We shall see!

CONSENSUS: 3-0, This should be awesome

Kenny Omega vs. CIMA

Andrew: Omega should go over here. In my mind, there’s no reason for CIMA to win here despite how talented he is. Omega is a bigger star in the promotion now and going forward. AEW also needs to have him as strongly booked as possible heading into All Out next month against Jon Moxley. (Prediction: Kenny Omega)

Ian: Omega needs a win here after dropping Alpha vs Omega II to Chris Jericho at Double or Nothing. CIMA defeated Christopher Daniels at Fight for the Fallen and a win over Omega could catapult him into possible title contention. It feels like this match might be AEW trying to rehabilitate Omega after the loss to Jericho, however. Unfortunately, Jon Moxley won’t be anywhere near this match as he will be in Japan for the G1. (Prediction: Kenny Omega)

Matt: There a couple of really solid matches on paper on the AEW Fight For The Fallen card, but this one still stands out. I expect nothing less than a blockbuster in-ring outing from two excellent in-ring performers in what is essentially the featured singles match of the evening. I can’t see Omega losing here. (Prediction: Kenny Omega)

CONSENSUS: Kenny Omega

The Young Bucks vs. The Brotherhood

Andrew: Does it really matter who wins in this match that appears to be a one-off? While you could make the case that The Young Bucks should go over here as they are the future of the tag team division, I see them wanting a feel-good ending to this show and that’s why Cody and Dustin go over here. It’s likely Dustin’s last match for the near future so why not have him get sent off in the right way? (Prediction: The Brotherhood)

Ian: This match will steal the show and be something fans talk about all the way up until All Out on August 31st. There are so many possible places this match could go but in the end, expect the Rhodes brothers to come out on top. The Bucks are 2-0 in AEW and can take a loss. With a win the Rhodes brothers and Young Bucks rivalry will continue as weekly TV begins and a tournament to determine the promotion’s first-ever tag champions commences. (Prediction: The Brotherhood)

Matt: I can’t wait for all four guys to be in the ring and for the bell to sound. This one has been built-up really well from day-one with the emotional embrace after the violent bloodbath Cody and Dustin Rhodes had at AEW Double Or Nothing. Anything The Young Bucks are involved with lately is entertaining as hell. This should have a bunch of bells and whistles and cool spots, and when all is said and done, I can’t imagine there won’t be at least a half-a-dozen “Holy Sh*t!” chants in the books by the time the bell sounds a second time and The Rhodes Brothers get their hands raised to end AEW Fight For The Fallen. Whoops, did I give up my pick already? (Prediction: The Brotherhood)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, The Brotherhood

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What do YOU think is going to happen at AEW Fight For The Fallen? Share YOUR predictions in the Comments section below, and make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com on Saturday evening for live AEW Fight For The Fallen results.

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We’ve got a big weekend ahead of us, folks!

On Saturday night, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) will set the tone for the weekend with their AEW Fight For The Fallen event at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

Afterwards, however, it will be WWE’s turn for a swing at the plate.

WWE brings their top Superstars from the RAW, SmackDown Live and 205 Live brands for their WWE Extreme Rules pay-per-view this Sunday night at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

On tap for Sunday’s WWE PPV main event is a “Winner Take All” match with WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins and RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch putting both of their titles on-the-line in an inter-gender tag-team match against Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans. The winning team of the match will walk out with both championships.

Additionally, The Undertaker will return to his “yard,” as he teams with “The Big Dog,” Roman Reigns, for a tag-team showdown against Drew McIntyre and Shane McMahon.

In other matches on the card, Kofi Kingston puts his WWE Championship on-the-line against Samoa Joe, Braun Strowman squares off with Bobby Lashley in a Last Man Standing match, Ricochet puts his WWE United States Championship on-the-line in a highly-anticipated showdown against A.J. Styles, and much more.

As is the case before any significant WWE or AEW PPV, we have conjured up three veteran SEScoops.com reporters to provide expert analysis, insight and their predictions for each match scheduled for this Sunday’s WWE Extreme Rules show.

Without any further ado, lets take a look at the card for Sunday’s big event in Philadelphia, PA.

Aleister Black vs. Cesaro

Andrew Ravens: History would say that Black should go over here as he is the young new star that WWE has been pushing over the last few weeks. Cesaro is obviously talented but it makes no sense to go over Black in this random match that only has a few days of build up. (Prediction: Aleister Black)

Ian Carey: This is interesting because Cesaro is a RAW guy, Aleister is a Smackdown guy and apparently Paul Heyman has been helping with Black’s promos. Regardless, Black will win here as he steadily climbs the ladder and becomes a bigger player on the main roster. There’s a reason nobody but Cesaro seems interested in picking a fight with him. (Prediction: Cesaro)

Matt Boone: Clearly this match has been promoted as a spotlight showcase for the former NXT World Champion. I expect some kind of “angle” to be involved either during the match, or during the finish / post-match. This should be a great match in terms of in-ring performance. (Prediction: Aleister Black)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Aleister Black

The Revival (C) vs. The Usos

Andrew: The Revival’s reign as champions have been lackluster and this feud has seemed like it’s gone on for way too long. I don’t see WWE having anything important for the champs and with their futures still up in the air, I think it’s the perfect time for The Usos to win. (Prediction: The Usos)

Ian: This is really WWE’s two best tag-teams going after the RAW belts. The Revival, the Usos, Anderson & Gallows, the AOP, and the Viking Raiders are all going to be vying for these belts on Paul Heyman’s show moving forward. I’m expecting the Revival to use dirty under-handed tactics to hold onto the titles here and for the next several months. (Prediction: The Revival)

Matt: With all of the drama between The Revival and WWE, I can’t see the RAW Tag-Team Champions losing their straps in this one. As far as match quality, this is a sleeper for potential “Match of the Night.” I’m expecting this one to be given some time, too. (Prediction: The Revival)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, The Revival

Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley (Last Man Standing)

Andrew: Honestly, does it matter as to which guy wins here? What has the company done to make the fans care about the winner of this match? Yes, Strowman is the babyface and will likely go over but I still can’t recall why these two are feuding and so mad at each other. (Prediction: Braun Strowman)

Ian: If Paul Heyman really does have control, Bobby Lashley is winning this match. Heyman has certain people he likes and Bobby Lashley is one of them. Lashley came away from their explosive RAW angle nearly unscathed whereas that was not the case with Strowman. I’m expecting Lashley to take advantage of Strowman’s injuries and get the win. (Prediction: Bobby Lashley)

Matt: Clearly this match will have all the trimmings. The bells and whistles are likely reserved for this match, which will likely feature another big dramatic spot after the RAW stage-explosion segment was used to build this one up. In terms of the winner for this one, WWE sure seems fond of “The Monster Among Men.” (Prediction: Braun Strowman)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Braun Strowman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-7RG-0c7Bg

Drew Gulak (C) vs. Tony Nese (WWE Cruiserweight Title)

Andrew: Gulak recently won the title and although I’m not sold on him being the champion, WWE has shown that they give the Cruiserweight Champion some time to hold the title, which would make it surprising to me to see him lose it here. A fun match though. (Prediction: Drew Gulak)

Ian: Would you believe me if I told you this will be a good match that you should watch? It will be. Drew Gulak is a good old-school storyteller in the ring and Tony Nese is one of those guys who can do anything. Gulak will hold the title until we know more about the future of the brand once Smackdown heads to Fox. (Prediction: Drew Gulak)

Matt: This should be an excellent early match to set the tone for the crowd inside the Wells Fargo Center this Sunday night. Gulak and Nese have the ability to steal the show in this Cruiserweight Title showdown, however they have tough competition later in the evening in the form of A.J. Styles vs. Ricochet. As far as this one goes, I don’t think it’s time to take the title off of Gulak yet. (Prediction: Drew Gulak)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Drew Gulak

Ricochet (C) vs. A.J. Styles (WWE U.S. Title)

Andrew: A new champion will be crowned here. Yes, historically, Ricochet should get his revenge in this match. Despite the fact that Ricochet has beaten Styles in recent matches, Styles’ heel turn has served as an overcast of that. With that being said, Styles should get the title as a heel and gives a boost to his character as well as recent reuniting with The Club. Ricochet is the perfect babyface to chase for the title. (Prediction: A.J. Styles)

Ian: These two are now 1-1 against each other on RAW. I’m expecting AJ to pull out the victory but having to cheat to do so. It’s likely we’ll get some interference by the Club leading to the victory. At some point, Ricochet is going to need some back-up against AJ and his stablemates. Ricochet and the Viking Raiders have teamed in the past, including at Takeover: WarGames II. Perhaps he’ll enlist their help after Extreme Rules. (Prediction: A.J. Styles)

Matt: Just want to start off by sending a “good luck” shout-out to Drew Gulak and Tony Nese. They have their work cut out for them if they’re going for the “Match of the Night” honors. In the minds of many fans, Styles and Ricochet in a one-on-one WWE PPV match with a championship on-the-line are the perfect ingredients for an undercard “Show-Stealing Performance.” I expect nothing less this Sunday night, even if “The Phenomenal One” isn’t 100% coming into Philly this weekend. (Prediction: A.J. Styles)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, A.J. Styles

Daniel Bryan & Rowan (C) vs. New Day vs. Heavy Machinery (SD! Tag Titles)

Andrew: I like the fact that this is a three-way match as we just saw Bryan & Rowan work with Heavy Machinery last month. I can see a title change here with New Day going over but I think WWE doesn’t have any plans for Bryan as a singles star right now. With that said, Bryan’s time as a tag team star is coming to an end with a decline in ratings and he could be used as a top challenger for Kofi Kingston in the near future. With that said, I have Bryan and Rowan somehow holding onto the titles. (Prediction: Daniel Bryan & Rowan)

Ian: Expect Xavier Woods and Big E to come away from this match the new Smackdown tag team champions. The victory will allow all 3 members of the faction to close out the show holding up championship gold. Unless Brock chooses that moment to cash-in that is…
Heavy Machinery could end up costing Daniel Bryan and Rowan the match, leading to those teams feuding while Woods and Big E enter a new storyline along with Kofi. (Prediction: New Day)

Matt: With WWE SummerSlam coming up, it would make sense to free-up Daniel Bryan in order to have him available for a significant singles program heading into WWE’s biggest event of the summer. Could we see the Kingston-Bryan saga revived and re-polished heading into next month’s WWE PPV in Toronto. If the titles change hands, who do they go to? That is the real question. If they are going the Bryan-Kingston route, they could mix in and include Big E. and Xavier Woods in the story line if New Day comes out on top here. We’ll see this Sunday! (Prediction: New Day)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, New Day

Bayley (C) vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross (SD! Women’s Title Handicap Match)

Andrew: Although the deck is stacked against Bayley, I’m gonna go out and make a bold thought. I see Sasha Banks making her return at this show to make the save for Bayley and help her retain the title. The feud with Bliss will be over and down the road, Banks turns heel on Bayley to set up a program at SummerSlam. (Prediction: Bayley)

Ian: I don’t care. Is “I don’t care” an OK answer for this one? Fine, Bayley will win but only because Bliss isn’t healthy. It’s tough to say where they are going with this after Extreme Rules because Eric Bischoff starts booking Smackdown then. In all likelihood then, Bayley retains here but then joins the NWO on Tuesday. (Prediction: Bayley)

Matt: As noted, Nikki Cross was added to this match due to Alexa Bliss’ sinus infection issues. With that in mind, it appears clear that WWE is trying to stack the deck in a way that the match can deliver. With Bliss seemingly uneligible for a title run from a medical standpoint, one would assume Bayley is going over. (Prediction: Bayley)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Bayley

Kofi Kingston (C) vs. Samoa Joe (WWE Title)

Andrew: As much as I would like to see Joe go over here, WWE has taken the time to build up Kofi as a legit champion despite him still throwing out pancakes to fans. Joe has been in this spot before and we know the outcome, which makes it hard for me to believe that WWE would make a title change just one month away from SummerSlam. Kofi wins but this feud lives and a rematch takes place at SummerSlam. (Prediction: Kofi Kingston)

Ian: This rivalry with Joe is just a time-killer for Kofi. WWE already got the thrill of the chase and the glory of victory for this angle in the build-up to and then at WrestleMania. The only thing left is the heat they can generate and put on whoever takes the title off him. That has to be Brock Lesnar. Lesnar taking the title off Seth would lead to a rivalry we just saw in the build-up to WrestleMania. A Brock cash-in on Kofi, however, would lead to a fresh angle and Lesnar on Fox starting in the fall. Kofi retains here but only so he can eventually drop it to Brock. (Prediction: Kofi Kingston)

Matt: Well, Kofi Kingston is injured, and Samoa Joe is the type of guy who could carry the ball for a little while (and I think he would surprise people in a positive way if he were handed the ball). Having said that, I think the agent / producer for this match will have a busy time coordinating things so that this can deliver like a world title match should in terms of action and match-length, but somehow there will be some fun at the end that results in KofiMania continuing for a little while longer. (Prediction: Kofi Kingston)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Kofi Kingston

Undertaker & Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre & Shane McMahon

Andrew: I actually see McMahon and McIntyre going over here as a swerve because many people think that it’s a slam dunk that Reigns and Taker go over here because that’s what should happen. If you look at the way that WWE has booked Shane this year with his feuds with the likes of Miz and Reigns, Shane goes over in the end. I see WWE splitting this feud up going into SummerSlam with Reigns vs. Shane and Taker vs. McIntyre happening. (Prediction: Drew McIntyre & Shane McMahon)

Ian: Undertaker needs to win this match to wash the taste out of his mouth from Super ShowDown. Kevin Owens could play a role in this match as well, considering he has no other role on the show and recently gave Shane McMahon a stunner. If Shane McMahon is going to go away soon, we’ll have to start that process here. (Prediction: Undertaker & Roman Reigns)

Matt: Well, as we reported here at SEScoops.com this past weekend, WWE is planning on Undertaker vs. Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam next month. With that in mind, something tells me that things will go wrong for “The Phenom” and “The Big Dog,” leading to individual matches for each against “The Scottish Psychopath” and “The Best in the World,” respectively, at WWE’s “Biggest Event of the Summer.” (Prediction: Drew McIntyre & Shane McMahon)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Drew McIntyre & Shane McMahon

Seth Rollins (C) & Becky Lynch (C) vs. Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans (Winner Take All)

Andrew: This is the easiest pick on the entire card as if the company wanted to put the titles on the heels then they could’ve done it in previous matches. WWE has no intention of putting the titles on Evans and Corbin despite how much that they like them and push them on television. Rollins and Lynch move onto different feuds finally after this show. (Prediction: Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch)

Ian: These titles are not going on Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans. They just aren’t. I think WWE is going to milk Seth and Becky for all its worth. They’ve never had this dynamic before no matter how badly Vince may have wanted Wendy Richter and the Hulkster to hook up. I’m expecting Becky and Seth to each hold their titles until SummerSlam at the very least. (Prediction: Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch)

Matt: Well, I know WWE is big on “shock value” and the “surprise factor” in big matches on big shows, but if you’re laying down any loot for this one, you’re moolah is safe on “The Architect” and “The Man.” I just plain can’t see Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans wearing the prizes that makes them the top dog and dogette on WWE’s red brand. Even if Paul Heyman is holding the pencil, those two on top every Monday night? Nah!! (Prediction: Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch

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What do the experts think is going to happen on Sunday? Check out the updated WWE Extreme Rules betting odds. What do YOU think is going to happen this Sunday? Sound off in the Comments section below, and make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com on Sunday for live WWE Extreme Rules results.

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All Elite Wrestling returns with its second live event, Fyter Fest, this Saturday night streaming live (and free) via the Bleacher Report (B/R) Live service. The show will be co-promoted with CEO Fighting Game Championships.

AEW continues to ride the wave of momentum that started with the ALL IN independent pay-per-view in Chicago, Illinois last September, and went to another level at the inaugural AEW PPV, Double Or Nothing, in Las Vegas, Nevada last month, as they run the Ocean Center in Daytona Bleach, Florida this Saturday night for the Fyter Fest live streaming special on B/R Live.

The show kicks off at 7pm Eastern Time with their one-hour long “Buy-In” pre-show, which streams live via the promotion’s official YouTube channel, as well as on Bleacher Report Live. From there, the main card kicks off on B/R Live at 8pm Eastern Time.

A Look At The AEW Fyter Fest Lineup

This Saturday’s AEW Fyter Fest features a stacked lineup, with the AEW in-ring debut of former WWE Superstar Dean Ambrose. Ambrose made his AEW debut at the aforementioned inaugural Double Or Nothing PPV in May, attacking Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega after their “Alpha vs. Omega II” main event match. This weekend, Ambrose, now performing as Jon Moxley, will step inside the squared circle with AEW for the first time, as he faces off against Joey Janela in one-on-one action.

In other featured matches on the card, Cody takes on Darby Allin in singles competition, The Elite (Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks) will battle in six-man tag-team competition against the trio of the Lucha Bros (Pentagon Jr. & Rey Fenix) and Laredo Kid, Hangman Page vs. MJF vs. Jimmy Havoc vs. Jungle Boy will take place in a Four-Way Match, Christopher Daniels vs. CIMA will go one-on-one and there will be a Women’s Triple-Threat Match with Nyla Rose vs. Yuka Sakazaki vs. Riho.

On the “Buy-In” pre-show there will be three matches, with Michael Nakazawa vs. Alex Jebailey, Kylie Rae vs. Leva Bates (with Peter Avalon) and a special three-way tag-team match with the winning team advancing to the ALL OUT PPV on 8/31 in Illinois for an opportunity at a first round bye in the AEW World Tag-Team Championship Tournament, with Best Friends (Chuck Taylor & Trent Beretta) vs. SoCal Uncensored (Scorpio Sky & Frankie Kazarian) vs. Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) scheduled.

SEScoops.com writers Ian Carey, Andrew Ravens and Jeff Moss have prepared their predictions for each of the matches scheduled for Saturday night’s big event. Without further adieu, here are the SEScoops.com staff predictions for AEW Fyter Fest.

Kylie Rae vs. Leva Bates (Fyter Fest Pre-Show)

Ian Carey: Put your money on Kylie Rae for this match. Kylie took the pin to Britt Baker in the 4-way match at Double or Nothing and could use a win to get back on the right trajectory. Meanwhile, one of the promotion’s two librarians, Leva Bates, appears to have a secret admirer in the other AEW librarian, Peter Avalon. Kylie seems like a safe pick here.
(Prediction: Kylie Rae)

Andrew Ravens: To be honest, I’m a big fan of Rae as I think that she has a ton of potential and could be a real player in the women’s division. Bates is a solid worker and you know what she brings. There’s more upside with Rae.
(Prediction: Kylie Rae)

Jeff Moss: Leva Bates. Leva bates wins this and then wins the women’s title. Then she single-handedly wins the tag team tournament. Then in the World Title Match at All Out, Chris Jericho takes off his face and it’s Leva Bates. I really like Leva Bates. (Prediction: Leva Bates)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Kylie Rae

Best Friends vs. SCU vs. Private Party (Fyter Fest Pre-Show)

Ian: So the winner of this match earns a shot at a wild card match in the upcoming tournament to declare AEW tag team champions. This will be Private Party’s first match for the promotion while the other two were victorious at Double or Nothing. I expect the Best Friends to pick up the win here and book their ticket to All Out. (Prediction: Best Friends)

Andrew: One of the more important matches on the card due to the stipulation that it carries. I don’t think Private Party or SoCal need a win here but rather, Best Friends do as they need one to establish themselves in the American market.
(Prediction: Best Friends)

Jeff: This is a tough one to call. All three of these teams area great, and a bye in the upcoming tag tournament is a pretty significant prize given some of the talent that’s bound to show up there. Also, can I just note how awesome these team names are? I know they aren’t new, but “Best Friends” vs “Private Party” just looks fun on paper. SCU are a great team, but at the end of the night, the power of friendship will prevail and the Best Friends will pick up the victory. (Prediction: Best Friends)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Best Friends

Michael Nakazawa vs. Alex Jebailey (Fyter Fest Pre-Show)

Ian: Expect a lot of baby oil and weapons in this special hardcore match. Even though it is his company running the CEO Fighting Game championships in Daytona, I’m expecting Jebailey to lose this match to Nakazawa, likely after numerous comedic shenanigans.
(Prediction: Michael Nakazawa)

Andrew: I’m interested in seeing how far they go with Nakazawa in AEW as he’s talented but the bigger question is where does he fit in the promotion. Time will tell regarding that question. This is a nothing match, to be honest, so I have Nakazawa winning.
(Prediction: Michael Nakazawa)

Jeff: I’ll be honest, this match is a total coin flip for me. I don’t know either of these wrestlers, to be frank. Alexa Jebailey is actually the head of Community Effort Orlando, and Nakazawa I’ve heard of only in passing. That said, what AEW has started with Double or Nothing, and can continue through Fyter Fest, Fight For The Fallen, All Out and into their TV deal is what WCW couldn’t do: CREATE stars. Even matches I have no idea about like this one are exciting to me. If I had to pick a winner (and I guess I do) it’d be Nakazawa, purely because he is listed on the official AEW Roster and Jebailey isn’t. (Prediction: Micheal Nakazawa)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Michael Nakazawa

Christopher Daniels vs. CIMA

Ian: SCU defeated CIMA’s Strong Hearts team at Double or Nothing but I’m expecting the OWE representative to pick up the win here. SCU has wrestled OWE teams once in China and once for AEW in Las Vegas, winning each time. I think CIMA is going to pick up the first victory for his side in this rivalry at Fyter Fest.
(Prediction: CIMA)

Andrew: This is a classic pick em match as either star can win and it doesn’t really matter who goes over. What does matter is laying out and presenting a quality style match.
(Prediction: Christopher Daniels)

Jeff: With AEW being a wrestler-run company, they have to be very conscious of executives and higher ups booking themselves to win. Now, I don’t think we’re in Hogan/Nitro territory by any stretch of the imagination, and as long as the story makes sense they will be fine. But it’s something they have to keep in the back of their minds. Daniels is head of Talent Relations (The HHH Role) and CIMA is president of OWE, with whom they’d like to have good Talent Relations, I’m sure. I’m saying that CIMA wins here to build up not only himself, but OWE. (Prediction: CIMA)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, CIMA

Hangman Page vs. Jimmy Havoc vs. MJF vs. Jungle Boy

Ian: Hangman Page will main event the next AEW PPV so it’s likely the promotion wants him to look as strong as possible in the build-up. I’m expecting him to be the main focus of this match, get some revenge on MJF for DoN, and then move on to All Out on a hot streak.
(Prediction: Hangman Page)

Andrew: This is a fun match that could go anywhere regarding the winner. Ideally, with Page being built up as a credible star and potential World Champion then there’s no reason for him to lose here. However, someone else could lose the fall and keep Page looking strong if that’s the route they want to go.
(Prediction: Hangman Page)

Jeff: I think that logic dictates that Jungle Boy or Jimmy Havoc would be the ones taking a pin here, but wrestling has never been logical and neither have I. Let’s make a star here. All four of these guys can go and they will shoot the lights out, but I think MJF will try and sneak in a win, only to find Jungle Boy with an unlikely victory. (Prediction: Jungle Boy)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Hangman Page

Nyla Rose vs. Yuka Sakazaki vs. Riho

Ian: Nyla Rose and Awesome Kong took each other out of the 4-way match at Double or Nothing and it seems likely things aren’t finished between the two monsters of the women’s division. I’m expecting Rose to roll through both Sakazaki and Riho here, though not before both are able to showcase their Joshi style a little. Rose should end this match looking real strong as the promotion builds towards her versus Kong. (Prediction: Nyla Rose)

Andrew: This is just a filler match in my opinion although I think that Sakazaki is a fun wrestler to watch. I see Rose being a big player in the women’s division in AEW and thus, gets the win here.
(Prediction: Nyla Rose)

Jeff: Since Nyla Rose wasn’t involved in the finish of the killer 4-way at Double or Nothing, I think she’s the easy choice for a win here. She’s going to be a big player in the Women’s Division heading into TV and this is a great way to build her up. Admittedly, I’m not as familiar with her opponents in this match, but in the context of AEW this makes the most sense. (Prediction: Nyla Rose)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Nyla Rose

Jon Moxley vs. Joey Janela

Ian: I don’t think there will be any surprises here as Moxley will pick up his first victory in AEW here. Expect Joey Janela to give this match everything he has, similar to what he did at All In against Hangman Page. Janela and Moxley strike me as two guys who aren’t going to hold back when they don’t have. They won’t have to here so expect something good to occur.
(Prediction: Jon Moxley)

Andrew: While Janaela is extremely talented, there’s no reason for Moxley to lose here unless Kenny Omega gets involved to further their storyline and match at All Out. Moxley needs a win here and shouldn’t lose until he gets to All Out.
(Prediction: Jon Moxley)

Jeff: Show me someone who says that they aren’t excited for this match and I’ll show you someone who’s probably dead inside. This match is going to RIP. Mox has been tearing it up in Japan, and Joey Janela is no slouch either. As to who wins here at Fyter Fest, I have to go with Moxley. He’s on a hot run and is clearly going to be a centrepiece of AEW going forward, so let’s keep his chaotic, bloody momentum going. (Prediction: Jon Moxley)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Jon Moxley

Cody vs. Darby Allin

Ian: There is a reason Darby Allin is in AEW and there is a reason he is facing Cody here. Allin is someone who the AEW crowd will really respond to. Expect Allin to give Cody a run for his money but ultimately come up short. It will establish Allin without costing Cody anything. Two weeks after this match, Cody will team with his brother to go up against the Young Bucks. At some point at Fyter Fest, something will happen between the team of Cody and Dustin and The Young Bucks to build to that match. It could possibly happen here.
(Prediction: Cody)

Andrew: This is going to be an interesting match due to the dynamic of the talent involved in this contest. I find it hard to believe that Allin wins here considering the stature of Cody in the promotion. Cody wins but Allin gets a rub off of losing to him.
(Prediction: Cody)

Jeff: This will be a really intriguing matchup. Cody singles matches are always full of drama and fun, but Allin is somewhat of a wild card to me as an opponent. In my mind, it’d be cool for Allin to win this match too give him a bit of a mainstream rub and also to give Cody a bit of a chip on his shoulder heading into his tag match with Dustin at All Out. Then they’d both have something to prove against those Bucks of Youth. (Prediction: Darby Allin)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Cody

The Elite vs. Lucha Bros & Laredo Kid

Ian: Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks will pick up the victory here to send the crowd home happy. Omega needs a win after losing to Jericho and the Bucks just lost the AAA titles at Verano De Escandalo to the Lucha Bros. From here the Young Bucks will take on the Cody and Dustin at Fight for the Fallen. This match here at AEW Fyter Fest could build to that match in some way.
(Prediction: The Elite)

Andrew: While the Bucks and Bros have gone back and forth with trading wins as of late, I think that this is an easy pick with an easy excuse for a loss to Bros. Omega and Bucks should go over here as I think this will be a great match and with them winning, it would feel like a good feel win for the live crowd. There is much more storytelling involving these teams. (Prediction: The Elite)

Jeff: I’ll be honest, normally 6-man tags don’t do much for me unless there’s a ladder involved. This is not to say there haven’t been great ones, but for me, it’s not a match I’m usually that into. That said, with the talent assembled here? It might be the greatest multi-man tag match assembled since Steve Austin led a team into Calgary against the Harts. This is going to be crazy, and I think the team of Omega/Young Bucks is going to win to end the show at AEW Fyter Fest. Matt and Nick can get their win back against the Luchas and Omega can look good before heading into All Out. (Prediction: The Elite)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, The Elite

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What do you think of the above AEW Fyter Fest predictions? Let us know by sounding off in the Comments section below, and make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com on Saturday evening for live AEW Fyter Fest results coverage.

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This Saturday, June 29th #AEW’s #FyterFest streams LIVE on @brlive! pic.twitter.com/OgQTbIgBZS

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 25, 2019

WWE returns to the pay-per-view arena this weekend with their first-ever WWE Stomping Grounds show from the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington on Sunday, June 23rd. The show will feature seven championship matches in what will be a nine-match card that will stream live via the WWE Network starting at 7pm Eastern Time, with a one-hour Kickoff Show starting at 6pm Eastern Time.

In the headline spot at WWE Stomping Grounds will be WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins defending his title against Baron Corbin. “The Architect” defeated the “Lone Wolf” at the WWE Super ShowDown PPV in Saudi Arabia less than three weeks ago, fending off an attempted cash-in by “Mr. Beast in the Bank” Brock Lesnar in the process. At WWE Stomping Grounds, Rollins will once again be put in a position where he must defy the odds, as he will have the unique dynamic of Corbin picking a special mystery guest referee to deal with in their match.

In the co-main event slot, Kofi Kingston will defend the WWE Championship against Dolph Ziggler in another WWE Super ShowDown rematch, however this time he will do so inside the confines of a Steel Cage.

Other title matches on the WWE Stomping Grounds card include Becky Lynch vs. Lacey Evans for the RAW Women’s Championship, Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, Samoa Joe vs. Ricochet for the WWE United States Championship, Daniel Bryan & Rowan vs. Heavy Machinery for the SmackDown Tag-Team Championships and Tony Nese vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Drew Gulak for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

Non-title matches rounding out WWE Stomping Grounds this Sunday night are Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre in a one-on-one rematch from WrestleMania 35, as well as Big E. & Xavier Woods from The New Day taking on the duo of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in tag-team action.

As is the case before every major pay-per-view event, SEScoops.com compiles a handful of pro wrestling journalists to provide their in-depth insight and analysis into each match scheduled on the card in our SEScoops.com Predictions Roundtable feature. Joining us for this WWE Stomping Grounds installment will be veteran staff writers Ian Carey, Andrew Ravens and Jeff Moss.

Without further adieu, let’s take a look at the SEScoops.com predictions for WWE Stomping Grounds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-7RG-0c7Bg

Tony Nese vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Drew Gulak (WWE Cruiserweight Title)

Ian Carey: Honestly, I’d put the title on Gulak here. If anything, Gulak can at least cut promos, draw up some interest on social media or do something to give people a reason to watch 205 Live. They won’t do it, though, pulling the trigger on anything in 205 Live right now seems like it isn’t happening. The big storyline on the show right now is the whole roster is upset that their GM is more concerned with the 24/7 title. Nese will pick up the win here as it doesn’t seem as though they are building up any of the challengers here as future champions. (Prediction: Tony Nese)

Andrew Ravens: Although I like Tozawa and Gulak, I don’t see them as future champions. Thus, it certainly won’t start here and no good reason to do it. WWE typically likes for the champion on 205 Live to have a lengthy title reign and I see that with Nese.
(Prediction: Tony Nese)

Jeff Moss: I haven’t been following 205 Live as closely as I should have been (What’s the point? It has like, no Shane McMahon content) but I’ve been loving the hell out of Drew Gulak’s few matches in NXT over the last little while. Tony Nese is great, and Akira Tozawa sure can yell, but I’d love to see that purple strap around Gulak’s waist. Then let him defend it on Raw, Smackdown and NXT. Let’s blur a few lines here and show off how great the Cruiserweights can be. Y’know without making the ropes purple. (Prediction: Drew Gulak)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Tony Nese

Big E. & Xavier Woods vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

Ian: Owens and Zayn have been losing big matches on RAW and Smackdown every week it seems, so there’s little harm in having them do the same on PPV this Sunday. I wouldn’t expect this match to be long but it’ll give New Day a chance to get the crowd going. There could be a fair amount of comedy here as well. (Prediction: Big E. & Xavier Woods)

Andrew: A pick em here as either team could win. Purely on the fact that I think Kofi Kingston retains his WWE Title on this show, I have the heels going over and getting the win as winning would help them more than Big E and Woods at this point in time.
(Prediction: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn)

Jeff: It’ll be nice to see Big E back in the ring and while I love anything that Kevin and Sami do, I have to ask: what is the point of this? Does this match exist to simply so someone can interfere? If so, who? Is it so Sami can yell at us some more? Is it revenge for the 5 minutes I was excited during the “Big O” saga? Does Vince really just like watching Sami lose matches that much? SHANE MCMAHON?!?!?!!? (Prediction: Big E. & Xavier Woods)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Big E. & Xavier Woods

Daniel Bryan & Rowan vs. Heavy Machinery (SmackDown Tag Titles)

Ian: Much like Samoa Joe might using under-handed tactics to retain his title, the Planet’s tag team champions will likely do the same here. The match doesn’t seem high-profile enough for Rowan and Bryan to drop the belts and I doubt they want Heavy Machinery to lose clean yet. Sometime of chicanery, likely from Daniel Bryan, will lead to a controversial win or DQ loss for the champs. (Prediction: Daniel Bryan & Rowan)

Andrew: Another match was built upon less than a week and wouldn’t make much sense to do a title change here. Why Heavy Machinery is a good act, they are a comedy and not serious contenders. That’s a problem when trying to build challengers to be taken seriously.
(Prediction: Daniel Bryan & Rowan)

Jeff: Please, put the titles on Heavy Machinery. Put them on Heavy Machinery and let the weirdness commence. I know I’ve been pretty dour and Shane McMahon-heavy in this prediction piece, so give me something fun. Please. Let Daniel Bryan move to Raw and work with Seth. Let Rowan… be tall somewhere. Wth AEW openly stating that they are making tag team wrestling a priority, either throw something at me to compete with that, or just kill the division all together. I can’t miss something if it never leaves after all. Hey, what are the Revival up to these days? Are they the RAW champions still? (Prediction: Heavy Machinery)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Daniel Bryan & Rowan

Samoa Joe vs. Ricochet (WWE United States Title)

Ian: This match is likely the one die-hard fans are looking forward to the most, though it’s not certain how much time they will be given. Two options are possible. One is that Ricochet scores the big title win, leading Joe to become infuriated and want revenge, and the other is that Joe cheats to retain. One way or another, WWE will want Ricochet to look strong here as he is essentially replacing Rey Mysterio in his feud with Joe minus the parental part of the angle. Joe cheating to win seems more likely but either is possible. (Prediction: Samoa Joe)

Andrew: As much as I would like to see Ricochet get his first title win on the main roster, I don’t see that happening as Joe was just crowned the new champion. This match was built upon less than a week and wouldn’t make much sense to do a title change here.
(Prediction: Samoa Joe)

Jeff: This is the one match on this absolutely brutal card that I’m actually looking forward to. Joe’s a heavy, ground-based hitter and Ricochet is, well, freakin’ Ricochet. This should be a great match and depending on who can adapt better to who, could be the crowning of a new champion. I suspect though that Ricochet’s “inexperience” will play a factor and Joe will catch him going for a high-flying move of some kind and retain, which ain’t the worst thing in the world. The best part? Neither of them are Shane McMahon. (Prediction: Samoa Joe)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Samoa Joe

Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre

Ian: Roman should win purely because he lost to Shane McMahon at Super ShowDown and WWE will want to rehab him from that. They could have just not booked him to lose in Saudi Arabia, then leading to a tougher challenge with Drew McIntyre here but that just does not seem to be how this angle is being booked. Reigns will win, setting up another match with Shane McMahon so the Big Dog can get his revenge. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)

Andrew: Reigns just lost to Shane McMahon at Super ShowDown so unless they do a screwy finish, Reigns should go over here as a loss doesn’t hurt McIntyre as he’s losing to WWE’s chosen one in the process. This will ultimately lead to another match with Reigns vs. McMahon, potentially at SummerSlam.
(Prediction: Roman Reigns)

Jeff: This one is tough, but I predict that the big guy with long hair will triumph over the big guy with long hair. Seriously though, we’re all going to look pretty silly when Shane McMahon somehow wins this match, which in spite of all my jokes so far, may actually happen here. Unless WWE has some massive sleeves with even more massive tricks up them, this is going to be dry toast with a side of soda crackers. But, someone has to come out of this looking strong and there’s no one better at looking strong than Roman Reigns. Except Finn Balor. He looks TOO strong, that’s why he and the Intercontinental titled had to be cut from the card. I assume. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Roman Reigns

Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss (SmackDown Women’s Title)

Ian: Vince McMahon loves Alexa Bliss, which is likely the reason Bliss has spent so much of her main roster career as a champion. There is a built-in angle for Bliss to lose here, though. Nikki Cross is Bliss’ underling and has been doing and saying things to gain our sympathy. Nikki will try and cost Bayley the title, it won’t work, and she’ll end up costing Bliss the match, leading to Bliss and Nikki down the road. (Prediction: Bayley)

Andrew: I could see WWE doing a shocking finish and having Bliss win here but Bayley just won the title so unless they want her to chase again, she should retain her. WWE has a solid storyline behind this feud that can easily be extended into next month.
(Prediction: Bayley)

Jeff: Hey, everyone remembers that Alexa isn’t even on Smackdown, right? Or has she been permanently Wild Carded? This is one of those matches where the “heel” isn’t saying anything that’s particularly “heelish” she’s just stating the facts. Bayley DID peak in NXT. Bayley IS a placeholder champion. At least, this is what WWE has made her into. Since Shane McMahon doesn’t want a women’s title (yet), Bayley has a chance to remind us here why she’s everyone’s favourite hugger, but I’ve got so little confidence in what WWE allows it’s talent to do, I expect it to be another dry patch in a night of dry patches, but one that keeps the strap on Bayley. (Prediction: Bayley)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Bayley

Becky Lynch vs. Lacey Evans (RAW Women’s Title)

Ian: They wouldn’t put the title on Lacey Evans would they? No, no that would be too much… right? After all, Lacey is fresh out of developmental, didn’t work much in NXT, and doesn’t have a lot of experience. Meanwhile, Becky is coming off of main event’ing WrestleMania and is arguably the hottest act in the company.So, they wouldn’t do it, right? I’m taking Becky Lynch here. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)

Andrew: In my opinion, this is the easiest pick on the card as Lynch continues her dominance in the women’s division. Obviously, WWE is high on Evans but it seems like she has to grow much more before she can be considered a worthy title contender and eventual champion.
(Prediction: Becky Lynch)

Jeff: If you haven’t noticed by now, WWE seems to be in a holding pattern. A boring, boring holding pattern, and as a result I don’t see any titles changing hands (unless Shane McMahon is involved). The Raw Women’s title is in a hard spot right now. Lacey Evans is NOT ready to be champion. Becky Lynch is infinitely more entertaining chasing the title instead of holding it, simply because they don’t have any real competition lined up for her. Presuming Sasha Banks doesn’t return from “vacation” that is. So, Becky keeps the belt here so they can continue being extremely tasteful and playing up the “Championship Couple” of her and Seth. Good to see WWE and the Women’s Revolution have moved on from women being enhancement characters for their boyfriends. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Becky Lynch

Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler Steel Cage Match (WWE Title)

Ian: Lesnar cashing in on Kofi at some point is possible but it’s not happening here. Lesnar likely won’t be in Tacoma and a steel cage match is not an ideal place for MITB cash-in. When the time is right, however, Kofi dropping the title in less-than-fair circumstances is how they will try and get the title off him. It’s not happening here, however, and it’s not going to be Ziggler who does it. (Prediction: Kofi Kingston)

Andrew: This is one of the easiest picks on the card as there’s no real reason to put the title on Ziggler at this point. WWE has done a good job of getting Kingston over as a babyface that fans can get behind and Ziggler has done a fine job at the role that he’s been put into. It appears that this path will be over and most likely Kingston feuds with Kevin Owens next.
(Prediction: Kofi Kingston)

Jeff: Kofi has been here for 11 years, yadda yadda, Ziggler deserves it more, blah blah, fans turned their backs, so on, so forth. We’ve danced this dance so many times (and as recently as a couple weeks ago) that it’s hard to get excited about this match, even if it’s in a steel cage. Kofi wins, but it’s gonna be super weird when Shane McMahon walks away with the title in a Hogan-At-Wrestlemania-9 move. (Prediction: Kofi Kingston)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Kofi Kingston

Seth Rollins vs. Baron Corbin With Mystery Referee (WWE Universal Title)

Ian: I have to imagine Seth Rollins is winning here but I’m not sure the match result is what will be most notable. There are two big questions regarding this match, the first being who the referee will be and the second is will Brock Lesnar cash-in? It feels as though no matter what the answer to either of those questions, it’ll be a let down. If Lesnar was going to be there they would have announced it, what with all they are doing to try and boost ticket sales. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Andrew: We’ve seen it before and will also see the same outcome as Super ShowDown. Obviously, the majority of fans are tired of seeing Corbin continue to be put in the main event scene. With this being a rematch, let’s hope WWE goes into a different direction come Extreme Rules next month. It will be interesting to see who’s next to challenge Rollins.
(Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Jeff: Shane McMahon is the special Guest Referee. The Brock cashes in his Money In the Bank contract. Then Shane produces a second MITB contract, cashes that in and becomes Universal Champion. Baron Corbin will also be there. Seriously though, the most entertaining thing the WWE has done in weeks is Seth Rollins madly destroying anyone who even thinks about being the special guest referee with a never-ending supply of chairs. Seth retains here, and please, for all of our sakes, moves onto a feud with someone who can actually feud back and main selling feature isn’t just “wears a vest for no reason now.” (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Seth Rollins

What are the “real experts'” predictions for this Sunday? Find out by checking out the latest WWE Stomping Grounds Betting Odds. What are YOUR predictions for this Sunday? Share them in the Comments section below.

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Make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com this Sunday for WWE Stomping Grounds results coverage.

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WWE returns to King Abdullah Sports City’s King Abdullah International Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this Friday for their WWE Super ShowDown live special on the WWE Network. The event marks the second show promoted under the “Super ShowDown” chronology, and the third under WWE’s new 10-year partnership supporting Saudi Vision 2030.

The company has promoted the WWE Super ShowDown special as a “WrestleMania equivalent” event, with a stacked lineup featuring several high-profile matches. Three WWE legends who don’t often perform will be dusting off their ring gear for featured matches on the card. Triple H will battle longtime rival Randy Orton, and The Undertaker returns to square-off against WWE Hall Of Famer Bill Goldberg in their “First Time Ever” showdown.

Additionally, WWE has announced a 50-Man Battle Royal and three title matches. Seth Rollins will defend his WWE Universal Championship against Baron Corbin, Kofi Kingston will put his WWE Championship on-the-line against Dolph Ziggler and “The Demon” Finn Balor returns against Andrade in a WWE Intercontinental Championship match.

Rounding out the card this Friday is a 3-On-1 Handicap Match, with Lars Sullivan taking on all three members of Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado). Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon and Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley is also scheduled.

Ahead of Friday’s highly-anticipated live special in Saudi Arabia, three SEScoops.com writers have come together to provide their in-depth analysis and insight into each match on the card, as well as their predictions for each bout. Veteran journalists Ian Carey, Matt Boone and Andrew Ravens have prepared their breakdowns and picks for Friday’s matches, so without further adieu, here are the SEScoops.com predictions for WWE Super ShowDown.

Lars Sullivan vs. Lucha House Party

Ian Carey: I have to go with Lars Sullivan on this one. They are going to push Sullivan to the top of the card and having him destroy 3 luchadors on a show that is equal to or greater than WrestleMania is a good chance to showcase him. WWE didn’t match Sullivan up against 3 wrestlers half his size for him to lose. Consider this 3 squash matches in one.
(Prediction: Lars Sullivan)

Matt Boone: This appears to be a clear old-school “build a monster” handicap match. Three little dudes who have speed, agility and high-risk offensive skill sets against a big, strong dude who needs to be established as a killer. With that said, the outcome should be pretty obvious. This should be a good opening match to warm up the fans in Jeddah. (Prediction: Lars Sullivan)

Andrew Ravens: This is the easiest pick on the card as there’s no reason for Sullivan to lose here. I actually think that you could save this for television but WWE must have long events so they booked it here. Sullivan is the next big monster in WWE and will be victorious. (Prediction: Lars Sullivan)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Lars Sullivan

Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley

Ian: Braun Strowman should win this handily. If WWE wanted to push Lashley to the top of the card to face Brock or challenge for a title, they could do it but they would have done it by now if that’s what they were thinking. Strowman should win this on route to being pushed back to the Universal title picture. That we are more than 1-year since Strowman won the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia and still hasn’t held a world title seems off. At some point, they have to make Strowman a champion. He shouldn’t lose again until that happens.
(Prediction: Braun Strowman)

Matt: I’m not really sure what to expect in this one in terms of substance. Clearly “The Monster Among Men” should be the favorite in this one, however there’s always the chance, especially in this particular contest, for some storyline-related shenanigans to affect the outcome. The last time Strowman was in Saudi Arabia, he won the “Greatest Royal Rumble” match and appeared geared towards a push to the title picture in the top of the mix in WWE. (Prediction: Braun Strowman)

Andrew: Unless WWE just wants to have a shock finish, Strowman should win here. I must point out that WWE doesn’t seem to know what to do with him right now as in one aspect, he’s a monster while the other the company doesn’t do anything big with him in 2019. Lashley has been lost in the shuffle for quite some time now. (Prediction: Braun Strowman)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Braun Strowman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pneeONzqMZc

Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon

Ian: Hopefully this feud will end here with the idea being that Shane McMahon won the Best in the World trophy in Saudi Arabia so if Roman wins then he’ll be the Best in the World and everyone can just drop it. That’s my hope anyway. I don’t think I’m alone in saying I find Shane McMahon as a heel unwatchable. Shane as a character is fine, sometimes it’s even pretty good, but this has been terrible.
(Prediction: Roman Reigns)

Matt: It doesn’t seem likely that Roman Reigns is going to travel across the country to lose to Shane McMahon in an undercard match buried half way down the card. With that in mind, I’ve got to believe that “The Big Dog” gets his hand raised when all is said-and-done. I’m sure in between his entrance and his victory celebration, Shane McMahon will jump off a bunch of high crap and get thrown and slammed around like a rag doll a bunch. There will also probably be some interference, likely from a certain man of Scottish descent. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)

Andrew: This is a questionable match as either guy could win here. While Reigns seems to be ready to move onto a feud with McIntyre, who has been paired with Shane, WWE could change things up and insert him into the Reigns – McIntyre match at Stomping Grounds. Let Reigns get his revenge. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Roman Reigns

“The Demon” Finn Balor (C) vs. Andrade (WWE Intercontinental Title)

Ian: There has been no build-up to this match whatsoever. Part of this has to do with Finn being on vacay since Money in the Bank and that huge ladder bump he took. Andrade may be at a disadvantage if Zelina Vega isn’t with him. Not sure if women valets are allowed on this show that is equal to or greater to WrestleMania. Renee Young is on commentary, perhaps women managers is the next step on the road to finally having women wrestlers on the show. Regardless, Demon Balor should retain here. (Prediction: “The Demon” Finn Balor)

Matt: It seems obvious that Finn Balor should get the “W” if he is dusting off his alter-ego, “The Demon,” for this “WrestleMania equivalent” show. Having said that, there’s part of me that thinks with WWE being high on Andrade, and every big show needing at least one big upset and / or title change, this could be the match for that. When it comes to making picks, however, you always play things safe! (Prediction: “The Demon” Finn Balor)

Andrew: WWE hasn’t done a great job of explaining as to why Balor is bringing back his darker character for this match as there hasn’t been much heat in this feud. Nonetheless, it’s a nice change and a cool sight. While I’m high on Andrade, these are nothing shows so Balor retains. (Prediction: “The Demon” Finn Balor)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, “The Demon” Finn Balor

Kofi Kingston (C) vs. Dolph Ziggler (WWE Title)

Ian: Is it possible to pick Brock Lesnar to win this match? Because I think Brock Lesnar is going to win this match. Think about it, why didn’t he cash in against Seth? Perhaps, Lesnar wants to cash in on Kofi at Super ShowDown. With the “Wild Card” rule a few Brock Lesnar appearances on Smackdown sure would be good for ratings. Before Lesnar cashes in, however, Kofi will pick up the win on Ziggler. (Prediction: Kofi Kingston)

Matt: The return of Dolph Ziggler has been pretty interesting. He’s in the title mix, he’s playing a vicious old-school heel and he’s so long overdue for a run at the top in WWE that it’s beyond laughable at this point. Could this be the match where he captures the WWE Championship and starts the main event / title run he has long-deserved? I hope so, but I’m not convinced that Kofi-Mania is over just yet. I feel The New Day split and Big E. (or a surprise Xavier Woods) heel turn will be the catalyst. Could they turn on him and cost him the title against someone else? If so, Ziggler is as good an option as anyone else. At the end of the day, Kingston leaves Jeddah with a giant gold belt in his luggage. Could that only be because of a DQ win after a super vicious Ziggler beatdown? Hmm. (Prediction: Kofi Kingston)

Andrew: The only reason Ziggler is booked in this match is due to Kevin Owens not wanting to work it. Thus, he’s not a realistic challenger in my mind or other fans for the most part. It should be a good match but Ziggler is only a bump in the road for Kingston at this time. (Prediction: Kofi Kingston)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Kofi Kingston

Seth Rollins (C) vs. Baron Corbin (WWE Universal Title)

Ian: If Baron Corbin wins the Universal Championship in Saudi Arabia, the groans will be heard worldwide. Corbin’s push to the top of the card on RAW has not been something Vince McMahon and the WWE Universe have seen eye to eye on. As much as WWE likes to push Corbin, I don’t think they will go as far as putting the belt on him. That seems like a step above what even WWE sees Corbin as, let alone the fans. Rollins should retain and possibly move into a program with a new challenger, one not named Brock Lesnar or Baron Corbin.
(Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Matt: Is it at all possible Vinnie Mac convinced Brock Lesnar to get on an airplane to Saudi Arabia this week? “The Beast Incarnate” vowed to cash-in at the WWE Super ShowDown “go-home” edition of RAW this past Monday evening and never did. After beating down WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins on RAW this week, Lesnar shouted “Friday!” to Paul Heyman, leading many to assume that “Mr. Money In The Bank” will cash-in his contract in Saudi Arabia. Although the track-record of delivering on officially advertised promises absolutely sucks as of late in terms of WWE and the Lesnar MITB contract in particular, I believe Friday will be the time when it happens. Having said that, I can’t even begin to speculate on how the cash-in will play out if it goes down, but if he hands over that briefcase, I don’t see any scenario where he doesn’t end up with the WWE Universal Championship as a result. Will a potential cash-in affect the outcome here, or happen after? I feel it will be the latter, and thus … (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Andrew: Ugh, Baron Corbin. Why this company must push this guy to the moon makes no sense to me. Brock Lesnar plays a bigger part in this contest as to whether he waits to see a winner or just cashes in his MITB contract mid-match. I have Corbin beating Rollins, who is hurt in storyline, then have Lesnar cash-in and beat Corbin for the title. (Prediction: Baron Corbin)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Seth Rollins

Triple H vs. Randy Orton

Ian: Based on Triple H’s promo from Monday, I think Orton is winning. Orton is still an active competitor with mileage left. Triple H has no mileage left, he’s just running on fumes at this point. It makes more sense for WWE to have Orton come out of Saudi Arabia looking strong but that doesn’t necessarily mean that is what will happen. It probably made more sense for Sting to beat Triple H at WrestleMania at WM31 but that’s not how things played out. Still, smart money is on Orton here.
(Prediction: Randy Orton)

Matt: This match features a rivalry that has such an incredibly strong off-and-on history in WWE over the past decade-plus. It’s such a shame to see it wasted in a forced-way just to fill up an open ‘big-match slot’ needed on the card. Having said that, the stellar WWE production crew still came through with some slick video packages that tells the storied history of the Triple H / Randy Orton rivalry. In terms of picking a winner, I’ve got to go with “The Game.” If he loses, it will likely be the result of outside interference, distractions or some kind of cheating spot. Just one man’s opinion. (Prediction: Triple H)

Andrew: While WWE has done a decent job at building up this contest, we’ve seen it several times over the years. I would assume that Orton wins here purely on the fact that he’s somewhat full-time at this stage in his career. Also, a loss to Triple H won’t hurt his standing with the fans. (Prediction: Triple H)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Triple H

The Undertaker vs. Goldberg

Ian: The Undertaker should win this match but it won’t be pretty. If Jim Ross watches this match he’ll likely refer to it as “bowling shoe ugly”. Such a comment might be more of a shot at bowling shoes than it is Goldberg and Taker, however. This is the kind of part-timer legends match that you could only do on a show like this now. It’ll be sloppy and hard to watch but it will also be a spectacle. Taker should win here as WWE has more invested in his legacy than Goldberg’s, especially now considering what they likely paid to get him out of Starrcast.
(Prediction: The Undertaker)

Matt: Once again, this is a “WrestleMania equivalent” special event. The Dead Man is associated with flawless performances at WrestleMania, having compiled the legendary 21-0 undefeated streak before dropping two of his next five matches, bringing his current record to 24-2. He lost in his initial WWE Super ShowDown performance in 2018, dropping a No Disqualification match to Triple H in the main event of last year’s show in Australia. The Phenom, along with Kane, also lost to Triple H and Shawn Michaels in the D-Generation X vs. Brothers Of Destruction tag-team main event in the first big WWE Saudi Arabian show, WWE Crown Jewel, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last November. This means outside of a lone victory over Rusev in a Casket Match at the WWE Greatest Royal Rumble event in Jeddah last April, The Undertaker has a winless streak at WWE Super ShowDown and in Saudi Arabia. He’s due for a win in one of these high-profile return bouts. The lone Rusev win on Taker’s Saudi Arabian record was a middle of the pack match, as opposed to a main event, like every other aforementioned example. Plus, as the expected main event, it makes sense that the shows goes off the air with a post-match Undertaker celebration, complete with the iconic music, cool lighting and “big moment” atmosphere. P.S. — Can you imagine convincing the old-school egotistical Bill Goldberg to make a WWE comeback … in Saudi Arabia … for one match … that he is going to lose? Gotta love the new Bill. (Prediction: The Undertaker)

Andrew: What’s the point of this match outside of having a match between two big names. The winner and loser here don’t matter. Hopefully, they will keep it short. I would assume that Taker goes over in a short match only for the reason that he works these shows twice a year. Goldberg heads back to retirement after this event. (Prediction: The Undertaker)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, The Undertaker

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What do you think of the above WWE Super ShowDown predictions? Let us know by sounding off in the Comments section below, and make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com on Friday afternoon (2pm ET / 11am PT) for live results coverage.

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The time has come for Double Or Nothing!

The movement that began with the successful ALL IN venture last September has led to the launch of the brand new All Elite Wrestling pro wrestling promotion, which presents its’ inaugural event, Double Or Nothing, under the AEW banner this weekend.

AEW Double Or Nothing goes down from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, May 25th. The card features a highly-anticipated lineup of some of the best matches that can be made without using talent currently signed to WWE.

Headlined by the “Alpha vs. Omega II” showdown between Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega, AEW Double Or Nothing also features the brother versus brother battle years in the making between Cody Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes, The Young Bucks vs. The Lucha Bros and much more.

The show kicks off at 7pm Eastern Time with a one hour pre-show titled “Buy-In,” which features the 21-Man Casino Battle Royale for a future shot at the AEW World Championship. The “Buy-In” pre-show will be available for free via the company’s official YouTube channel, and on Bleacher Report Live.

SEScoops.com writers Ian Carey, Andrew Ravens and Jeff Moss have prepared their predictions for each of the matches scheduled for Saturday night’s big event. Without further adieu, here are the SEScoops.com staff predictions for AEW Double Or Nothing.

Kip Sabian vs. Sammy Guevara (Pre-Show)

Ian Carey: On BTE as of late, it’s become clear that nobody (not even his mother) likes Sammy Guevara. He’s still going to beat Kip Sabian on the pre-show, however. Guevara is the AAA Cruiserweight Champion and will likely be featured prominently in AEW. (Prediction: Sammy Guevara)

Andrew Ravens: Here’s a prime time example of a sleeper match that not many people know of these two guys but Guevara is an extremely talented wrestler who could do some amazing things in AEW. I have Guevara going over. (Prediction: Sammy Guevara)

Jeff Moss: Pre-show? A Cruiserwieght Champion on the PRE-SHOW? You said AEW was going to be DIFFERENT, Cody!! Just kidding of course, you gotta have a pre-show these days and as pre-show matches go, this one ain’t too shabby. Before this match was announced, I wasn’t super familiar with these guys (Though Ian informs me that Guevara is really popular on BTE), but some quick Youtube research shows that they can both go. With Guevara being a champion in AAA, logically he should take this. (Prediction: Sammy Guevara)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Sammy Guevara

21-Man Casino Battle Royale (Pre-Show)

Ian: The winner of this match will face the winner of Omega vs. Jericho to crown the first-ever AEW World Champion. This means the person who wins is someone AEW would have to be comfortable putting in a main event against a top star. Shawn Spears strikes me as someone who could be in that position. Either that or it will be somebody yet to be announced. (Prediction: Shawn Spears)

Andrew: I expect to see some surprises in this match come bell time and the biggest surprise in this contest is likely the winner but no big names come to mind at this time. Thus, with that being said, I actually have MJF winning it here. MJF is someone to keep an eye on and I can’t wait to see how he progresses under the AEW banner as he has the potential to become a top guy. (Prediction: MJF)

Jeff: First off, let me just say I LOVE this concept. It’s a great freshening-up of a classic concept, which is what I hope AEW brings to the table across the board. That said, it’s hard to pick a winner (especially since all the participants haven’t been announced yet). This match should be really fun, with lots of surprises and while my heart wants fellow Canadian Shawn Spears to be the winner, I’d say a more likely candidate is Joey Janela. Janela has the indie crew and vibe to make a good foil for Omega over the AEW title later. Spears should be one of the final men left standing though. I also would not say no to a Glacier victory. (Prediction: Joey Janela)

CONSENSUS: Various (Shawn Spears – 1, MJF – 1, Joey Janela – 1)

Aja Kong, Yuka Sakazaki & Emi Sakura vs. Hikaru Shida, Riho & Ryo Mizunami

Ian: Look for Aja Kong to be the star of this match. This match will look to showcase the Joshi style of wrestling but in the end, it will be Aja Kong who fans remember and who is given more high-profile matches moving forward. (Prediction: Aja Kong, Yuka Sakazaki & Emi Sakura)

Andrew: Out of all of the matches on this stacked card, I think this will be the bathroom match as I’m not sure how many fans know of these talents, which is fine considering their backgrounds. It’s a toss-up so I’m taking Aja Kong, Yuka Sakazaki & Emi Sakura. (Prediction: Aja Kong, Yuka Sakazaki & Emi Sakura)

Jeff: Much like the three-way dance on the card, this match is going to go a long way to defining what the women’s division in AEW looks like. While I’m not a huge fan of the fact both women’s matches are multi-person deals, this does give a lot of women the chance to show off what they can do on a large scale. I’d expect the winner to be Aja Kong’s team, with Kong going on to feud with Baker over a title in the future. (Prediction: Aja Kong, Yuka Sakazaki & Emi Sakura)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Aja Kong, Yuka Sakazaki & Emi Sakura

Britt Baker vs. Nyla Rose vs. Kylie Rae

Ian: This one is tough. Kylie Rae will be the wrestler pinned or submitted, it really comes down to whether Baker or Rose gets the win. Baker seems like she’ll be a featured performer but Rose feels like someone they don’t want to beat too early. I’ll go with Nyla Rose on this one but I wouldn’t be shocked if Baker pulls out the win either. (Prediction: Nyla Rose)

Andrew: This is one of the matches I am most looking forward to seeing as Baker and Rae are some of the best prospects in women’s wrestling today. I can easily see AEW building around Baker as their women’s champion thus I have her winning here. (Prediction: Britt Baker)

Jeff: Britt Baker seems like the centrepiece of the AEW women’s roster going forward, so since this is their first chance to shine I expect this match to be an awesome effort from all involved, but Baker takes it in the end. That sets her up as the woman to beat and gives strong motivation to the rest of the division. (Prediction: Britt Baker)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Britt Baker

Best Friends vs. Angelico & Jack Evans

Ian: Angelico and Jack Evans are extremely talented but I have to put my money on the Best Friends here based on how much time they’ve been given on BTE. Beyond their signing being announced, we haven’t seen much of Angelico and Evans but the Best Friends have been involved in an angle with the Bucks, blackmailing them to put them on the main show. (Prediction: Best Friends)

Andrew: This match isn’t getting a lot of buzz and it should as all four talents are very good performers. Based on their success in NJPW, I would have to favor Best Friends to get the win here but if these teams feud moving forward, I could see an upset. (Prediction: Best Friends)

Jeff: I love Angelico. I love Jack Evans. But Best Friends, they are not. I see the more established team winning this one, but long-term, everyone wins because it’ll establish two great tag teams for AEW to use going forward. Should be a high-flying fun match though! (Prediction: Best Friends)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Best Friends

SoCal Uncensored vs. Strong Hearts

Ian: SCU got the win over an OWE team when they visited China recently but I feel like the Strong Hearts could pull out the win in Las Vegas. AEW’s association with OWE was one of the first things announced by AEW. I feel as though having the OWE team lose on the first PPV won’t be something they decide to do. (Prediction: Strong Hearts)

Andrew: An interesting match that should be fun and the winner and loser here doesn’t really matter as I think it’s a one and done feud. I have SoCal Uncensored going over. (Prediction: SoCal Uncensored)

Jeff: This is going to be a really fun match, but in the end probably isn’t going to mean much, long term story wise. I see the Strong Hearts taking it here if only to further cement the AEW/OWE relationship. (Prediction: Strong Hearts)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Strong Hearts

The Young Bucks vs. The Lucha Bros

Ian: I’m expecting to be the only person on the panel to predict this but I think the Bucks are losing at Double or Nothing. The Bucks beat the Lucha Bros for the titles in Mexico so if they beat them again in Double or Nothing, where do you go from there? It would knock Pentagon and Fenix out of the title picture in the eyes of fans and I don’t think that’s where AEW wants them to be. (Prediction: The Lucha Bros)

Andrew: I have gone back and forth on this one as either team could win. Since the AAA Tag Team Titles are on the line and Lucha Bros have more of a connection with the promotion, I have them winning the titles. This should be the top feud in the tag team division once AEW stars airing on TNT. (Prediction: The Lucha Bros)

Jeff: It’s still super weird to me as a new-to-the-indies wresting watcher to see another promotions titles on the line at an AEW event, but in a way that brings it a pretty fresh new wrinkle, for me at least. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the Lucha Bros work and I’m really looking forward to it. Picking a winner though, I’d say that the AEW Executives in matches at Double or Nothing are likely to take losses at this first event so that they don’t look like they are booking themselves to win. So the Lucha Bros will take the match and titles here. (Prediction: The Lucha Bros)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, The Lucha Bros

Adam “Hangman” Page vs. TBD

Ian: It has to be Moxley, right? Granted, he’s filming a movie right now and might not be available. AEW has said they have a replacement for PAC and it is evidently a good enough surprise that they are saving it for the show. It has to be someone big or it will receive a large groan in response. If it’s not Moxley, I don’t know who could fill that role. Assuming it’s Moxley, he should take the win. (Prediction: Jon Moxley)

Andrew: It will be interesting to see who they get to be Page’s opponent. While it would be a great surprise, I don’t see CM Punk or Dean Ambrose making an appearance on this show. Instead, and this is purely a guess, I think Joey Ryan is his opponent and goes over on Page. (Prediction: Joey Ryan)

Jeff: Lots of rumours about this match. With PAC off the card, they’ve apparently lined up a replacement worthy of a surprise entrance. Jon Moxley? Maybe. CM Punk? Highly unlikely. The Repo Man? My money’s ALWAYS on the Repo Man. In truth though, if the surprise opponent is big enough to be a surprise, they either a) have no one yet or b) have someone big enough that they should win. The Page/PAC plans are scuttled, so Page can take a loss here and not look too bad while they build something else for him to do. (Prediction: TBD)

CONSENSUS: Various (Jon Moxley – 1, Joey Ryan – 1, TBD – 1)

Cody vs. Dustin

Ian: This should be interesting as I’m expecting there to be a story told in the match which leads to future matches. It could lead to Cody and Dustin reforming their tag-team or it could lead to a rivalry between the two. Cody should win, however. In the eyes of the fans, both are babyfaces, though Cody walks the line a little sometimes. Either of the two turning full-blown heel throughout the course of the match is entirely possible.
(Prediction: Cody)

Andrew: This should be the easiest pick on the card as there’s no reason to have Dustin go over here. Cody is the future while Dustin is the past. I also think Dustin will serve as an agent for the promotion going forward. (Prediction: Cody)

Jeff: I have been a life-long fan of the Rhodes family, so this is a bit of a dream match for me. I especially like that there’s no gimmicks, no personas or characters beyond just being Dustin and Cody. It’s a beautiful story too about the future of wrestling meeting the past, passing of the torches and all that. Dusty is going to look down on his one and be pretty happy, I think. As far as winner goes, I think Cody takes. Both Rhodes boys have decent arguments for a win, but I think it will be a long, back and forth match, with Cody taking the W. (Prediction: Cody)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, Cody

Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega

Ian: Chris Jericho is going to be the top heel in the promotion for the near-future. He will beat Kenny Omega at Double or Nothing to even the series between the two. Since Jericho lost to Omega in the Tokyo Dome and will likely lose to Kazuchika Okada at Dominion next month, a big win would be key for him and I think he’s going to get it. (Prediction: Chris Jericho)

Andrew: I’m not sure if this match will live up to the expectations that fans have for it but at the end of the day, it’s going to be a great match. I do wonder what the finish will be as they can easily visit this feud down the line. I think it would be a mistake if Jericho won here as Omega should be the first AEW champion crowned. (Prediction: Kenny Omega)

Jeff: I don’t know how you pick a “Match of The Night” with a card this stacked, but I’d say this one makes it into the conversation in a walk. Omega is quickly becoming Jericho’s white whale, having lost to him in singles competition at WK12 and then in a 6-Man match on the Jericho Cruise. The winner of this match faces the Casino Battle Royal winner for the AEW Championship at a later date. Jericho is somehow at almost 50, doing the best work of his career, but Omega was born-ready to be AEW Champion. I see Kenny taking this one, winning the title later, or losing it via Jericho to continue their feud. (Prediction: Kenny Omega)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, Kenny Omega

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What do you think of the above AEW Double Or Nothing predictions? Let us know by sounding off in the Comments section below, and make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com on Saturday evening for live play-by-play results coverage of the show!

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On Monday night, the WWE will begin the annual superstar shakeup following WrestleMania with performers making the move from Raw to Smackdown Live and vice versa.

This year’s Superstar Shakeup also comes with a little extra scrutiny because this will be the last major move for performers ahead of the upcoming shift as Smackdown Live goes from USA Network to FOX later this year.

Now the new Smackdown Live won’t debut on FOX until October but there are already huge plans in motion for the launch including a new weekly ‘magazine’ style show that will feature interviews, behind the scenes footage and coverage of WWE similar to other major sports that broadcast on FOX.

.@TripleH announces the launch of an all new weekly WWE studio show on FS1 this fall:

“To take people deeper into what goes on behind the scenes to being a WWE superstar… I can’t wait for this. If you're a WWE fan, across the board, this is the show that will be a can't miss." pic.twitter.com/81wBHkOG09

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) April 5, 2019

While Monday Night Raw has remained the featured show for the WWE over the years, the $2 billion deal to bring Smackdown Live to FOX will almost certainly change the way the Superstar Shakeup will work this year.

FOX is a bigger platform than USA Network because it’s network television versus cable so no matter what else happens with this Superstar Shakeup, that has to be noted before the first ‘trades’ are announced on RAW on Monday night.

Triple H (Paul Levesque) previously addressed the move for Smackdown Live to FOX and the shift in how that show will be handled going forward.

“There are contractual obligations to provide that level of exposure for us and all that other programming, but [FOX] have already gone above and beyond that and that’s part of the partnership,” he told the Sports Business Journal just after WrestleMania 35.

“Fundamentally as a company, we constantly reimagine ourselves so we are deep in the process now of, when we get to October on Fox, what is the reimagined version of SmackDown going to be?”

Because FOX will be available to more viewers along with the initiative to help launch WWE programming on the network in October, that would seem to indicate that the Superstar Shakeup will bring more of the biggest stars to the blue brand.

One name in particular that would seem obvious for the move would be former Raw women’s champion Ronda Rousey, who was a staple on FOX programming when she was the women’s bantamweight champion in the UFC.

FOX executives know the kind of ratings that Rousey can bring in and even if she’s only a part time employee going forward, there’s little doubt that she would get a lot of attention performing on network television. Obviously there are still a ton of rumors swirling about Rousey’s future with WWE after her most recent match at WrestleMania, but if she’s coming back, it would seem like a safe bet that FOX would like to see her on Smackdown Live.

It’s also possible a couple of other top stars such as Roman Reigns or even Brock Lesnar (assuming he’s returning to WWE) end up on Smackdown Live.

The key for the move to FOX is getting people to tune in week to week but also providing the kind of star power that will get more casual viewers to make Smackdown Live must see TV right at the launch.

While Smackdown Live has produced numerous compelling storylines over the past few years including the rise of Becky Lynch’s stardom as well as the recent promotion behind Kofi Kingston, the blue brand has never completely escaped being the ‘B’ show behind the ‘A’ brand’ at Raw.

That could all change with the upcoming shift for Smackdown Live to FOX because that network didn’t shell out a lot of money to land WWE programming only to get table scraps when it comes to the superstars performing on the show.

It’s also worth mentioning that while FOX will definitely get a lot of attention with this Superstar Shakeup, WWE can’t forget about their longtime television partners at USA Network either, who are still footing a hefty bill to keep Monday Night Raw.

While every year provides a few interesting storylines, the 2019 Superstar Shakeup might be one of the biggest to keep an eye on with the massive shift about to happen to WWE television programming later this year.

WWE kicks off the new year for their NXT brand on Saturday evening at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Arizona with their NXT TakeOver: Phoenix event. It will mark the first “TakeOver” special of 2019 for the NXT brand, and will be the 33rd overall show in the NXT TakeOver chronology.

The show will air live on the WWE Network as part of WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Weekend featuring a five-match card, with four world championships up for grabs. Headlining the card will be Tommaso Ciampa vs. Aleister Black for the NXT World Championship, while Shayna Baszler will defend the NXT Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair in the co-main event.

Also on Saturday’s card will be Matt Riddle vs. Kassius Ohno, Ricochet vs. Johnny Gargano for the NXT North American Championship and The Undisputed ERA (Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) vs. War Raiders (Hanson & Rowe) for the NXT Tag-Team Championships.

SEScoops.com writers Andrew Ravens, Ian Carey and Jeff Moss have prepared their predictions for each of the matches scheduled for Saturday’s big event. Without further adieu, here are the SEScoops.com staff predictions for NXT TakeOver: Phoenix 2019.

Matt Riddle vs. Kassius Ohno

Andrew Ravens: Yes, WWE is booking another match between these two stars and I can’t say that I’m complaining about. Obviously, it would be nice to see Riddle move onto his next program and work with someone else. It appears that WWE management sees something bigger for him in terms of long term storytelling and not just rushing him to the NXT Title right away. Riddle wins with ease. (Prediction: Matt Riddle)

Ian Carey: Last Takeover, Riddle defeated Ohno in an unadvertised match in mere seconds. Ohno should fair a little better this time out but it still seems likely Riddle walks away with his second straight victory on a Takeover show…bro. It’s just too early to book Riddle to lose. (Prediction: Matt Riddle)

Jeff Moss: “What? Why are we doing this again?” – Me, every time a Kassius Ohno match begins. Look, I get it; Ohno exists at this point to get new talent accustomed to the NXT way, a spot previously held by Tyler Breeze (who I’d much rather see back in NXT doing just that, to be honest). I keep hearing about how Matt Riddle is this amazing MMA performer turned wrestler, and what I’ve seen of him has been pretty good (minus his laughable entrance music) so he should probably be able to put the Ghost of Ohno behind him pretty quickly, no? All I can say beyond that is I hope this is the last time these guys square off for a while, Bro. (Prediction: Matt Riddle)

CONSENSUS: 3-0 (Bro), MATT RIDDLE

Ricochet vs. Johnny Gargano (NXT North American Title)

Andrew: Unless they have something bigger in place, Gargano shouldn’t win the title here. In fact, it helps to keep the title on the champion as he’s not going to be in the NXT Title picture so why not give him a secondary title until that time comes. Personally, seeing a pairing as heels with Tommaso Ciampa and Gargano would be a lot of fun whether WWE officials end up doing so. Either way, this should be a stellar match that could be a candidate for match of the night. (Prediction: Ricochet)

Ian: This will be the match where Johnny Gargano really shows how dark he can go. For Gargano to solidify his spot as “Johnny Takeover”, he’ll need to show fans what his heel persona is all about in this match. With that being said, I believe Ricochet is going to take the win here. Gargano may have to demonstrate how vicious he can be after the match is over. (Prediction: Ricochet)

Jeff: Match of the night? Yeah, match of the night. Both of these guys are destined to be superstars, so I’m pretty hyped to see them going head to head. The North American Title needs a bit of a boost and I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that Gargano having it would be that boost. Presuming Ciampa retains his NXT Title, this could be the beginning of building Heel #DIY as a threat to the Undisputed Era’s status as the dominant faction in NXT. Riccochet’s in a great spot as he could have a match with a broom handle at this point and earn 5 stars. He can be a main-event player without a title. (Prediction: Johnny Gargano)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, RICOCHET

The Undisputed ERA vs. War Raiders (NXT Tag Titles)

Andrew: This one is going to be a lot of fun as they have a lot of dynamics that can be used to tell a story that is sure to be very entertaining and one that I’m personally looking forward to seeing. I’m actually taking The War Raiders to go over here as I see it being the only title change on this card and one that makes sense. Undisputed Era has held the titles for long enough, and some could even say that it’s time for them to move on from NXT to the main roster although I wouldn’t have confidence in how they would be booked on RAW or SmackDown Live. (Prediction: War Raiders)

Ian: The War Raiders should leave Phoenix with the NXT tag titles. They have been built up as unstoppable on NXT programming and it seems too soon to have them come up short, even if the Undisputed Era pulls out their usual tricks and chicanery. (Prediction: War Raiders)

Jeff: In my mind I’m weaving an elaborate fantasy booking that includes the NXT, North American and yes Tag Championships all being used to unseat the Undisputed Era as the top faction in NXT. For that to work, the War Raiders need to get the belts here. Yes, my prediction is entirely based on my own head canon. I’m excited to see the match, I love smaller, technical guys going up against monsters, but I’d like to see some more fluidity in the Tag scene in NXT. While it’s better than RAW’s (what isn’t?) Division, it could use some new blood and some new challengers and champions. Especially heading into WrestleMania Season. (Prediction: War Raiders)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, WAR RAIDERS

Shayna Baszler vs. Bianca Belair (NXT Women’s Title)

Andrew: As much fun as Belair has been on WWE NXT TV as of late, I don’t see how it’s her time to be champion or even why they would book a title change here as Baszler is one of the more interesting characters that NXT has to offer right now. Unless they plan to call her up to the main roster in the near future, WWE should keep the title on the champion.(Prediction: Shayna Baszler)

Ian: Either Baszler is losing the NXT Women’s Championship Saturday night or Bianca Belair is going to pick up her first loss in NXT. This match might come down to how quickly WWE wants one or both of these Superstars on the main roster after WrestleMania. I just don’t see Baszler losing the title again so soon after regaining it, however, so I’m picking her in this tilt. (Prediction: Shayna Baszler)

Jeff: Look, I like Bianca Belair. She’s my favorite hair—based wrestler right now for sure. She’s had a dominant run in NXT, but she’s not at Shayna Baszler’s level or able to combat her particular brand of assholery. Baszler is the best heel in the company, non Ciampa Division and while I’d expect this to be competitive, the champion will retain and make a star out of Belair. Unless WWE has plans to pull the Horsewomen trigger soon (note to WWE: DO NOT DO THIS) Baszler’s position as Champion is secure and I can only see this match end with Belair being de(clap)fea(clap)ted(clap), but it will be a great match. (Prediction: Shayna Baszler)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, SHAYNA BASZLER

Tommaso Ciampa vs. Aleister Black (NXT World Title)

Andrew: I thoroughly enjoyed Black’s reign as champion but the job that Ciampa has done for the last several months on TV as a heel has been one of the impactful runs in quite some time. I believe that WWE plans to keep the title on Ciampa for bit more time and in fact, think that Matt Riddle will be the one to dethrone him as the top champion in NXT. Until that time, don’t fix something that isn’t broken. (Prediction: Tommaso Ciampa)

Ian: Tommaso Ciampa has been arguably the most unique NXT Champion in history but I’m predicting his reign comes to an end Saturday night. Aleister Black will win the belt for a second time, leading both Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano to wonder what led to both of them picking up losses. Perhaps they need to combine their efforts and take over the whole brand. (Prediction: Aleister Black)

Jeff: Even though I’m glad we live in the “no Rematch Clause” era of WWE, if there’s one pairing that I’ll never get tired of it’s these two. Both are ring psychologists as well as heavy-hitting fans of pure violence. Guys like Ciampa and Black are the reason I started watching wrestling in the first place and I’m always excited to see them lock up. That said, this should be the last confrontation between these two. Let Black ascend to the main roster in the Rumble and create an opening for what we really need to see: Ciampa Vs Velveteen Dream II at the Wrestlemania-adjacent Takeover. (Prediction: Tommaso Ciampa)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, TOMMASO CIAMPA

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For more news heading into NXT TakeOver: Phoenix, check out the Triple H’s complete pre-show media call. What do you think of the above NXT TakeOver: Phoenix predictions? Let us know by sounding off in the Comments section below, and make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com on Saturday for live play-by-play results coverage of the show!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKQI8jc3W0A

WWE kicks off their first pay-per-view weekend of 2019 and begin the road to WrestleMania 35, as they present their always highly-anticipated WWE Royal Rumble event on Sunday evening.

Following Saturday night’s NXT TakeOver: Phoenix 2019 special at the Talking Stick Resort Arena, WWE will hold their annual Royal Rumble show at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. The show will feature the Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches, multiple world championship bouts and more.

In the co-main events of the evening, Brock Lesnar will defend his WWE Universal Championship against the first man to ever hold the title, Finn Balor, while Daniel Bryan will put his WWE Championship on-the-line against former champion A.J. Styles. Also on the card is Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks for the RAW Women’s Championship, Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for the SmackDown Women’s Championship and The Bar vs. Shane McMahon & The Miz for the SmackDown Tag-Team Championships.

In Kickoff Show matches on the live pre-show on the WWE Network, Buddy Murphy will defend his WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Hideo Itami, Akira Tozawa and Kalisto in a Fatal-4-Way, while Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura will do battle with the WWE United States Championship up for grabs.

SEScoops.com writers Andrew Ravens, Ian Carey and Jeff Moss have prepared their predictions for each of the matches scheduled for Sunday’s big event. Without further adieu, here are the SEScoops.com staff predictions for WWE Royal Rumble 2019.

Rusev vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (WWE U.S. Title)

Andrew Ravens: This is a real pick em here as either guy can win this match and title. Yes, Rusev just won the title last month but there wasn’t much build-up to that title change, and with it being on Christmas night when it aired, WWE could’ve done it to send the fans home happy on a holiday. Since then, WWE hasn’t done much with either guy. I have Nakamura regaining the strap back as Lana gets involved. (Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura)

Ian Carey: What a difference a year makes. Nakamura won last year’s Rumble, leading many to believe he was finally to become the main eventer everyone was hoping he would be positioned as. Now, a year later, he’s challenging for the US title he just lost on the Royal Rumble pre-show. Not only that, he’s probably going to lose. (Prediction: Rusev)

Jeff Moss: Also in the “too good for us all” category is Rusev. Dear, sweet, handsome Rusev. He should be a contender for the WWE Championship, but it’s still nice to see him getting some gold. I can’t see him losing it back to Shinsuke here, even though (allegedly) Shinsuke Nakamura still works for WWE. Wouldn’t it be fun to see HIM vs Brock Lesnar for the Universal strap? Anyways, enough fantasy booking, Rusev wins and the few people in attendance for the kickoff show rejoice. (Prediction: Rusev)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, RUSEV

Buddy Murphy vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Kalisto vs. Hideo Itami (WWE Cruiserweight Title)

Andrew: This should be one heck of a contest with a ton of great action that could be one of the better matches of the night. Although there are other contenders in this match, other than Itami, there’s no one that stands out as a threat. I think Murphy steals one to retain the title. (Prediction: Buddy Murphy)

Ian: Sunday is the night Hideo Itami wins his first championship in WWE since signing with the company in 2014. Itami is someone who, for whatever reason, has not reached his potential in the company. That could change if he wins the cruiserweight title on Sunday. The match being on the pre-show doesn’t lend well to a title change but that’s still what I think happens here. (Prediction: Hideo Itami)

Jeff: This match is too good for kickoff. It’s too good for all of us. This is going to be a high-flying barnburner, but since we aren’t taking the cruiserweight division seriously yet (and why would they? It’s not like they have time to fill on RAW or anything) not many people are going to get to see it. If the powers that be want to move to a more story-driven 205 Live, then it’d be cool to put the belt on Hideo Itami. It freshens things up, and Murphy/Itami leading up to WrestleMania would be fantastic! (Prediction: Hideo Itami)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, HIDEO ITAMI

The Bar vs. The Miz & Shane McMahon (SmackDown Tag Titles)

Andrew: This will be an interesting match and not for the match quality but rather the finish of the match with the outcome. Yes, The Bar should retain the straps here, but it’s the story that WWE wants to tell. Do they do the turn of McMahon on Miz or vise versa or do they continue them being partners with them winning the titles? I have Shane and Miz having a brief title run. (Prediction: Shane McMahon & The Miz)

Ian: I don’t want this to happen but Shane and the Miz are going to win the tag titles on Sunday. Their tag team has to be going somewhere otherwise why is Shane doing it? It seems likely they win the tag belts and then break into a rivalry sometime between now and WrestleMania. (Prediction: Shane McMahon & The Miz)

Jeff: Can we swap this with one of the kickoff matches, please? (Sigh), all right, fine. When Shane won the coveted and totally not made up title of BEST WRESTLER IN THE WORLD at an event no one wants to admit happened, we were told “hold on, it’s going to play into a larger heel story.” I don’t know what happened between now and then, but it still literally feels like Shane said “Dad, can I have that?” And Vince said “Which one are you again? Paul, is it?” So, it wouldn’t surprise me if the tag belts changed hands here. But seriously, if ever there was a match made for the Kickoff show… (Prediction: The Miz & Shane McMahon)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, THE MIZ & SHANE MCMAHON

Asuka vs. Becky Lynch (SmackDown Women’s Title)

Andrew: Although Becky Lynch is the hottest star in the entire company right now, I don’t see her winning the title back just after a month after dropping it. The way that WWE does the finish and how to protect Lynch will be the true story of this match. Obviously, Lynch will have a clear plan going into WrestleMania, but for Asuka, it will be interesting to see how it plays out. (Prediction: Asuka)

Ian: This is the one match where they could play around with things a bit. Somebody, I.E. Ronda or Charlotte, could cost Lynch the match here, causing her to go after Rousey and the Raw title. More likely, however, is that Lynch and Rousey each win their respective title matches, Flair wins the Rumble, and somehow we have a triple threat between them at WrestleMania. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)

Jeff: Oddly enough, both Women’s Title matches on this show centers around the rumored departure of Ronda Rousey after WrestleMania. It affects this match, because if Becky is going to unseat Ronda at WrestleMania and send her off into the sunset, then she probably won’t win here. It’d be a strange move to unify the Women’s titles at this juncture. That said, an Auska/Charlotte Flair re-match at WrestleMania would also be pretty darn good, so I’m going to lay my bets on Auska retaining here. Perhaps Ronda interferes? Maybe her Horsewomen show up? Lots of possibilities! (Prediction: Auska)

CONSENSUS: 2-1, ASUKA

Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks (RAW Women’s Title)

Andrew: Obviously, Rousey is going to retain her title here, and for good reason as though Banks will give her the best match thus far in her WWE career if given enough time, Banks has been pushed as a quick challenger and not someone that WWE has built up over time in recent memory. A fun match but Rousey gets it done. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)

Ian: Sasha Banks fans are likely not holding onto too much hope that she’ll win the title here. They likely are just hoping Banks does something to get herself noticed in the division. Tucked away in an on-again off-again friendship and tag-team with Bayley, it feels that Banks has gotten lost in the shuffle when really she should be in the mix at the top of the women’s wrestling pecking order. Rousey takes this match, however. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)

Jeff: Like in the SmackDown Women’s Championships match, if Ronda/Becky is the money match for WrestleMania (spoiler: It is) then Ronda holds onto the belt here. What I’d really like to see though is a longer, more competitive match and if there’s anyone who can pull that out of Rousey, it’s Sasha Banks. I want this match to end with everyone saying “Ronda still has the title, but MAN! I forgot how GOOD Sasha Banks is!!” Because frankly, she really, really is that good. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, RONDA ROUSEY

2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Andrew: There are some other names in this match that no doubt have the potential to win it but to me, one name sticks out, and that’s Charlotte Flair. There have been rumors about her being involved in the WrestleMania 35 main event. I believe this and thus, Flair puts on a classic performance to add to her legacy. (Prediction: Charlotte Flair)

Ian: There is only one woman in this match who could possibly headline WrestleMania and her name is Charlotte Flair. There are 3 women in WWE above everyone else right now, Lynch, Flair and Rousey. With Rousey and Lynch each having other matches on the show, they likely aren’t in the Royal Rumble match itself, despite a few spots being open. It’s either Flair wins, Alexa Bliss pulls off an upset, or one of Lynch or Rousey makes a surprise appearance in the Rumble and wins it. My money is on Flair, however. (Prediction: Charlotte Flair)

Jeff: This one’s a tough pick. There are a number of women on both RAW and Smackdown who are ready to take that next step and bring their careers up a notch. However, With Charlotte Flair in the mix, it’s hard not to immediately lean that way. WWE loves to bait ‘n switch us with stuff like that though, so Ember Moon, Nia Jax or even a previously unannounced participant could walk away with the win. My heart would grow three sizes if Ruby Riott was the winner, but I don’t think they are ready to pull the spotlight trigger on her yet. (Prediction: Charlotte Flair)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, CHARLOTTE FLAIR

2019 Men’s Royal Rumble Match

Andrew: There are a lot of big names featured in this match ranging from Samoa Joe, Drew McIntyre, Jeff Hardy, Rey Mysterio, and John Cena. The name that sticks out to me is Seth Rollins, and he’s been rumored to take on Universal Champion Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. I think there’s fire where there is smoke then that’s something to consider and have Rollins getting it done. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Ian: I’m taking Seth Rollins to enter in at an early position and go all the way through the pack. It feels as though Seth has been the MVP of Raw this year and the last remaining babyface to get a shot at Brock at WrestleMania. Whether he’s able to go to WrestleMania and win the Universal Championship is another question entirely. Samoa Joe and Bobby Lashley I could consider dark horse contenders. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Jeff: My literal favourite match of the year! So much potential! So many surprises! So much fun! That said, if I had to bear down and pick a winner, it would be: The Repo Man. Always The Repo Man. If he’s not in the match this year though, Seth Rollins is the logical choice. Not only has he been the best worker on RAW for the better part of a year, he’s the best suited to Main Event Wrestlemania. With that said though, ruling our Drew McIntyre would be a mistake and my sleeper favourite is Samoa Joe. But Rollins is the clearest bet. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, SETH ROLLINS

Daniel Bryan vs. A.J. Styles (WWE Title)

Andrew: Daniel Bryan wins and retains his title. This should be the blow-off match between these two stars and the best match thus far between them. AJ Styles who decided that he wanted to drop the title, according to reports. Secondly, Bryan just won the title two months ago. (Prediction: Daniel Bryan)

Ian: Unless AJ Styles has signed a contract extension we aren’t aware of, I don’t see him winning back the WWE Championship anytime soon. Styles signed a 3-year deal with WWE in 2016, although it is currently not known when his end date is or if an extension has been agreed to. WWE seems committed to heel Bryan as champion, I don’t see them changing course on Sunday. (Prediction: Daniel Bryan)

Jeff: “The New” Daniel Bryan should never not be WWE Champion. Sure, we love him as a scrappy vegan babyface, but as an obnoxious, condescending and not entirely incorrect heel, he’s a freakin’ gem. The theme of this year’s Royal Rumble seems to be reminding people how good the performers we’ve become accustomed to can be. AJ Styles is the poster boy for this, as his runs and feuds this year have been pretty forgettable. Give this one 20-30 minutes and just let these guys GO. Bryan retains in the end, but man, it could be so much FUN to watch! (Prediction: Daniel Bryan)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, DANIEL BRYAN

Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor (WWE Universal Title)

Andrew: Outside of big fans of Finn Balor, I don’t know who is giving him a chance against Brock Lesnar. Yes, this has the potential to be a fun match due to the dynamic of these stars. I just don’t see Balor getting it done here as much as fun it would be. Lesnar moves on with the strap. (Prediction: Brock Lesnar)

Ian: There is a part of me who wants to suggest Finn Balor is exactly who WWE should be pushing right now but that part of me is drowned out by the understanding that Vince doesn’t see him as large enough to beat his big monster. This match will likely go similar to AJ Styles’ match against Lesnar from Survivor Series 2017, the challenger will somehow make the crowd believe he has a chance, only to ultimately lose in the end. (Prediction: Brock Lesnar)

Jeff: It’ll be a spectacle. It’ll be brutally violent. It’ll be 10 minutes, tops. But at the end of the night, you’re Universal Champion will still be Brock Lesnar. Lesnar is going to hold that belt until the last possible minute his contract allows. Even then, he might just sign a new one and keep rolling with it if UFC doesn’t get their ducks in a row. Finn needs to have a good showing here to remind everyone just what he is capable of. I expect that he’ll get in some good offence on an “unexpecting” Lesnar and come away looking good. Lesnar will then suplex him into oblivion and that’ll be that. After all, Brock doesn’t mind doing that as long as he gets paid. (Prediction: Brock Lesnar)

CONSENSUS: 3-0, BROCK LESNAR

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What do the experts think is going to happen on Sunday? Check out the official WWE Royal Rumble betting odds. What do you think of the above WWE Royal Rumble predictions? Let us know by sounding off in the Comments section below, and make sure to join us here at SEScoops.com on Sunday evening for live play-by-play results coverage of the show!

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