United States Championship
Seth Rollins © vs. John Cena
With their initial SummerSlam contest a sure-fire match of the year contender, it made sense to rebook Seth Rollins and John Cena at least one more time. Their feud up until this point has been a real highlight for the two, which is saying something considering the quality of work they’ve both put in so far this year. One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that you should never bet against Cena, but I can’t see why they would unite the titles just to split them up again a month later. The WWE have been working to streamline their belts over the last couple of years, so expect this to be one of the last US title defenses...for now at least.
Pick: Seth Rollins
Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev
Dolph Ziggler vs. Rusev
While the Rollins/Cena match thrilled audiences last month, the Ziggler/Rusev match on the same card did the opposite. Their programme has been one of the worst of the year and has damaged almost every participant involved with the exception of poor Ziggler, who in 2015 is already beyond saving. Rusev, now a far cry from the unbeatable, unstoppable monster, desperately needs a win here, but it’s probably not going to happen considering the seeds of dissent sown between him and Summer Rae in recent weeks. Ziggler to pick up a pointless victory here, let’s just hope this match puts the whole saga to rest.
Pick: Dolph Ziggler
Tag Team Championship
The New Day © vs. The Dudley Boyz
Do not adjust your television screens, this isn’t 2001, The Dudley Boyz are back with the WWE! Returning after a decade long absence (The WWE would have you believe they’ve just been taking it easy in Dudleyville) the most successful tag team in modern history will attempt to add to their already endless championship reigns when they challenge the newly re-minted champs The New Day. This should be a no-brainer, The New Day should retain after a hard-fought contest against the veterans, but the conditions of Bubba and D-Von’s return aren’t fully known at this point. Perhaps a title reign was promised to entice them to rejoin? Let’s hope not; another title loss could be catastrophic to the division’s most entertaining group.
Pick: The New Day
Intercontinental Championship
Ryback © vs. Kevin Owens
Ryback might be one of the company’s most improved stars in 2015, and against indy hero Kevin Owens the Intercontinental champion should be able to demonstrate just how far he has progressed since his dismal run three years ago. Owens doesn’t look right without a title, a fact that the Canadian fan favorite has proclaimed on numerous occasions, however I can’t see Ryback dropping the gold so early into his first reign. Ryback to retain, but he’ll really need to pull off an impressive performance to prove to us that he’s worthy of holding onto the gold in the long run.
Pick: Ryback
Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose & TBA vs. The Wyatt Family
Jimmy Uso? Randy Orton? Chris Jericho? Kane? Samoa Joe? Baron Corbin? Daniel Bryan? The Rock?! The list of superstars touted as the mystery partner has been long, and largely based on what we want, but we all know that the WWE aren’t in the business of giving us what we really want. The feud between these superstars is far from settled, and with Survivor Series fast approaching I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bray Wyatt and his newly reassembled family pick up the win to continue the programme. As for the mystery partner, Samoa Joe would be a great fit, but the use of Uso to act as the fall guy and generate tension between Ambrose and Reigns would make more sense.
Pick: The Wyatt Family
Divas Championship
Nikki Bella © vs. Charlotte
The ‘Road to 300’ is finally over and Nikki Bella now stands tall as the longest reigning Divas champion of all time. Wrestling purists need not be upset for too long however as that reign is almost certain to end on Sunday night. Charlotte has been carefully developed since her main roster debut and has always looked like the top candidate to end Nikki’s record-breaking championship run. The ‘Divas Revolution’ is in desperate need of a jolt to shake up its disappointing format, a sneak attack from one of her PCB partners post match would be an excellent way to do this.
Pick: Charlotte
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Seth Rollins © vs. Sting
Regardless of his age, Sting’s legendary career just wouldn’t be complete without a shot at the industry’s top prize, and while he won’t leave Houston with the WWE World Heavyweight title he’ll probably play a pivotal role in the next chapter in Seth Rollins’ promising career. Expect another clusterfuck of a main event, not in match quality, but in its booking. The Authority will likely interfere, Cena will probably make an appearance, but Rollins should still pick up the victory. That will bring out the man whose lack of presence on the card is ominous to say the least. This is unquestionably the best time to have Sheamus cash in his Money in the Bank contract, and move Rollins onto a face turn and feud with his former Authority compatriots.
Pick: Seth Rollins, but Sheamus to cash in his Money in the Bank contract afterwards
WWE PPV Predictions 2015: 35-25
What do you think will happen at Night of Champions? Leave your predictions in the comments section below!
