WWE Battleground: Complete Match-card and Predictions

The Smackdown Live-exclusive PPV, Battleground 2017 doesn't really look impressive, given the fact that this is the last PPV before Summerslam. A total of 8 matches have been announced, out of which, 3 will be Championship matches, a Flag Match, a #1 Contender's match and 3 non-title matches. Multiple rematches don't really call for exciting bouts, however, a few of them have the potential to steal the show. Here's looking into the complete match-card and my predictions:

Credits: WWE.com

Kickoff: Aiden English vs. Tye Dillinger

There is no real story-line here. This is the second consecutive time that these two are crossing paths due to the sole fact that WWE Creative needs something to ignite the crowd ahead of a forgetful night. The Perfect 10, Tye Dillinger, has been on a role, given the fact that he went up against WWE Champion Jinder Mahal a couple of weeks back. These two prospects have the ability to pull off a good match in terms of technicality and entertainment, and expect them to do just that.

Prediction: Tye Dillinger wins.

Credits: cagesideseats.com

Tag-Team Championship Match: The Usos (C) vs. The New Day

The Tag-Team division on Smackdown Live! has not lived up to the expectations despite having established teams. As a result, we find ourselves witness to an old rivalry reigniting here. The Usos and The New Day have been dominant Tag Champs for the past 2-3 years. The Usos have always been a fan favorite, given their heritage. The New Day, on the other hand, have been literally the most exciting team to have graced the division. However, that was a few years ago. Heated up majorly due to personal remarks at the pointless Rap Battle a few weeks ago, this rivalry is on the brink of becoming stale. Sunday should be the last time these two meet, at least for some time to come. WWE Creative has been intelligent in keeping the rivalry alive till this stage due to the individual match-ups between the groups, but that would be all they can do at this stage.
Prediction: The New Day become first-ever Tag Team to hold both Raw and Smackdown titles.

Credits: WWE.com

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin:

The match that has been building up for quite some time, promises to deliver, and that too, BIG! Both these talented superstars have been brawling everywhere, except for a legal match-up. Come Sunday, that too will finally take place. Shinsuke Nakamura is being heavily backed due to the fact that he is one of the top baby-faces on the Blue-brand. The King of Strong Style has been dominant thus far, and a loss for him wouldn't be the way WWE would want to build him up as a top star. Given the fact that Shinsuke Nakamura will battle his former NJPW mate, AJ Styles, for the US Title at Summerslam, he needs to come off strong here.
Baron Corbin, on the other hand, has always been portrayed as a strong individual. He is one of the top heels in the Blue-brand. He has recently won the MITB contract which would have to provide him for a platform for a cash-in. Therefore, a clean loss for him too won't be the right way for WWE to go. Expect some sort of illegal move that could cost Nakamura the match, as that is the only way that WWE avoids hurting either character's build up.

Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura wins via DQ/count-out.

Credits: youtube.com

#1 Contender's Match for the Smackdown Women's Title: Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Natalya Hart vs. Tamina Snuka vs. Lana

Unlike the Women's division at Raw, Smackdown Live! have been faltering heavily with the wealth of talent that they have. Repetitive matches and disappointing bouts have not done anything to prove the emerging division. Additionally, Charlotte has not been utilized correctly after the Superstar-Shakeup. It is obvious that she will win the Championship at a point of time, but given the failing division, it is high time that she exerts herself to grab the title opportunity. Naomi has suffered a lot due to WWE not being able to decide a formidable opponent for her due to the fact that they have decided to turn Charlotte baby-face. She dominated as a heel, and that is what she should be doing. However, this seems to be the optimal time to push Charlotte into the title picture again and build-up a feud with Becky at Summerslam. Otherwise, the division will drive itself into irrelevancy.

Prediction: Charlotte wins.

Credits: cagesideseats.com

Mike Kanellis vs. Sami Zayn

WWE have been trying to create a story-line between these two superstars for a couple of weeks now. A heated segment where Mike Kanellis crushed a vase on Sami Zayn, followed by a match-up last week where Mike beat Sami shows that there is an intense rivalry slowly being built-up for these two. However, I don't find any reason why Sami has to bear the brunt of it. That guy is an amazing crowd-puller. The kind of heart he shows in every match is something that helps elevate his stature for a mid-card title run, but that has not been the case as of yet. Won't even be for quite some time to come.

Prediction: Mike Kanellis wins.

Credits: cagesideseats.com

US Championship Match: AJ Styles (C) vs. Kevin Owens

These two have been at it since the time the former Universal Champion arrived at the Blue-brand. At Backlash, Kevin Owens picked up the win which was followed by AJ Styles capturing the prestigious title at a live event in Madison Square Garden. On Sunday, Battleground will seemingly be the last time these two stalwarts meet for the time-being. Expect nothing short of an explosive match-up with a lot of exciting moments given that Kevin Owens is better suited for expletive usage in the ring. A heated up rivalry will come to an end and it will be foolish to take off the title from AJ Styles, which would undermine the Live Event schedule. The Prize-fighter should look to insert himself in the WWE Championship picture going into Summerslam.

Prediction: AJ Styles retains the US Championship.

Credits: vidsg.com

Flag-Match: John Cena vs. Rusev

As I have repeated for quite some time now, this match probably has the worst repetition of all the matches for the night. There is no reason for the WWE Universe to witness another USA vs. Bulgaria match. None at all. Yet WWE deem it best to build-up John Cena's stature for the corresponding WWE Title shot at Summerslam, which too will have a similar story-line. These two got around quite well the first-time, about two years back. However, just sticking to the same concept again, doesn't really do well for Rusev. He is irrelevant already, and this would serve for nothing but another reminder that if you're up against Cena, prepare to get buried.

Prediction: John Cena wins.

Credits: WWE.com

Punjabi Prison Match for WWE Championship: Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton

Sunday will mark the first time that Jinder Mahal and Randy Orton will meet without the looming presence of The Singh Brothers. What might seem as a clear advantage for Randy Orton to capture his 15th Title reign, may not really be so. The zoo-like Punjabi Prison makes a comeback on PPV for the third time in WWE History. Expect nothing but an exhibit of Randy Orton's aggression and savagery. He has been rattled by The Modern Day Maharaja too many times to actually care enough for the Championship. All Randy will look to do is to enforce Jinder onto the bamboo-structure, helping to establish the stipulation as WWE looks to invade India. Jinder, however, will look to turn Randy's aggression upon him and pick up the victory, possibly setting him up with the other big name in the brand, John Cena for Summerslam. Randy Orton will possibly take time off for shooting after this bout.

Prediction: Jinder Mahal retains the WWE Championship.

Credits: WWE.com

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