2016 might be just about over, but not before we handle some unfinished business in the Steel City. The hour is upon us as the Superstars of Raw have taken over Pittsburgh for a little holiday brawl, better known as Roadblock.
There are titles on the line, statements that need to be made and rivalries that have reached a boiling point. All the scores get settled tonight, inside The Consol Energy Center.
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Who will stand tall tonight over their opponent? Which titles change hand? Which remain with the current keeper of the gold? Everyone will know in just a matter of hours, but first, we've got some last minute predictions to hand out.
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Pre-show Kickoff Match
Rusev vs. Big Cass
Rusev hasn't been the same since losing the United States title, but don't let that deceive you. Rusev remains one of the most dangerous Superstars on the roster despite having a sluggish finish to the year.
In the other corner, we have a very talented, young upstart talent in Big Cass. Cass has been a tag team specialist for most of his career, but there've been rumors of Big Cass going to an exclusive singles run in the near future, possibly having Enzo as his mouthpiece, or manager. A win over Rusev could fuel those rumors.
PREDICTION: Big Cass comes away with the big win.
Cruiserweight Championship Match
Rich Swann (c) vs. TJ Perkins vs. THE Brian Kendrick
Keep your eye on this one, this could quietly be the dark horse for the best match of the night.
Both challengers in Perkins and Kendrick are phenomenal stars of the Cruiserweight Division. All three men have been key performers in helping make the return of the Cruiserweight Division a huge success.
In the end, this match is all going to come down to one simple factor- who wants it most? While Swann is one of the most charismatic young men in the WWE, he's also a heavily gifted in-ring performer. However, his opponents have the slight edge, considering Rich is the one holding something they all want, the Cruiserweight Championship.
PREDICTION: Rich Swann retains in a good one!
Sami Zayn vs. Braun Strowman (10 min. time limit)
This particular match has a special stipulation, being that Sami Zayn must last a full 10 minutes in the ring with the monster Braun Strowman. So far, this is a feat that no one has been able to accomplish. Sami has always been the one who shines in these David vs Goliath type of situations, but this one could prove to be just too much for the exciting young star.
All Strowman has to do, is simply the same thing he does each and every time he gets in the ring....destroy.
PREDICTION: Sami gives a good effort, but Strowman is just too much, Braun Strowman wins.
Raw Tag-Team Championship Match
The New Day vs. Sheamus & Cesaro
When the history books are re-written, they will show that the New Day was one of the greatest tag team champions of all-time. Their current record breaking title run has been one of the most amazing things we've witnessed. Together, successfully utilizing the Freebird Rule, the trio has yet to find anyone capable of knocking them off...until now.
Cesaro and Sheamus are on fire and growing even more dangerous by the week. Plus, there's talk of The New Day splitting in the near future. A title loss could speed up that very process and plant a seed of separation.
PREDICTION: An era ends, Cesaro and Sheamus win the Raw Tag-Team Championships.
Women's Iron Man Match for Raw Women's Title
Sasha Banks(c) vs. Charlotte
These two ladies have proved time and time again that they are more than capable of tearing the house down. You should expect that very same thing to happen tonight in Pittsburgh.
Charlotte recently had one of the greatest title runs in women's wrestling history, successfully defending her title against any and everyone who stepped up. That was of course until Sasha Banks decided she wanted the strap.
This is sure to be a brutal contest, with plenty of back-and-forth action to fill a 30-minute window. Either one of these ladies could walk with the title tonight, but there can only be one.
PREDICTION: Sasha Banks retains her title.
Seth Rollins vs. Chris Jericho
This may be the most evenly matched bout of the night. Both of these men have a fantastic skill set inside the ring and both tend to work well with nearly anyone you throw in front of them.
Rollins is trying to get himself back into title contention and Jericho is just there to cause as much trouble for any opponent that he can. One of the biggest factors for me is that Jericho has always been great with putting others over. This will be an outstanding contest, but there's only win that makes sense.
PREDICTION: Seth Rollins wins in a barn burner!
WWE Universal Championship Match
Kevin Owens(c) vs. Roman Reigns
This match is getting a lot of heat as not really being a solid, main event worthy match. Personally, I'm torn on how I feel, but I do believe the bout has potential. One thing is certain, and that's the heel will be more over than the babyface.
When you look at this match, you have to ask the question- "who does the company want as the champion heading into the New Year?" With that in mind, I think it's safe to say there's only one right answer.
PREDICTION: Kevin Owens retains his Universal Title.
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