Final Predictions, analysis and aftermath for SummerSlam 2018

The “Biggest Party of the Summer” will commence in less than 72 hours in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The wrestling fans around the planet are busy in discussing the nitty-gritty of each match as one of the Big-4 PPVs is around the corner.

Interestingly, the last week’s episode of both Raw and SmackDown have changed the dynamics of several matches on the card. Not to mention, nine championships along with the Money in the Bank briefcase will be defended on the night.

Here is the detailed analysis of the upcoming blockbuster event along with result predictions and aftermath for each match.

#1 Daniel Bryan will defeat the Miz

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This is one of the most anticipated matches of the night. The match has a solid eight year build associated with it, both in real and reel life. The go-home show of SmackDown Live aired the details of this rivalry in a three-part segment. This segment reminded fans of everything these two Superstars have gone through in the last eight-years.

It is worth noting here that the “Miz and Mrs.” was premiered a couple of weeks ago. It was a good reason to believe that WWE think-tank might want the Miz to go-over in this match to keep up the interest of the fans in the show. Hence, a controversial victory for Miz was a good bet.

However, last week on SD Live, the “Awesome One” announced that the deal has been made to air the Season-2 for his show. Hence, the earlier reason which weighed win in Miz’s corner is now mitigated. This suggests that the fans are likely to be treated to the “YES” movement at SummerSlam as the “Goat faced Superstar” will gain victory over this opponent.

Although Daniel Bryan might win this match, this rivalry will be far from over. It is safe to say that wrestling fans will be seeing Daniel Bryan on the few upcoming episodes of this show. Not only will this enhance the ratings, but will also help to further personalize this rivalry.

#2 Randy Orton will distract Jeff Hardy, Nakamura will retain the US Championship

The title won't be changing hands at SummerSlam.

Since his return at Extreme Rules last month, Randy Orton hasn’t missed a chance to victimize Jeff Hardy. This has made the former US champion look over his shoulder every single time he is in the ring.

Last week on SmackDown Live, Randy Orton was seen near the curtains as Jeff Hardy picked up the victory over Shelton Benjamin. This suggests that there is a strong possibility that the “Viper” will distract the “Enigma” in his championship match which will help Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the title.

Notably, the “Legend Killer” mentioned that he has taken away the identity from the Hardy. This suggests that the evolution of the character of “Brother Nero” is on the cards for the near future.

#3 Rusev and Lana will lose, thanks to Aiden English

The match might end with broken friendships.

Rusev and Lana are scheduled to compete against Andrade “Cien” Almas and Zelina Vega in a mixed tag team match on the pre-show. These four have been involved in a couple of matches in the recent past, all of which had Aiden English as a critical factor in their outcomes.

The background to this match over the last few weeks suggests that the days of friendship between the “Bulgarian Brute” and the “Englishman” are numbered.

Hence, it is safe to say that Aiden English will be seen at the ringside where he will once again become the reason for “not so happy” Rusev Day. As a surprise factor, English might even execute an attack on his friend to put an end to their friendship.

#4 Kevin Owens wins the MITB briefcase

Kevin Owens would want to win, by hook or by crook.

There is no surprise that the WWE Universe is anticipating a Money in the Bank cash-in at the closing moments of SummerSlam. However, WWE has put a twist in the story as the person who will hold the contract is not certain at the moment.

Frankly speaking, if Braun Strowman wins the Universal Championship by cashing in the contract, it will ruin the hard work he has put in over the last one year. He is portrayed as the “Monster Among Men” and he doesn’t need to capitalize on a vulnerable champion to become the next champion.

Hence, it looks probable that Kevin Owens will be the new holder of this contract. A disqualification, count out or a distraction by Jinder Mahal, all possibilities are open to achieve this result.

#5 The “Mallets” will overpower the “Pan Cakes”

The Bludgeon Brothers have been on one hell of a run since they have won the SmackDown Live tag team championships. Their reign has come as a fresh breeze of air for the tag-team division after repeated battles between the New Day and the Usos.

Although the New Day is the number one contender, and they did beat the Bar in a spectacular fashion to gain the title-shot, it is less likely that they will win back the championships.

The build-up between these two teams hasn’t been at a level which could suggest a title change. Also, there is no good reason for the current champions to drop the belts. Hence, SummerSlam might end with the mallets still having their golden straps.

#6 Ronda Rousey wins the Women’s Championship, pays tribute to Jim Neidhart

Last week, WWE lost one of its legends as James Henry Neidhart passed away at the age of 63. Not to mention, he was the father of Natalya, who also happens to be the best friend of Ronda Rousey.

Ronda Rousey mentioned the loss which Natalya had suffered before she vowed to defeat Alexa Bliss for the Women’s championship. With the current landscape around these three Superstars, it looks like a good guess to slate the former-UFC champion as the new WWE Women’s champion.

It will also be a good gesture to have the “Rowdy One” dedicate this victory to the legendary wrestler and to her friend. There are slim chances that fans might catch a glimpse of Natalya on the show, which will be a token of remembrance towards her father.

#7 Finn Balor ends the rivalry with a victory

Both of them will be on their separate ways after SummerSlam.

The match between Finn Balor and Baron Corbin appears to be a short-term solution to keep these two Superstars engaged in a match. There was no solid reason for this feud to begin, and we might see an impromptu end for it this Sunday.

Baron Corbin will continue with his role as the “Constable of Raw” and more importantly, the spokesperson of Stephanie McMahon. The “Demon King” is likely to resume his journey to the Universal Championship as the saga between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns should see its dusk at SummerSlam.

Despite the two talented Superstars being in it, the match has become more of a filler. It is something the WWE writers would love to get over with asap.

#8 Carmella retains through the cracks in the friendship

Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch have shown nothing but respect for each other over the last couple of weeks. However, Becky has mentioned a couple of times that she was looking forward to a one-on-one championship opportunity.

Not to mention, the earlier scheduled match turned into a Triple-Threat affair after the “Queen” got involved in the equation. This suggests that once the bell rings for this match, the “friends” will leave no stone unturned to tear each other in order to become the new champion.

This could be the opportunity for which the “Moon Walking, Trash Talking” champion will be looking. Despite getting brutalized for the most part of the match, Carmella should be able to pick up the pieces as her opponents decimate each other, and retain the championship.

#9 A new Cruiserweight champion on the horizon

It will be the beginning of the "Gulak" era.

It is disappointing to see the Cruiserweight championship match getting pushed to the pre-show. After what the WWE 205 Live has become, it would be a good sight to see this match on the main card.

Nevertheless, the time has come when the “Merciless Machine”, Drew Gulak, wins the prestigious championship. His calculative wrestling style should bear fruits against the hi-flying and risk-taking wrestling style of Cedric Alexander.

There is no doubt that these two athletes are going to leave everything in the ring as they represent the entire 205 Live roster at SummerSlam. We expect to see this championship match on the main card for the next PPVs.

#10 Dolph Ziggler retains, Dean Ambrose begins a feud with Drew McIntyre

The "Show Off" will continue to show off.

Last week on Raw, Dean Ambrose made a thunderous return on Monday Night Raw as the man who is going to be in the corner of Seth Rollins at SummerSlam. Notably, Dean’s main aim will be to neutralize Drew McIntyre during the Intercontinental Championship match.

Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler have been involved in a couple of classic matches over the past few months. With the return of the “Lunatic Fringe”, it appears to be the opportune time for WWE to bring an end to this rivalry.

Dolph Ziggler has been a remarkable Heel Champion, and by the looks of it, he will continue to be the champion after SummerSlam. Seth Rollins should be moving to the Universal Championship picture. However, the clash, which Dean Ambrose is bound to have with the Scottish Superstar at SummerSlam, will pick up more fire over the next upcoming weeks.

#11 B-Team continues to be the Best team

B-Team took the entire WWE Universe by surprise when they defeated the “Deleters of the World” for the Raw tag-team championships. Since then, they have only gained momentum with every match they have competed in.

SummerSlam should be no different for the team of Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel as the duo takes on the Revival. The match is expected to end with another upset scored by the champions as they will defeat Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson.

In the near future, fans might be treated to their matches against Titus Worldwide and the Authors of Pain. They might also provide a deserving platform to onboard the Undisputed Era (NXT tag team champions) to the main roster.

#12 Samoa Joe wins the championship, personal issues take a toll on AJ Styles

It could be the end of the championship reign for AJ Styles.

Last week on SmackDown Live, Samoa Joe read out a letter stating how AJ Styles have chosen to remain away from his family to be the WWE Champion. Notably, the Samoan mentioned that the letter was written by the daughter of AJ Styles.

The personal splash of emotions might play on the mind of the reigning WWE Champion ahead of his match at SummerSlam. This could prove fatal for his impressive title reign as Samoa Joe picks up the victory.

However, there is no doubt that this rivalry will be far from over after this Sunday. It is only going to get more personal as AJ Styles will fight on both personal and professional front to recapture the WWE Championship.

#13 Roman Reigns finally become the Universal Champion

It can finally happen for Roman Reigns at SummerSlam.

Roman Reigns is the one Superstar whom the Universal Championship has eluded in every possible way. Further, the upcoming match is most likely to be the last match in his three-year long rivalry against Brock Lesnar.

If WWE wants the “Big Dog” to be their champion, there is no better time to do it. Brock Lesnar executed one of the most cowardly attacks a champion could execute on a challenger, thanks to Paul Heyman and his spray.

The “Beast Incarnate” is expected to appear on the night after SummerSlam on Raw. However, it could be is final departure night, unless he convinces Vince McMahon to allow him to compete on both WWE and UFC. He might be handed out a suspension on Raw, much similar to the one he got on the night after WrestleMania 31.

#14 Money in the Bank Match – Will it happen?

For the MITB contract holder, there won’t be a more opportune time to cash in the contract after Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns are done with each other. There is no doubt that this match is going to be brutal, and it will take months out of the career of both the Superstars.

If Kevin Owens has indeed won the contract earlier on the show, it is very likely that he will cash it. He is one of the top Heels on the current roster, and this act will go well with his credentials.

Overall, it won’t be an oversell to state that SummerSlam is going to be of epic proportions. The night will feature a couple of historic moments, and will surely be remembered by the wrestling fans for many years to come.

Edited by Pratyay Ghosh