The WWE will present two PPVs in the month of July, on top of many hours of TV content. From the Punjabi Prison match to Brock Lesnar’s rare Universal Championship defence to the Titus Brand – fans are likely to see multiple key developments on the road to SummerSlam.
I outline my best and worst of what we have to look forward to in the coming month.
#5 Worst: Seth Rollins vs Bray Wyatt
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Bray Wyatt's feuds and his character are suffering from the rinse, repeat treatment from WWE creative. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins has never been comfortable as a babyface since he turned 10 months ago.
The combination of the two sees two of the company's most stale characters coming together to square off in a generic and uninspired feud. I have no interest in their Great Balls of Fire encounter.
#5 Best: The Punjabi Prison match returns after 10 years
A controversial choice, but you simply can not ignore the pop that the announcement of the match received. It's hoaky, it's stupid and it's ridiculous, but it couldn't be more perfect for pro wrestling.
I, like many, can't wait to see what Jinder Mahal and Randy Orton come up with on July 23rd in the Punjabi Prison match at Battleground.
#4 Worst: Bayley
It's been quite sad to see the decline of Bayley. The WWE seem completely out of ideas, with the character clearly failing to resonate with fans the way the company were hoping for.
With Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss engaged in a program for the title, it’s likely that Bayley will either suffer further TV losses or perhaps not been seen on TV at all.
#4 Best: AJ Styles vs Kevin Owens
Reliable sources inform us that AJ Styles will emerge victorious in the SmackDown Battle Royal, setting up a rematch from SmackDown's Backlash PPV. Kevin Owens and AJ Styles are guaranteed to deliver in the ring when they square off again at Battleground.
It's hard to see where either guy goes after this program, therefore, it's possible we get a third and final instalment at SummerSlam, with each match getting better and better. With that said, if this match is better than their first outing at Backlash, it's certainly warranted it's spot in this top 5.
#3 Worst: The Miz vs Dean Ambrose
These two have gone at it on and off all year. Very few fans want to see another match between the two. Being separated will benefit both, especially Ambrose, if he is allowed to finally turn heel.
Ambrose’s character is currently completely flat and he is capable of so much more.
#3 Best: The Velveteen Dream
One of the most interesting additions to NXT in a long time. At just 21 years of age, coupled with a gimmick that is a guaranteed to get over, fans need to keep their eyes on the progress of the Velveteen Dream.
He is likely to progress through July with his 100% win record fully intact.
#2 Worst: Lana vs Naomi Part III
After disputing the finish of their second match, Lana is likely to receive a third shot at Naomi's SmackDown Women's Championship.
Despite her best efforts, Lana appears to not be ready to wrestle in a woman's division that is heavily wrestling-centric, unlike 5-10 years ago, where Lana would have been a more suitable fit.
#2 Best: Roman Reigns vs Braun Strowman
These two always have good chemistry and their Ambulance match, at Great Balls of Fire, is likely to be a physical war. In addition to that, the match will determine what we get as our SummerSlam Main Event, making it must-see viewing.
#1 Worst: 205 Live
Centring the Tozawa and Neville feud around the Titus brand is another giant step in the wrong direction – the wrong direction being all that steps that take 205 Live further and further away from the successful and popular Cruiserweight classic.
The division appears to be on its last legs.
#1 Best: Brock Lesnar vs Samoa Joe
The build-up to the match has certainly been the highlight of Raw throughout the month of June. Therefore, it is only fitting that the culmination of the feud tops this list. The culmination will occur at Great Balls of Fire, where Brock Lesnar will defeat Samoa Joe, in what's likely to be an epic battle for the WWE Universal Championship.
Many fans have wanted to see this match for many years and fantasy warfare will become reality on July 9th in Dallas, Texas.
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