a Sunday Wrestling post.

It’s time for the “hottest night of the summer”! I went 2-3 with my NXT Takeover Toronto picks last night. Let’s see if I can predict any better today.

Some of these matches will be put on the pre-show instead of the main event. I also expect a match or two to be added. This is predictions on the official announced card as of 3:30 this afternoon.

Brock Lesnar (WWE Universal/Raw champion) vs. Seth Rollins.

I really hate Lesnar with the title. Because he’s not a fighting champion. Defending on Raw and lesser pay per views. Working house shows. Getting out there for media interviews, raising the entire WWE. Nope. Throw someone around, collect paycheck, go home. No, Rollins isn’t perfect but he’s a much better face for the company. I’m going to predict a title change here only because I don’t see that happening many times tonight.

Winner and new champion: Seth Rollins.

Kofi Kingston (WWE World/Smackdown champion) vs. Randy Orton.

Everything about this says Kofi retains. Orton held him back earlier in his career. Who is “worthy” of the title. Orton gains nothing in winning but Kofi can continue to build this legacy.

Winner and still champion: Kofi Kingston.

AJ Styles (US champion) vs. Ricochet.

Ricochet is amazing and can be a star for WWE for years. Multiple title reigns. Crossover appeal. Merchandise. But AJ just turned heel and reformed his old group, the O.C. He’s keeping the belt. Much like Kofi is building his legacy, AJ should be building up a dominant faction.

Winner and still champion: AJ Styles.

Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt.

Tonight will be Bray’s first match under the new “Fiend” character. Balor is rumored to be taking some time off for his upcoming wedding. Easy pick.

Winner: Bray Wyatt.

Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon. If Owens loses, he must quit WWE.

On the one hand it makes a lot of sense for Owens to win. Give Shane a loss, embarrass him, strengthen up Owens. But, Kevin just started using the Stunner as his finishing move. The move made classic by Stone Cold. What better way to become a new generation’s every man hero than losing a match (through nefarious means), forced to quit WWE, but showing up anyways as a rogue. As an outlaw. More mileage in that story.

Winner: Shane McMahon.

Drew Gulak (Cruiserweight champion) vs. Oney Lorcan.

No build up. No drama. Great wrestlers. But the match wasn’t treated with enough respect to expect a title change.

Winner and still champion: Drew Gulak.

Becky Lynch (Raw women’s champion) vs. Natalya (Submission match)

Bayley (Smackdown women’s champion) vs. Ember Moon.

I’m putting both of these matches together, because my predictions are the same. Neither opponent is winning. Ember hasn’t been built up enough. Becky is still the star. Both champions go further as strong champions. Either these opponents learn from the matches and look even stronger maybe even win the rematch. Or a new challenger appears next month.

Winners and still champions: Becky Lynch and Bayley, respectfully.

Trish Stratus vs. Charlotte Flair

Goldberg vs. Dolph Ziggler.

Speaking of putting matches next to each other. Two matches where a mostly retired Superstar wants one more marquee match. It makes sense to have the veteran lose. Have your current talent look strong. But wrestling doesn’t work that way. The match is in Trish’s hometown. Goldberg only wants this match because he’s embarrassed over his previous last match and wants one good one to go out on. Trish won her retirement match years ago and was allowed to retire as champion. Goldberg came back after 12 years away and looked dominant over Brock of all people. Charlotte has been portrayed as the Flair of the women’s division. Dolph. Well, Dolph has always been shown as a failed promise. I’m making predictions based on the last couple years of the active talents.

Charlotte beats Trish Stratus.

Goldberg beats Dolph Ziggler.

 

As I was writing, two matches have been announced for the pre show.

Buddy Murphy vs. Apollo Crews.

Crews has had some good matches lately. But Buddy had that run in with Roman Reigns. Standing toe to toe next to a main event talent usually means a bump up. I’m seeing this as a showcase. An impressive win. Leading to a bigger weekly spotlight.

Winner: Buddy Murphy.

Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross (WWE women’s tag team champions) vs. the IIconics.

I love the IIconics. Best comedy act in all of wrestling right now. Amazing. But the story of Alexa and Nikki isn’t over yet. Plus there needs to be an excuse for Alexa to appear on both Raw and Smackdown. This will be a fun match, but no title change.

Winners and still champions: Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross.