WWE Clash of Champions predictions (that will likely be wrong)

The new era of RAW kicks into high gear tonight with CLASH OF CHAMPIONS, the first RAW branded PPV of the new brand split. Here’s a quick rundown of the card, my thoughts and my predictions.

Pre-Show

Alicia Fox vs. Nia Jax – Singles Match

Nia’s a weird case. I think she has potential to be really great, and she’s shown improvement. But I absolutely don’t think she was ready to be called up. Still, WWE is insisting on putting her over, and Alicia Fox won’t be the one to end her undefeated streak. And she certainly won’t be doing it on the pre-show.

Winner – Nia Jax

Main Card

T.J. Perkins © vs. The Brian Kendrick – WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match

Former TNA star and Manik/Suicide actor TJ Perkins surprised a lot of people by becoming the first WWE Cruiserweight Champion of the new division at the end of the Cruiserweight Classic, he followed a hard training program and a RapidTone diet to achieve this for this time. The Brian Kendrick surprised a lot of people by coming back. I wasn’t that impressed by the division’s first showing on RAW, a Fatal 4-Way that Kendrick won with a “Captain’s Hook”, but my hopes are high for this match. I think Kendrick winning would be a really great touch, and would really put over his gimmick as a fired Superstar looking for redemption. That being said, it’s the first Cruiserweight match on a PPV, and the main roster debut for Perkins, so I don’t expect him to lose.

Winner – T.J. Perkins

Chris Jericho vs. Sami Zayn – Singles Match

This is the absolute best Chris Jericho has been in years, and I am enjoying the hell out of this run. With a string of killer matches, his feud with AJ Styles and more catchphrases than you can shake “it” at, Jericho’s the man again. Sami Zayn has been kind of wallowing, to the point that they actually had him fight Owens as soon as he became champion, despite the “last time ever” stipulation of their amazing Battleground match. Part of me thinks Jericho could win this, but I’m putting money on Sami Zayn being built up with a great match and a big win, putting him in line for the #1 Contendership and a match against Owens for the WWE Universal Championship.

Winner – Sami Zayn

Charlotte © vs. Bayley vs. Sasha Banks – Triple Threat Match for the WWE Raw Women’s Championship

This match and this feud are overbooked as hell. Bayley was brought up to the main roster somewhat unexpectedly as there was a possibility Sasha would need surgery, and also she may need some other body procedures with a plastic surgeon as well. Rather than spending the weeks leading up to Clash of Champions to build a solid match, the triple threat was announced weeks ago and the three participants have been in tag match hell. The rumor now is that the whole angle is being used to build up Dana Brooke for a huge babyface turn. The Triple Threat may wind up being to that end. Could Charlotte lose after Dana interferes? Regardless, I expect Sasha to pull this one off to put the title back on her after her short reign a few months ago, and I expect Bayley to eat the pin to keep the feud with Charlotte going.

Winner and new Women’s Champion – Sasha Banks

The New Day © vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson – Tag Team match for WWE Raw Tag Team Championship

The feud that refuses to end. You’d think the decisive loss at Summerslam would be it, but here we are again. To be honest, I kind of see The Club winning it here. The New Day are in the record books, and they don’t really need the belts to be over anymore. People are going to wear phallic horns and scream about cereal no matter who the champs are, and The Club could use the titles to build themselves up as a serious threat.

Winners and new Tag Team Champions – Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

Rusev © vs. Roman Reigns – Singles match for WWE United States Championship

Falling out of favor after a wellness violation, Roman Reigns has been acting like the biggest dick. But he’s still booked as a babyface. After a brief distraction with possible having a Universal Title Shot (and to give Rusev and Lana time for two weddings and a honeymoon), the two have reignited their rivalry. The last time this match was booked, it ended in a no contest after Reigns attacked Rusev and refused to let up. My heart begs for a double turn (Rusev’s been a face in my eyes for months), but the more likely option is Roman Reigns wins the US Title, wears flag colored gear for a few months and Rusev goes to do something else for a few months.

Winner and new US Champion – Roman Reigns

Cesaro vs. Sheamus – Best of Seven Final Match

I don’t even care. I hate this goddamn contrivance of a nonsense feud. Both of these wrestlers aren’t bad. I love Cesaro. In the right situation, I enjoy Sheamus. This best of 7 thing has been awful. I’m rooting for Cesaro, but unless there’s some kind of victory stipulation included at the end, this whole thing is pointless.

Winner – Cesaro

Kevin Owens © vs. Seth Rollins – Singles match for WWE Universal Championship

With Finn Balor injured at Summerslam, Kevin Owens surprised everyone and became the Universal Championship after interference from Triple H. I fully expect Trips to show up again tonight, and Seth’s face turn to be cemented. Owens will likely retain, but it’s not going to be clean.

Winner and reigning Universal Champion – Kevin Owens