There are few names as generic as “Battleground” for a wrestling pay per view. You might as well call it “The Big Event” or “Stacked Card” if you want to get even more. While some have predicted that the whole reason for the Battleground name was to eventually bring War Games to the WWE and call it such, it doesn’t really seem like that’s going to be the case any time soon. We are approaching the second Battleground PPV with no gimmick attached in sight. With the WWE attaching gimmicks to most of the PPVs not named WrestleMania or SummerSlam, it’s a bit odd. However, WWE is trying to instead give people a reason to watch it on WWE Network by having the show actually full of feuds. Last Word on Sports writers Aaron Wrotkowski, James Carlucci, Shawn Wilken, Adam Contant, Jeff DeHaan and Phillipa Hopwood discuss Battleground prior to its Kickoff at 7:30PM EST.
Kickoff Match
Cameron vs. Naomi
WINNER:
Aaron, Philippa, Adam, James and Jeff: Naomi
Shawn: Cameron
THOUGHTS by Shawn Wilken: It’s getting kickoff time but it should be getting no time at all. Once again, the WWE’s attempt at bringing some relevance to their Total Divas show on their main product has fallen flat. In Montreal, when these two came to blows, not a single person in the crowd reacted. Everyone had the same reaction; “Are they almost done?” Cameron and Naomi are two Divas that fail to personify what a woman wrestler is, even though Cameron has made improvement in the ring.
Jack Swagger with Zeb Colter vs. Rusev with Lana
WINNER:
Aaron, Philippa, Adam, James: Rusev with Lana
Shawn and Jeff: Jack Swagger with Zeb Colter
THOUGHTS by Jeff DeHaan: I realize that WWE is high on Rusev, but he can’t be completely infallible. He needs to show a chink in his armour at some point, and with Swagger’s recent turn to baby face, he may be the perfect man to do it. However, this feud is just getting started, so I expect Rusev to get himself disqualified.
WWE Divas Championship
Paige vs. AJ Lee
WINNER:
Aaron, Philippa, Shawn, James and Jeff: AJ Lee
Adam: Paige
THOUGHTS by James Carlucci: I’ve enjoyed this feud so far. As awkward has the whole “frenemies” thing can be at times, at least they’re trying something new and giving the Divas division the time it deserves. I think the game of championship hot potato between these two ends here, with AJ successfully defending her title. I think they save the Paige heel turn for another night, but Brit will get her belt back eventually.
WWE Tag Team Championship
2 out of 3 Falls
The Wyatt Family vs. The Usos (c)
FIRST FALL:
Aaron, Shawn, James and Jeff: Wyatt Family
Philippa and Adam: The Usos
SECOND FALL:
Aaron, Shawn, James and Jeff: The Usos
Philippa and Adam: Wyatt Family
THIRD FALL:
Aaron, Adam, Shawn, James and Jeff: Wyatt Family
Philippa: The Usos
THOUGHTS by Philippa Hopwood: I can’t see Harper and Rowan taking the titles, I think The Usos will pull out another miraculous title defence and hold onto the gold until The Ascension debut. I would love to see Harper and Rowan as Tag champions but I really dont think they could get them, I think they will be needed to play a role in the Jericho v Bray rivalry.
Intercontinental Championship
Battleground Battle Royal
Featuring: Sin Cara, Titus O’Neil, Zack Ryder, Heath Slater, The Miz, R-Truth, Xavier Woods, Rob Van Dam, Alberto Del Rio, Fandango, Ryback, Curtis Axel, Big E, Dolph Ziggler, Cesaro, Bo Dallas, Kofi Kingston, The Great Khali, Diego and US champion Sheamus
WILL THERE BE A SURPRISE ENTRY:
Aaron and Shawn: Christian
Philippa, Jeff, James and Adam: No
WINNER:
Aaron and Shawn: Dolph Ziggler
Philippa: Sheamus
Adam and James: Cesaro
Jeff: Bo Dallas
WILL BAD NEWS BARRETT ATTACK THE WINNER:
Aaron, Adam and Jeff: No
Philippa, Shawn and James: Yes
THOUGHTS by Jeff DeHaan: I really wanted to say Cesaro would win this, and he still might, but something in me thinks the streak will live on and Bo Dallas will remain undefeated and be the new Intercontinental Champion.
Chris Jericho vs. Bray Wyatt
WINNER:
Philippa, Shawn and Jeff: Bray Wyatt
Aaron, Adam and James: Chris Jericho
THOUGHTS by Adam Contant: I think many people expect Bray Wyatt to come out on top in this contest, seeing as he is the up and coming star, but Jericho has just returned to WWE and needs to pick up momentum. There will be people who will complain if Wyatt loses to a returning part timer, especially since he hasn’t had a big win since Extreme Rules, but if Jericho goes over here, it will make Wyatts win in their blow off seem bigger and more important, which is better for Bray in the long run.
Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins
WINNER:
Aaron, Philippa, Shawn and Jeff: Dean Ambrose
Adam and James: Seth Rollins
THOUGHTS by Philippa Hopwood: I think Seth will fly solo on this one with The Authority focused on the main event, If Seth loses this one then it will leave Triple H with no choice but to accept Paul Heyman’s plan C and Brock will make his return. As for the match itself, it is one of the most anticipated and i’m sure it will deliver. Dean and Seth are two of the best in ring competitors WWE have right now and a match between them can only be a good thing, expect a rematch at Summerslam.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Fatal 4-Way
Kane vs. Randy Orton vs. Roman Reigns vs. John Cena (c)
WINNER:
Aaron, Philippa, Adam, Shawn and Jeff: John Cena
James: Nobody
WHO TAKES THE PIN:
Aaron and Jeff: Kane
Philippa, Adam, Shawn: Randy Orton
WILL BROCK LESNAR ATTACK THE WINNER:
Aaron, Philippa, Shawn, James: Yes
Adam and Jeff: No
THOUGHTS by James Carlucci: If we’re being honest with ourselves, the only reason anybody is looking forward to this match is to see how Paul Heyman’s client, the man who conquered The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania, the 1 in 21-1, Brock Lesnar, plays into it. After some typical fatal four-way action (i.e. two guys in the ring, two guys hurt on the outside), look for Cena to overcome the odds as he’s wont to do and be on the cusp of victory. Except this time, The Authority decide to employ Plan C, and Brock Lesnar comes down and wrecks shop, leaving nothing but destruction in his wake and holding the title as Battleground comes to a close.
Watch WWE Battleground on WWE Network, kick off at 7:30PM EST. See you tonight. Photo by WWE.com
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