Predictions for WWE Summer Slam 2023

 Predictions for WWE Summer Slam 2023

Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar    Singles match

This feud has run its course and should Cody win, it will have successfully accomplished what it set out to do; serve as an opportunity for Cody to demonstrate his resiliency and toughness against one of the most ferocious opponents in the federation, but it also has given some breathing room for the eventual Cody vs Roman rematch. If Cody loses here, it really forecasts doom for his future with WWE. The only exception would be if Cody clearly has Brock beaten, and there is some outside interference from someone, setting up Cody’s next feud. People are speculating that Bray Wyatt could make an appearance here, and Sam Roberts made a really good pitch for a serious heel Bray to leverage his family linage and names (Windham and Rotunda) to spark the feud. However, my problem with Sam’s plot is that Bray inevitably has to lose. I’d prefer to see Bray come back and get a win over someone, like maybe the Miz, before turning to Cody. Digressions aside, Cody has to go over here if the WWE wants to keep their uber baby face alive as a realistic threat to Roman.

Winner: Cody Rhodes

World Heavyweight Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins vs. Finn Bálor

So many of the matches tonite feel like they could easily tip in one direction or another, and this is no exception. This is Finn’s story and his angle. He has the problem with Seth. He is the instigator. He lost in Hell in the Cell and sustained the grievous injury. He is the only member of the Judgment Day without a title or Money in the Bank briefcase. Finn winning also adds the tension of will he or won’t he to Damien Priest as far as cashing in on Finn. Seth is, without question, one of the faces of WWE. He is hugely popular with the fans, has a strong character, and is always great in the ring. He deserved to be the first one to wear the new championship; however, in a few recent interviews away from WWE storylines he has confessed to the extent of his injuries and the necessity for medical intervention for some of the damage to his back or spine. His wife, Becky Lynch, will be wrapping up her feud with Zoey Stark and Trish Stratus in two weeks, so it might be a good time to pull both of them off the road for a couple of months, let them heal, spend time with their daughter and come back in October or Survivor Series. The obvious future storylines lie with Finn, and getting the belt off Seth, especially with a worked injury, will foster a huge anticipation amongst the fans for his eventual return. There will be plenty of shenanigans with the match, but I don’t see Seth leaving as the Champion. Maybe he gets the win over Finn, but then Damien cashes in and wins the belt, triggering animosity in the Judgment day.

Winner: New World’s Heavyweight Champion Finn Bálor (or Damien Priest)

WWE Women's Champions Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Bianca Belair, (Triple threat match)

This is another match that can go in any direction and has possible Money in the Bank cash in implications. The internet rumor and expectation is for Bianca to turn heel here, but I don’t know how that would work since she is more popular that either of her opponents. Even if she cheated to win, or injured Charlotte, I don’t see the crowed booing her. Maybe if Bianca severely injured Asuka, but even then, it is pretty dubious and a huge risk to take. Bianca can be the new John Cena for WWE, she is that popular and liked. She could easily be the face of the company for years to come, but a heel turn would threaten to undermine that opportunity, and I don’t think the reward for a heel Bianca is worth it. Bianca can be a bad ass without the need to be a heel. She can “give as good as she gets” without it having to compromise her popularity. Especially if you want to build to the eventual Bianca vs Rhea Ripley title for title match. Charlotte is roundly disliked by a lot of the fans and internet community, but she is a talented performer, and even those that don’t like her, or how she is always in the title picture, can’t deny that she understands storytelling and ring psychology. Charlotte knows her role here is to be the uncrowned, and anticipated champion. She will act as the favorite to win the title, as she will profess, is her birthright. However, at this stage in her career, Charlotte doesn’t need the belt to proclaim how great she is, she can be part of the triple threat and when she doesn’t win, claim how she would have won a one on one contest. Asuka is the champion everyone is dismissing. Almost as if it is preordained that she will lose the belt to one of the other women in the match, if not, then she will lose to IYO SKY when she cashes in her Money in the Bank contract. I really am enjoying the changes to the Asuka character, her outfits, the liberal use of mist, and the arguing with IYO in Japanese is amazing. This is more my heart than head talking, because I desperately want to see a full blown IYO and Asuka match, but Asuka retains the title here, and Bayley somehow prevents or botches IYO’s attempt to cash in. That could set up a future Bayley vs IYO match, a Charlotte vs Bianca match, and leaving Asuka with no future opponents. Except, Kairi Sane is a free agent and a returning Kairi vs her former partner Asuka series of matches would be amazing. Again, more heart than head at this point.

Winner: WWE Women's Champions Asuka

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso (Tribal Combat for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and recognition of Tribal Chief)

Everything says it is Jay Uso’s time.He just pinned Roman. His brother is injured and on the shelf. The tribal elders suggested the Tribal Combat match. Jay is hugely popular and ready to move to that next level of superstardom. For all those reasons, he has to lose. It will be a screwjob or a Dusty finish, where it appears Jay has done it, but then something happens to reverse the decision. I don’t expect Jimmy to return and turn on Jay like a lot people have been speculating. I do expect some other members of the family to make an appearance. Either Jay and Solo’s Dad Rikishi, a new member of the bloodline (Ava moves up to the main roster, maybe Jacob Fatu) or against all reason The Rock. On second thought, if the Rock cost Roman the title, they could build for the next half a year to a match at Wrestlemania. Jay would need to drop the title to someone tho, if Cody is supposed to “finish the story.” That wrinkle convolutes things immensely from a story perspective. The safe bet is on Roman, because a Jay win

Winner: Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns

 Ricochet vs. Logan Paul

This is going to be a high flying spot fest of a match. Logan Paul is such a talent in the ring, he has really worked hard to not just be a “celebrity wrestler” and to be someone who is a legitimate threat to the main roster superstars. Ricochet is a human pinball in the ring, and should be more over than he is with the fans. I could see either individual getting their hand raised here, but I’ll go with Logan coming out on top, potentially setting up a follow-up match, maybe Hell in a Cell?

Winner: Logan Paul.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther  vs. Drew McIntyre

This match is going to be a monster battle of snug hits and strong moves. These two behemoths are going to slug it out and batter away at each other. I want Drew to win here, but they are setting Gunther up to be the longest reigning IC champion in history, and a loss to Drew would derail that now.

Winner WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther  

Ronda Rousey vs. Shayna Baszler (MMA Rules match)

This is going to be sad. Knowing Rhonda’s contract is up, she is clearly putting over her friend Shayna here. I really like Ronda as a wrestler and attraction. She gets a lot of undue hate and static from the fans. She has done everything asked of her since her arrival in the WWE and has had some memorable and iconic moments. I hope after a little time away, she is willing to come back to the sport. On the other side, Shayna is going to get the push she deserves as the monster heel she has the potential to be. Shayna has really festered in the division as it has seemed at times that they didn’t know what to do with her. Hopefully, HHH will be able to recreate some of the magic she had when she was in NXT.

Winner: Shayna Baszler

Slim Jim SummerSlam Battle Royal

This is easy. They are having this match so everyone will be sayin’ LA Knight (YEAH) 

Winner: LA Knight