SmackDown Women’s Championship
Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Becky Lynch
Bad News Becky has been like Sandy in Grease, she exchanged her wholesome poodle skirt persona in favor for a redhead who rips cigs in the bathroom before class. Despite WWE’s initial efforts, Becky’s still likable and luckily they were smart enough to tweak course so she maintains favorability in fans’ eyes. Charlotte inadvertently played elitist in this Women’s Title picture and now it leads to fans on the opposite ends of what Vince wants (gee, when do you see that happen?) Even with its hiccups, this feud has been extremely well played by both parties, lending it a rightful reason to watch.
Prediction: Charlotte wins after going full blown heel by cheating out our cool friend Becky. Just kidding. I’d actually give them the benefit of the doubt of doing the right thing if it wasn’t for one caveat: you think Vince will turn Charlotte when she just gets announced as AJ Styles’ partner for the Mixed Match Challenge? (No, not happening!) Charlotte wins, but they mess this thing up more by having Becky lose to a roll-up. She further breaks bad and we further break down in frustration as we draw those forks of sweet, sweet visual relief closer to our eyes.
Raw Women’s Championship
Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Alexa Bliss
Ronda’s backstage shadow boxing game is extremely strong. I marvel anytime Kevin Dunn cuts to her cutting through that O2 (you’d have the zen of Steve Blackman for that to not get you pumped). Rousey would easily clean house against Bliss again, particularly with how intimidated they’ve made Alexa come across. However, those rowdied up ribs adds a layer of weakness to the champ that should add to match length and create great chances to sell on Ronda’s part.
Prediction: Ronda still wins, of course. It just takes a little extra time which in turn helps preserve Bliss for her Trish tiff at Evolution.
SmackDown Live Tag Team Championship
The New Day (c) vs. Rusev Day
Aiden English’s selfless act to save Rusev from a Sheamus Brogue Kick is bromance in its finest form. It’s a strange position to put both these teams against one another since both are universally loved, but the tag division is suffering from injuries and lack of heel depth. Hopefully they don’t ruin either of the Days’ day with some poor decision-making.
Prediction: No contest. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say this day duel gets rained on by some Sanity interference. It’s likely wishful thinking more than anything considering that stable hasn’t been used in the right manner at all, but having Rusev lose again in any type of manner is further bringing down the Bulgarian brand. Both of these acts have legs and it would behoove WWE not trip either of them up. Why not build another act up by having Sanity cause a little chaos?
