July 12, 2012|By Arda Ocal and Adam Testa
Arda: I don't buy the notion that this match will only have four participants. If the restriction is that only former WWE champions can take part, that leaves the door open for some surprise entrants on Sunday. The Miz and Rey Mysterio come to mind. I like the idea of one or two surprise entrants to add a dimension to the match many weren't expecting. Even still, with whomever might join the match, all eyes are on John Cena. Though Cena's "guarantees" lately have produced the opposite result of Mr. McMahon's "guaran-damn-tees," I see Cena winning the match and cashing in the briefcase honorably. John Cena vs. CM Punk at Summerslam. Chris Jericho is a darkhorse candidate, and I wouldn't be upset if he won.
Prediction: John Cena
World Heavyweight Championship
Sheamus (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio
Adam: Del Rio seems to be one of WWE's projects it just won't let go. While I appreciate what Del Rio brings to the table, he has been shoved down the fans' throats and treated like a bigger deal than he is. Del Rio needs to develop a better connection with the crowd before he's given another major push. That said, Sheamus seems to be WWE's priority pet project right now, and his reign isn't ending yet.
Prediction: Sheamus
Arda: I don't hide the fact that I think Del Rio is one of the best workers in the WWE. Great character, fantastic in ring work, attention to detail; it's all there. That being said, as much as I would like to see him enjoy a long title run, I think the "machine" is behind Sheamus right now and he will continue to hold the gold. I look for Sheamus to retain.
Prediction: Sheamus
WWE Championship
CM Punk (c) vs. Daniel Bryan with AJ as Guest Referee
Adam: I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If WWE insists on presenting soap opera drama, at least they are doing it with performers who can carry things along in the ring. I have actually liked the storyline, but it's time for something to happen and things to hit a fever pitch. Sunday is the perfect time for that. I'm hoping that Bryan and Punk are allowed to wrestle a normal, lengthy match before the storyline drama really comes into play. Also, this seems to be the best chance at a title match actually headlining a pay-per-view in 2012, so I'll be holding my breath for that, as well. In the end, the winner is hard to pick. I've picked Bryan every show thus far - and I'm still hoping it happens here - but my mind is telling me to pick Punk.
Prediction: CM Punk
Arda: It's been a long time since a diva has been such a focus in WWE, and AJ is playing the part perfectly. She truly is the most interesting character on the show today. At first, I was concerned that so many matches between Daniel Bryan and CM Punk would make their rivalry less special, especially since so many hardcore wrestling fans want to see it, but AJ has been added perfectly to divert our attention. This match is more about what AJ will do than who will win the match. I look for Punk to retain. I used to think AJ and Bryan would reunite, but after the dual proposal on Raw, I see AJ being a loose cannon far after this rivalry and CM Punk keeping the title past Summerslam. On a side note, if I wanted to bring back even more value to the title, I'd have CM Punk hold the gold for a lengthy period of time -- two-to-three years -- while steadily defending the title.