Arda: The fans will win in this match; it's my sleeper pick to steal the show. Dolph Ziggler is a bumping machine who always has a new trick up his sleeve. Chris Jericho is a master ring general who can have a great match with anyone. Put the two together and expect a fantastic matchup on pay-per-view. If this is Jericho's last match with WWE, I say Dolph get's the "duke" -- maybe Jericho wins and Dolph wins the rematch on RAW before Jericho's departure to tour with Fozzy. Either way, Dolph ends up stronger out of the situation. One "what if scenario" to ponder: What if Jericho left WWE and stole Dolph's Money in the Bank briefcase? Jericho is in possession of the case, which means Dolph can't cash in. This would leave a built-in rivalry for when Jericho returns in the new year. (I'm guessing on that last fact.)
Ring Posts bloggers make their predictions for WWE's SummerSlam
Prediction: Chris Jericho
Adam: I think these two will definitely steal the show. The build-up has been good, though I thought it faltered with the Piper's Pit segment on Raw. Nonetheless, these two are both fantastic workers and will put on a must-see show. Jericho is leaving, and this time it's not speculation, it's confirmed fact. Given that, I think he's going to finish this run the way he started it: putting over newer talent.
Prediction: Dolph Ziggler
World Heavyweight Championship
Sheamus (c) vs. ???
(Answers submitted prior to Smackdown.)
Arda: I feel that the "bump on the road" that we are seeing in the Alberto Del Rio vs. Sheamus world title match was to create a social media topic. "Should Del Rio get a title shot? Tout us your response!" In the end, I think Del Rio gets his title match back, beats Sheamus and captures the WHC - hopefully for a long, healthy title reign. Del Rio's attention to detail in his matches is terrific, and out of any WWE superstar, I enjoy his work the most right now.
Prediction: Alberto Del Rio
Adam: While I have read Smackdown spoilers, I will refrain from giving anything away in regards to this story, which will be explored more in depth in my Smackdown recap. In the end, though, I think Sheamus will retain the title and eventually move on to have a rivalry with Randy Orton, whom I predict will be the next world champion.
Prediction: Sheamus
WWE Championship
CM Punk (c) vs. John Cena vs. Big Show
Arda: I still like the idea of CM Punk holding the championship for a long time. What I look forward to most out of this scenario is a definitive answer from CM Punk in terms of "black hat" and "white hat." By the end of SummerAlam, I'd like to know which side of the fence he is on or if he will continue to tow the line. Right now, he is showing traditional signs of villain and hero, despite many labeling him as a villain after RAW 1,000. Beyond good/bad affiliation, I'd like Punk to continue his ascent into true main event status, where he could main event a pay-per-view with someone other than John Cena and have it not seem out of place. A loss for Show or Cena in this match doesn't hurt either of them.
Prediction: CM Punk
Adam: Like Arda, I, too, am a fan of the current direction that Punk's character has taken. He's not a clear-cut heel or villain; he's simply CM Punk. I think taking the belt off Punk now would a bad move. Punk's campaign to be Raw's top star has a lot more potential than him chasing the title at this point. I have some worry that they'll pull the switch and put the belt back on Cena, as it's been a "long" time since he's held the top gold, but I hope they pull the right move and keep the champ's reign alive.
Prediction: CM Punk
Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar
Arda: I don't see any other outcome here other than an emphatic victory for Brock Lesnar. If he does, in fact, have more appearances left and will be around until WrestleMania 29, I don't see the benefit in a loss to Triple H, who likely will have less of an on-air role after SummerSlam than Brock will. Unlike with John Cena, who is the face of WWE and a case could be made as to why he should have defeated Lesnar at Extreme Rules, I see no logical reason why Triple H should win other than personal preference. Lesnar wins convincingly.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Adam: This match still has me questioning the thinking. If Lesnar was coming back for limited dates, why put him against an established veteran working a part-time schedule? Lesnar could have been used to put over a younger star, but instead, he's been paired against the already-perceived top guy in John Cena and the boss in Triple H. After this match, both are likely to disappear for several months, so I have a hard time getting too invested in it. There's more value in a Lesnar victory than a Triple H one, though, so that's my pick.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
