WWE Summerslam 2022 Predictions: Who Wins the Final Encounter Between Reigns and Lesnar?
The Biggest Party of the Summer Comes to Music City This Saturday
Well, it certainly has been an interesting few weeks in WWE, huh?
Following the retirement of Vince McMahon, the promotion of Triple H as head of creative, and the rumored return of PG-14 to our screens, WWE has been in the news more often then they would like. On Monday, with Triple H now in charge of creative, we saw the first episode of RAW under the new regime. It certainly felt a little rejuvenated, and with Summerslam coming up on Saturday, we could be in for a much different show than anticipated. There’s already been rumors of a creative shakeup to the show, or at least one big surprise.
Meanwhile, the Summerslam card is filled with a mix of rematches, celebrities, and sleeper hits. Headlined by another Roman Reigns-Brock Lesnar encounter, the Biggest Party of the Summer could shock the WWE Universe once again. What do I think is going to happen come Saturday night in Nashville?
Pat McAfee vs. Happy Corbin
The minute this match was announced, I was pretty excited. Both men are fantastic on the microphone, and it puts each other on another level. McAfee was impressive at Wrestlemania, picking up a win over Theory. Corbin, meanwhile, is due for a big win. After losing his feud against Madcap Moss, the Happy One set his sights on his former NFL roommate, attacking him on multiple occasions. A backstage brawl on Smackdown has only increased anticipation, and it has the potential to be one of the better matches on Saturday. I was going back and forth on who would come out on top, but I am going to roll with the safer pick of McAfee. Corbin will get his big wins in the fall, but this night is for Pat McAfee to receive one of the biggest pops of the night as he punts the former Money in the Bank winner for the victory.
Prediction: Pat McAfee via pinfall
WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Theory
It seems like everybody wants to challenge Theory recently. Vince McMahon’s protege has a target on his back from the Usos, Brock Lesnar, Dolph Ziggler, and WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns. With that said, his immediate challenge came from Bobby Lashley, who wants to keep a hold on his United States Championship. While Mr. Money in the Bank moves to the main event scene, Lashley picks up a win with the Hurt Lock. The All Mighty can dominate the RAW mid-card while Theory can set his sights on bigger things.
Prediction: Bobby Lashley via submission to retain the United States Championship
WWE RAW Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Becky Lynch
Last year, at this very event, Bianca Belair lost her Smackdown Women’s Championship to Becky Lynch in a mere 20 seconds. This time around, Belair should be prepared for Big Time Becks, so the chances of a 20-second match are small. I could see a false finish quickly, but this should go at least 15 minutes. As for who wins, the EST of WWE has been stellar as RAW Women’s Champion. There’s no reason for her to drop it, especially to someone who’s already held the title in Lynch. A KOD wins it for Belair to keep her belt.
Prediction: Bianca Belair via pinfall to retain the RAW Women’s Championship
Logan Paul vs. The Miz
The feud between these two Hollywood stars has been brewing since Wrestlemania back in April. After Miz hit Paul with a Skull-Crushing Finale after their big win over the Mysterios, Paul began to seek revenge. It culminates in a match at Summerslam, where I think Miz comes out on top. He’s been on a roll recently, and with Ciampa by his side, I think the Awesome One comes out on top.
Prediction: The Miz via pinfall
No Disqualification Tag Team Match: The Judgment Day vs. The Mysterios
Finn Balor and Damian Priest are on a quest to recruit Dominik Mysterio to join the Judgment Day, and he has consistently refused. After Rey Mysterio’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on RAW, a No DQ tag team match was made for Summerslam. Could this be the night that Dominik finally turns on his father? I believe so, as he joins Balor and Priest and starts a feud with Rey. Don’t worry, though. Soon, Edge will have Rey’s back, and the groups can feud throughout the fall.
Prediction: The Judgment Day via pinfall
WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Ronda Rousey
One of the best moments in the summer for WWE was the crowning of Liv Morgan as Smackdown Women’s Champion. The blue brand was in desperate need of another top face, and Morgan fit the bill perfectly. Her first challenge is a tough one, as she has to go up against the woman she cashed in on, Ronda Rousey. While it might make sense to give the belt back to the Baddest Woman on the Planet, I think Morgan pulls it off one way or another. Whether or not it will cause a turn for Rousey is probably the bigger question. I don't think so, but nonetheless, the New Jersey native keeps her title.
Prediction: Liv Morgan via pinfall to retain the Smackdown Women’s Championship
WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championships: The Usos (c) vs. The Street Profits
These two teams continue to put on great matches, whether it be in tag team or singles matches. The four men involved in this match steal the show on a nightly basis, and on Saturday, the Street Profits have one more chance at the Usos. This time, WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett will be the special guest referee. The Usos have been Tag Team Champions for well over a year, but this time, something feels off. The Profits, with the help of Double J, take the belts as the fall of the Bloodline begins.
Prediction: The Street Profits via pinfall to win the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championships
Last Man Standing Match for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Brock Lesnar
It seems like this is the final match that we will see between two of WWE’s strongest booked stars of all time. A Last Man Standing match is the ultimate conclusion to a feud, and this may not be your traditional Reigns-Lesnar encounter. This may go upwards of 20 minutes, but who comes out on top? I came so close to picking Lesnar at Wrestlemania, and I’m in the same boat for Summerslam. However, it doesn’t make sense for Lesnar to win in match 3 of the trilogy. Reigns keeps the belt, Theory holds on to the Money in the Bank briefcase, and Drew McIntyre gets his hands on the Tribal Chief come Clash at the Castle.
Prediction: Roman Reigns retains the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship