Tomorrow night, Monday Night Raw hosts their first brand-specific Pay-Per-View since the draft: Clash of Champions. The main point of Clash of Champions is that every title on the show will be defended, but that seems pointless since that is almost always the case anyway. Nevertheless, Raw has five championships that will be defended: United States, Raw Women’s, Raw Tag Team, Universal, and Cruiserweight. With a pretty stacked card ahead, let’s break it down (cue D-Generation X music).
Alicia Fox vs. Nia Jax
Nia Jax was one of the NXT call-ups in the draft, and it clear that she was a good choice. Jax has faced several local wrestlers since her debut and has dominated every match in under two minutes. The last local wrestler Jax destroyed happened to be a good friend of Alicia Fox, who did not like Jax’s attitude. Fox would then face Jax in a match on the following Raw, but it would result in a no contest after Fox was speared through the barricade. Perhaps tonight’s match could end in a fall.
Prediction:
It is nice to see Alicia Fox back in action since she would thrown to the side after Team Bella split up. While she is the most experienced woman on the Raw roster, Jax is an unstoppable force. Winner: Nia Jax
Sami Zayn vs. Chris Jericho
Kevin Owens used to be Sami Zayn’s best friend, but now he is Chris Jericho’s best friend. This led to Zayn and Jericho hating each other, most notably seen when Jericho clocked Zayn with his iPhone on the Highlight Reel. After the talk show segment, these two got a match scheduled tomorrow night which should breakup some championship action.
Prediction:
This could really go either way. Sami Zayn is a fan favorite who is only halfway through his first year on the main roster, but Chris Jericho has proved that he is still a top-level heel. Since neither of these two really have anything else to do, I expect a Jericho win to extend this feud to the next Pay-Per-View. Winner: Chris Jericho
Cesaro vs. Sheamus – Best of Seven Series (Match 7)
After the draft, both Cesaro and Sheamus were furious that they were picked so low. Mick Foley thought it would be a good idea for them to pit that aggression towards each other in a Best of Seven Series, with the winner getting a championship opportunity (which championship has been unclear). Sheamus started the series 3-0, but Cesaro started a huge comeback to make the series 3-3, leading to this final match.
Prediction:
Sometimes, stories in WWE are pretty simple. Someone is beaten down (literally and figuratively) for a long time, then they have a comeback story to inspire the WWE Universe. This might be way too obvious, but that is probably the case here with Cesaro, unless WWE really wants to surprise/anger the fans. Winner: Cesaro
Rusev (c) vs. Roman Reigns – United States Championship
Roman Reigns and Rusev were supposed to square off at SummerSlam, but a brawl before the match put Rusev out of action for a few weeks. While Reigns still has no reason to be the #1 Contender, Mick Foley made sure that “The Guy” got his opportunity at Clash of Champions.
Prediction:
Rusev hates Reigns and will do whatever it takes to defend Lana’s honor. Last week on Raw, Rusev even locked in the Accolade on Reigns, but the important thing about this is that Roman Reigns never taps out. This prevents Rusev from winning with the Accolade, and he will probably have to resort to some shenanigans. Either this gives Rusev the win, or the disqualification, but he will still have the belt at the end. For predictions sake, however, I pick Reigns. Winner: Roman Reigns
The New Day (c) vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson – Raw Tag Team Championships
The New Day defeated Gallows and Anderson at SummerSlam, and since the Raw tag team division is a joke, the former Club members get another shot at the titles. This feud has involved some very bad comedy segments, but more importantly, non-title wins for the challengers. What matters is if they can do that when it counts.
Prediction:
The New Day have held the tag titles for over a year now, and it seems like it’s time for them to give up the belts. Gallows and Anderson are the only credible team on the roster other than Enzo and Cass, and this second chance should give them the win. Winners, and NEW Raw Tag Team Champions: Gallows & Anderson
TJ Perkins (c) vs. Brian Kendrick – WWE Cruiserweight Championship
The Cruiserweight Classic was the best thing WWE has done all year, and it showcased some of the best wrestlers in the world. Featuring names like Tajiri, Zack Sabre Jr., and Kota Ibushi, only one could win. The finals took place two Wednesday’s ago, with TJ Perkins and Gran Metalik looking to win it all. Triple H announced that that match would be for the revived WWE Cruiserweight Championship, and Perkins won the tournament and the title.
The following Monday, Brian Kendrick defeated Gran Metalik, Rich Swann, and Cedric Alexander to become the #1 Contender for the championship, granting him this championship match tomorrow night.
Prediction:
After only seeing a handful of TJ Perkins matches (including his match at EVOLVE 66), it was apparent that he is one of the best ring technicians that WWE has to offer. Brian Kendrick is no easy feat, but he will be a recognizable name for Perkins to beat that will catch the casual audience’s eye. Winner, and STILL Cruiserweight Champion: TJ Perkins
Charlotte (c) vs. Bayley vs. Sasha Banks – Raw Women’s Championship
Charlotte defeated Sasha Banks for the Women’s Championship in a brutal match at SummerSlam. Banks had her rematch clause, but since she was out shortly for a back injury, things got complicated. Bayley would debut in her absence, and defeat the Women’s Champion in a non-title match to put herself in the picture. Bayley, Banks, and Dana Brooke would then compete in a triple threat #1 Contender’s match, and after Bayley and Banks pinned each other at the same time, they were both placed in the match.
Prediction:
Charlotte surprisingly pinned Bayley on Raw last week after a big boot, but Bayley’s place in this match will give her a loss without taking a fall. Since Banks is back to 100%, “The Boss” has a great chance at getting her title back. Winner, and NEW Raw Women’s Champion: Sasha Banks
Kevin Owens (c) vs. Seth Rollins – WWE Universal Championship
Finn Balor defeated Seth Rollins at SummerSlam to become the first-ever Universal Champion, but since Balor was injured during the match, he would vacate the title the following night. This led to Kevin Owens winning the match in a elimination fatal four way match, thanks to Triple H interfering, hitting both Rollins and Roman Reigns with Pedigrees. Since Rollins was screwed over in that match, he gets another opportunity for the title.
Prediction:
Seth Rollins may be “The Man,” but The Kevin Owens Show looks like it is here to stay for quite some time. Rollins is going to need eyes on the back of his head in case Triple H looks to interfere again, but with or without “The Game,” Owens will walk away the champion. Winner, and STILL WWE Universal Champion: Kevin Owens
