WWE Battleground 2016: Predictions, Match Card After Brand Extension Draft

One of the biggest weeks of the year in WWE comes to a conclusion on Sunday at WWE Battleground 2016. The upcoming pay-per-view will feature a few matches that won’t be able to happen again in the foreseeable future because of Tuesday’s Raw/SmackDown draft.

All three members of The Shield will meet in a triple threat match that’s been nearly four years in the making. Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins have all held the title within the last few weeks, and Sunday marks the first time they’ll face off in a match with no other wrestlers.

Three of the top matches on the card are all variations of matches that took place at Money in the Bank last month. John Cena and AJ Styles will face off in a tag match after going up against each other in a singles match at the last PPV. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are set to go head-to-head after they squared off in the Money in the Bank ladder match.

Randy Orton will return at the PPV, making his first appearance on WWE TV since October. He’ll be a guest on “The Highlight Reel” with Chris Jericho to discuss his SummerSlam match against Brock Lesnar.

Below is a look at the entire card for WWE Battleground 2016, as well as predictions for each match.

WWE Champion Dean Ambrose vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins (Triple Threat Match)

With speculation that the brand split will result in two world championships, the title match could feature an inconclusive finish. But assuming one man leaves with the belt on Sunday, Seth Rollins is the top choice. Ambrose got a clean victory to keep the championship on Tuesday, but WWE might be building towards a SummerSlam title match between Rollins and Reigns, who were both drafted to “Raw.” Reigns probably won’t win the belt on his first night back after serving a suspension.

Prediction: Seth Rollins

John Cena, Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. The Club

AJ Styles got his win over Cena at Money in the Bank, so Cena, Enzo and Cass are likely to come out on top at Battleground. Whatever happens, it should set up a third match between Cena and Styles at SummerSlam. With both wrestlers being drafted to SmackDown, their feud might be far from over.

Prediction: John Cena, Enzo Amore & Big Cass

Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens

The feud between Zayn and Owens probably isn’t over yet since they were both drafted to “Raw.” Owens has dominated Zayn in the ring ever since they both were in NXT over a year and a half ago, and he might not lose to his rival until their storyline is complete.

Prediction: Kevin Owens

Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. Darren Young

Young is due for a push with his new gimmick alongside Bob Backlund, but his time to win the title might not come until SummerSlam. Look for The Miz to cheat and retain his belt, resulting in more fan support for the challenger.

Prediction: The Miz

United States Champion Rusev vs. Zack Ryder

It could be a while before Rusev drops the belt. He’s quickly becoming one of the best heels in WWE, and he won’t lose to Ryder, who hasn’t had a sustained push in five years.

Prediction: Rusev

The New Day vs. The Wyatt Family

The New Day will be the longest reigning WWE tag team champions in history on Sunday, and since the belts aren’t on the line, they don’t need the win. Look for a strong performance by Bray Wyatt, who will be a top heel on “SmackDown.”

Prediction: The Wyatt Family

Sasha Banks and a partner to be named vs. Charlotte & Dana Brooke

WWE is building towards giving Sasha a title shot at SummerSlam,and that won’t happen by having her lose on Sunday. She’ll get the victory and the pin, and the only uncertainty is the identity of her partner. The favorite might be Nia Jax, who was drafted from NXT to “Raw.”

Prediction: Sasha Banks and partner

Becky Lynch vs. Natalya

With Sasha and Charlotte both going to “Raw,” Becky will be the top female wrestler on “SmackDown.” She’ll prove she was worthy of being such a high draft pick on Sunday.

Prediction: Becky Lynch