WWE Battleground 2017: Predictions, Match Card For ‘SmackDown Live’ PPV Before SummerSlam

The final WWE pay-per-view before SummerSlam is set for Sunday night in Philadelphia with WWE Battleground 2017. Jinder Mahal will defend his WWE Championship against Randy Orton in the main event, and two more championships will be on the line.

Below are predictions for every match on the card, which will feature only members of the “SmackDown Live” roster.

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WWE Champion Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton (Punjabi Prison Match)

It was shocking for Jinder to win the WWE Championship shortly after WrestleMania 33, but it would make little sense for him to lose the title at this point. He’s already beaten Orton twice, and their feud should come to an end at Battleground. Jinder doesn’t need to pin Orton in order to get the win, which could allow him to finally win a match without any involvement from the Singh Brothers.

Prediction: Jinder Mahal

John Cena vs. Rusev (Flag Match)

Unless WWE has plans to put Rusev in the WWE Championship picture, which doesn’t seem to be the case, Cena is going to win his first PPV match since WrestleMania 33. Cena, however, could soon fight for the blue brand’s top title after defeating Rusev, possibly facing Jinder at SummerSlam. The 16-time world champion has fought for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam in every year but one since 2011.

Prediction: John Cena

SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. The New Day

Now that American Alpha is broken up, the “SmackDown Live” tag team division is awfully weak. WWE has almost no choice but to have The Usos and The New Day square off at SummerSlam, and a victory for The New Day would keep their feud going.

Prediction: The New Day

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin

Holding the Money in the Bank briefcase often doesn’t bode well for a wrestler’s PPV chances, and that could be the case for Corbin Sunday. He doesn’t exactly need the win, since he might cash in his contract and become WWE Champion in the near future anyway. Look for Nakamura to get the victory and continue to look strong.

Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura

United States Champion AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens

WWE probably didn’t have Styles win the U.S. Title at a live event in New York City just so he could lose it a few weeks later on PPV. He’s already been defeated by Owens once on PPV, and Owens can afford a loss at Battleground. WWE has teased a match between Styles and Nakamura a couple of times, dating back to Money in the Bank, and a win for both superstars could set up a U.S. Championship Match at SummerSlam.

Prediction: AJ Styles

Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Natalya vs. Tamina vs. Lana (Five-Way Elimination Match to determine Naomi's opponent at SummerSlam)

Lana is the only wrestler that doesn’t have a real chance to win and earn a title shot. Natalya and Tamina are options because they’re heels, and Becky has some momentum after beating Charlotte Tuesday. But Charlotte’s loss could just mean that she’s in for a win Sunday night. She remains the best female performer on the “SmackDown Live” roster, and it only makes sense to have her fight for the title at the biggest remaining PPV of 2017.

Prediction: Charlotte Flair

READ: WWE Teases Potential Match Between AJ Styles And Shinsuke Nakamura

Tye Dillinger vs. Aiden English (Kickoff Match)

The match has had absolutely no build, but English continues to lose on TV, and that won’t change at Battleground.

Prediction: Tye Dillinger