By Nisar Khan
This Sunday, the newest pay-per-view on the WWE calendar makes its profound debut in Buffalo, New York - it's WWE Battleground.
In the first of two WWE pay-per-views in October, optimism is high for Battleground wit a heated rivalry in the offing, hardcore match, decider for the most coveted title, and much more.
We preview, breakdown and predict all the matches on the card, with information about the event along with media and much more content to get you ready for the PPV.
This Sunday, the newest pay-per-view on the WWE calendar makes its profound debut in Buffalo, New York - it's WWE Battleground.
In the first of two WWE pay-per-views in October, optimism is high for Battleground wit a heated rivalry in the offing, hardcore match, decider for the most coveted title, and much more.
We preview, breakdown and predict all the matches on the card, with information about the event along with media and much more content to get you ready for the PPV.
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| Will Daniel Bryan win his battle against the corporation? (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
Dolph Ziggler vs. Damien Sandow (WWE Battleground Kick-Off show)
WWE Battleground will kick-off with a first-time match between a current and previous Money in the Bank winner. Its a collision of prospects when Damien Sandow battles Dolph Ziggler in the squared circle for the first time ever.
A rivalry has not been in the offing towards this match, but since this is a first time contest between the two, there is some to speculate.
There's a terrific contrast in styles here. Dolph Ziggler has the more athletic approach, whereas Damien Sandow is a brutal combatant with a more celebral-style. In spite of their differences, there is one similarity - they can wrestle.
They have won the Money in the Bank - maybe in a doubtful way, but nonetheless, they have won it. They are two prospects for WWE's near future to break out from the midcard. But who needs the win more here?
Damien Sandow currently holds the briefcase, allowing him to have a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. This alone acts as a catalyst to a sprinboard if he is ever flopping in the WWE ladder. Dolph Ziggler needs the win to get him back on course, a win over the Money in the Bank briefcase holder would achieve that.
Quite a tempting kick-off show, not only because it is a first-time but because it should be a good match. Dolph Ziggler is most probably going to win, because losing to Sandow would just not really work. Damien Sandow has the briefcase anyway.
Prediction: Dolph Ziggler def. Damien Sandow
AJ Lee vs. Brie Bella (Divas' Championship)
Divas Champion AJ Lee may have saved her title at Night of Champions, but this Sunday her insults to Total Divas could come back to haunt her when she faces former Champion Brie Bella.
AJ may have retained her title in the Fatal-Four Way, but the Divas Champion will be the sole focus' of Brie Bella when the two do battle in the squared circle. Both have garnered their fair share of momentum building up to the match and this could play a factor. Brie Bella looked strong when she defeated Alicia Fox, could this be a sign of things to come for the Divas Champion?
Brie Bella vs. AJ Lee is a preferred match-up from many wrestling fans. It may get the showcase it deserves, but I see this as just a passing by reign strengthener for AJ. She will most likely retain.
Prediction: AJ Lee def. Brie Bella (Retains Divas Championship)
Will AJ Lee finally be on the receiving end of revenge? Or will Brie Bella be next to fall victim to AJ?
Curtis Axel vs. R-Truth (Intercontinental Championship)
R-Truth looks to put his career right back on track when he challenges Curtis Axel for the Intercontinental Championship. But he has his work cut out when he steps inside the ring with Curtis Axel.
Curtis Axel and R-Truth have met several times inside the ring during Axel's reign as Champion. They have all ended with Axel winning, an outcome that lasted until the final Raw before Battleground. Following a distraction from CM Punk, R-Truth was to pin Axel for the win, securing a shot at the title. Will the Straight Edge Savior play a factor this time round?
Paul Heyman's World could very well be tumbling down come Battleground, and it could start with the demise of Curtis Axel. Punk's distraction aside, Axel is more than capable of beating R-Truth, but a flare seems to have been lit for R-Truth, which could catapult him into possession of the prestigious Intercontinental title.
Curtis Axel vs. R-Truth... we have seen it many times before. But now the fact that it is on pay-per-view may have two reasons. The first is that its just to book Axel on the PPV, or the second for Axel to in fact lose the title following CM Punk screwing him. Of course the latter is a more unlikely outcome, but one still firmly in the fray of possibilities.
Prediction: Curtis Axel retains
Will Curtis Axel's reign be ended by the Truth? Or will Heyman's dynasty continue to build at Battleground?
Cody Rhodes & Goldust vs. Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins
Although the titles are not on the line, there is a lot at stake for the Rhodes family when they do battle with The Shield at Battleground. If pressure was ever high, the situation would be this for the Rhodes family, who defend their father's job and Cody Rhodes looks to earn his employment back with the WWE.
This logically all dates back to the McMahon family and Rhodes feud, with the ongoing conflict between the two. This would escalate once again a few weeks ago, when Triple H put Cody Rhodes' career on the line, and Rhodes lost to Orton.
In a quest to re-gain the job for his brother, Goldust stepped in, but his dreams were shattered with an RKO following a superb encounter.
Cody Rhodes couldn't save his job, nor could his brother - the Viper had firmly kept them at bay, but only just. Following their failure, Stephanie McMahon invited their father, WWE Hall of Famer, Dusty Rhodes. Rhodes was presented with an ultimatum of which was rejected, and ended up being knocked out by The Big Show - per McMahon's order.
This would trigger an ambush from the Rhodes family who attacked The Shield the following week. Goldust and Cody Rhodes were then ejected by security, before being invited to the show the week after. They would offer up the proposition that would lead to this match being announced. But high stakes were indeed on the cards, as the Rhodes family would be fighting to protect their father's job.
The Hounds of Justice attacked the Rhodes' family, and they will seek retribution come Sunday.
But with a lot at stake, the task is hard.
Legitimately excited for this match. It has been a good feud to watch, I think Big Show may go overboard at Battleground, but I see the Rhodes winning. A clear sign to me is the fact that the titles were not on the line. Excited to watch.
Prediction: Cody Rhodes & Goldust def. Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns
Will Dusty Rhodes' sons be able to save his job? Or will they become victim to the Hounds of Justice?
The Second City Savior has had a longing quest to get revenge on Paul Heyman. Just as he thought the wait was finally over, he was hindered by the physical beast, Ryback. At WWE Battleground, CM Punk awaits his next challenge, and its a big one, as he goes toe-to-toe with the Human-Wrecking Ball.
The two have squared off previously, around a year ago at WWE Hell in a Cell, CM Punk would retain his WWE Championship - albeit by some one-sided refereeing - and with the help of The Shield, Punk would manage to keep Ryback at bay. This time round, there is an indefinite switch in motives. Neither looks the coward, both want to unleash pain on one another.
Putting last year's rivalry aside, Ryback and CM Punk refreshed their feud at Night of Champions. The catalyst to this situation? Look no further than Paul Heyman. The 'Mad Scientist' summoned Ryback to save him when CM Punk was poised to unleash a beating at WWE's previous pay-per-view.
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| Ryback faced CM Punk at Hell in a Cell last year (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
Returning to his home state in Chicago, CM Punk would finally speak out about the events that unfolded at Night of Champions. Once again however, Paul Heyman would get involved. Catering an injury (although apparent this was not the case after) Paul Heyman took to the stage in a wheel-chair. After his win over CM Punk, Heyman became the self-professed Best in the World, and provoked CM Punk to come and attack him. Out of nowhere, Curtis Axel and Ryback savagely attacked CM Punk. In spite of Punk's strong efforts of resistance, he would eventually fall victim to Paul Heyman and his clients.
The fuel to the fire is retribution. CM Punk seeks retribution. He has been seeking it ever since he was crossed by Paul Heyman. Standing in his way however is one of his biggest challenges to date - Ryback. We've seen that CM Punk may not bode well against physical monsters as he lost to Lesnar, but CM Punk looks more fired up than ever.
CM Punk vs. Ryback? I am going to be straight up - it does not sound like an exciting match. We've seen this match before. Yes, I know, there is a change in characters, CM Punk is no longer a coward, but I am just not really excited for this match. It goes two ways in my opinion, CM Punk slays Ryback, or the Human Wrecking Ball gets a cheap win leading up to a match at Hell in a Cell - the latter of which is more predictable. For me, WWE ruined Ryback's status as a danger during his poor spell over the previous months. Maybe CM Punk will carry him and put on a good match. The match may be pretty good, but it is the storyline around it that is becoming tedious.
Prediction: Ryback def. CM Punk (Interference/Distraction from Paul Heyman/Curtis Axel leads to Punk's loss, match set-up for WWE Hell in a Cell)
CM Punk's next challenge awaits at WWE Battleground. Wil The Straight-Edge Savior manage to throw off Heyman's latest challenge? Or will Punk fall victim once again to Heyman's empire?
Battleground Hardcore Rules Match: Alberto Del Rio vs. Rob Van Dam (World Heavyweight Championship)
It will be Hardcore Rules as the World Heavyweight Championship is under contention at Battleground between Alberto Del Rio and Rob Van Dam - continuing a feud of which boiled over at Night of Champions.
Ricardo Rodriguez set up for this rivalry weeks after SummerSlam, and it lead to a match for the title at Night of Champions. When Rob Van Dam looked to be closing in on the gold, the Mexican Aristocrat managed to slither his way to retaining the title as he delivered a low-blow to get disqualified. But this time, there are hardcore rules. Alberto Del Rio will have to pin or submit Rob Van Dam to retain his World Heavyweight Championship.
The Essence of Excellence steps in the ring with Rob Van Dam. Van Dam is a veteran of extreme wrestling, back in the days of ECW, RVD made a name for himself. This time round, the Champion is in the Challenger's element, giving a huge advantage to Rob Van Dam.
If Rob Van Dam can get the control like he did at Night of Champions, Alberto Del Rio simply has no way out. The title could be changing hands this Sunday.
Hardcore Rules match, booked - that's a good stipulation. Hopefully they use the weapons properly and make an entertaining bout. But with all the elements in Van Dam's favor, it just gives me the impression that Van Dam won't win this Sunday. Ricardo Rodriguez may cross him. If Van Dam does win however, we will see more matches, and I doubt that we will see more than one match after this bout. Why must World Heavyweight Championship feuds last so long?
Prediction: Alberto Del Rio def. Rob Van Dam (Ricardo Rodriguez screws Van Dam)
Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton (WWE Championship)
The ongoing saga between WWE's Apex Predator and American Dragon is on course to crown a new WWE Champion. Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan do battle once again at WWE Battleground in contention for the vacated WWE Championship.
This bout will be the duo's third for the WWE Championship, although they have had a few more encounters previously that were seemingly indecisive. It's a case of very short title reigns - Daniel Bryan held the title for mere minutes before Randy Orton cashed in, then Randy Orton's reign was ended at Night of Champions, only for Daniel Bryan to be stripped of the title the night after. Whether it be debatable refereeing, corporate handicaps or whatever it may be, this has been one wild run for the most coveted prize in sports entertainment.
Over the past few weeks, the WWE Universe has witnessed The Viper's development into a sadistic man whose sights lie solely on the WWE Championship. The Apex Predator has cruelly attacked and victimized The Miz time and time again - sending a message to his opponent come Battleground. We are witnessing the re-incarnation of a man who will do anything to decimate his opponent.
Daniel Bryan's task just got bigger. With Randy Orton now looking more dangerous than ever, Bryan has to see of a corporation that is hell-bent in his demise. But a thought prominent in the back of one's mind is the involvement from the corporation. With a match of such big implications, how can they sit back without involvement, knowing that Daniel Bryan can beat Randy Orton. Will they have a factor in the outcome of the bout? It could be that Stephanie McMahon summons The Big Show yet again to do her dirty work, but that would be pushing the World's Largest Athlete to the limit.
Daniel Bryan sustained a huge beating in the final Raw before Battleground, as the Viper unleashed his sadistic self. Does Daniel Bryan know the threat that he could be walking into?
I doubt that this is the last match for the WWE Championship between Bryan and Orton. I'm very doubtful of a clean finish. Maybe chaos will break out or something. I expect another great match but I see only two plausible/likely endings - Big Show knocks out Daniel Bryan, or The Shield interfere, then the roster fights them and chaos breaks out, no contest or Orton win.
Prediction: Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton ends in Draw (The Shield interfere, then roster gets involved)
Who will be the new WWE Champion at Battleground? Who will emerge with the Gold when Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton lock horns on Sunday?
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| Will this moment of glory be repeated at WWE Battleground? (Image Courtesy: WWE.com) |
WWE Battleground comes LIVE from the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY. Its a card with potential to make a debut that could be remembered, but with Hell in a Cell just weeks after, this pay-per-view may be a mere stepping stone.
But what's a WWE event without optimisim? Exactly - WWE Battleground can be a very exciting night, we will just have to wait and see who triumphs at the Battleground.
Who will prevail as the WWE Championship trilogy between Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton comes to an end? What will be the outcome of the Hardcore Rules match? Will CM Punk's quest for revenge suffer another hindrance? Could it be the last time we see the Rhodes in WWE? Who will prevail from the Battleground this Sunday in New York?
Images and graphics courtesy: WWE.com
By Nisar Khan - Read more articles from this author
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