2018 SummerSlam Preview, Predictions and Rumors

It's the hottest event of the summer. It's SummerSlam, WWE's second biggest event of the year. Let's dive in to everything you need to know ahead of the event this Sunday live from Brooklyn.

When I was growing up, I always considered the Royal Rumble to be the second biggest event for the company. But there's no question that in recent years, WWE has really stepped up the way it presents SummerSlam. From the marketing and promotion to just the overall build of the PPV, SummerSlam has become a major, major event. And this year's event has massive implications that could change the WWE landscape for years to come.

For example, is this the end of the Brock Lesnar era? Is this the beginning of Ronda's era? Will Roman finally win over the fans? Let's dive into each and every match and who we think walks away with their hand raised at the Barclays.

Rusev & Lana vs. Andrade Cien Almas & Zelina Vega

For a kickoff match, this build has been reasonably compelling. The match itself will probably be just okay due to Lana's limited in-ring ability, but hopefully Rusev and Almas can carry the load and show off some decent spots. That being said, there's no question that Aiden English gets involved, leading to a Rusev & Lana loss, potentially breaking up this group for good.

Prediction: Almas & Vega Win

The B-Team (c) vs. The Revival (Raw Tag Team Championship)

Practically no build will lead to a match that will almost certainly have no heat. That being said, this is The Revival's closet opportunity at championship gold, and it absolutely has to happen. Anyone who watched them shine in NXT knows that these two are by far the best working tag team WWE has at the moment. This division has been pretty dismal as of late, but hopefully, The Revival can, dare I say, revive it?

Prediction: The Revival Win

Cedric Alexander (c) vs. Drew Gulak (Cruiserweight Championship)

I love Drew Gulak. I love his gimmick. I love his look. I love his working ability. I think his character is genius and I think he's been the bright spot of this division since it began. Drew Gulak. Drew Gulak. Drew Gulak.

Prediction: Drew Gulak Wins

Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Jeff Hardy (United States Championship)

I love Nakamura the heel. I'm indifferent toward Jeff Hardy's contacts. I kinda hate Orton all the time, but he's been compelling with his refreshed gimmick. That being said, I'll probably make popcorn during this match because no matter what the storyline, it's safe to say this will probably end up as a cool down match.

Prediction: Nakamura Wins

Carmella (c) vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch (Smackdown Women's Championship)

Say what you want about Carmella, but she's a hell of a heel. How many times do you actually hate a bad guy. What I mean is, do you really hate Kevin Owens? Do you actually despise Alexa? Of course not. But Carmella is one of the promotion's true heels that you want to see lose. What works so much with this program is that Carmella is being put up against arguably WWE's best female performers. And by hook or by crook, or by Charlotte and Becky turning on each other, Carmella walks out with the title.

Prediction: Carmella Wins

Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz

A storyline that absolutely lit the wrestling world on fire, Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz is WWE's hottest feud, from 2 years ago. Throw stones at me if you want, but there's been something missing from this rivalry. And you know it's true. But regardless of that, these two are going to bring it and draw some serious heat while in the ring.

Prediction: Daniel Bryan Wins

Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Seth Rollins (Intercontinental Championship)

By far one of the better storylines on the card, Dolph vs. Seth has been built really nicely. You have Seth, arguably the hottest babyface in the company vs. Dolph, the beloved worker turned heel. Now throw in Dean Ambrose, with the potential to earn some serious heat by turning on Seth in the mix, and you've got a match that could get people talking.

Prediction: Ziggler Wins

Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens

Utterly ridiculous at times, perfectly executed at others - Strowman vs. Owens will surely entertain. What really excites me about this matchup is the ability to clean up silly booking. I've completely disagreed with Strowman winning the Money in the Bank contract. It makes zero sense. He's a monster, a destroyer. He doesn't need a contract to win this title, he just needs the opportunity. The contract historically belongs with a chicken shit heel. Enter Kevin Owens to foil his future.

Prediction: Owens Wins

The Bludgeon Brothers (c) vs. The New Day (Smackdown Tag Team Championship)

I think that once in the ring, these performers will absolutely destroy it and put on one hell of the show. But the build for this has been really lackluster. The build between New Day and Sanity has been by far better.

Prediction: Bludgeon Brothers Win

Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin

Ugh.

Prediction: Finn Wins

Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Ronda Rousey (Raw Women's Championship)

Okay, so a week ago, I had Bliss winning. I had her winning with Natalya turning on Ronda, stopping her once again from winning the championship. After recent events, I have Ronda winning, dominantly, like Brock vs Cena dominant.

Prediction: Ronda Wins

AJ Styles (c) vs. Samoa Joe (WWE Championship)

The fact that AJ vs. Joe is co-headlining SummerSlam is absolutely flabbergasting. This is a legendary rivalry that spans the past 2 decades that will finally find its way into a WWE ring. I am ecstatic to see this go down. I won't lie though, after the Nakamura vs. AJ series of duds, I am skeptical to the potential of this matchup, but I'm trying my hardest to remain optimistic.

Prediction: Joe Wins

Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns (Universal Championship)

Despite all my attempts to hate this matchup, I'm actually excited. I think that for once, this build was well thought out, well executed, and relevant. That being said, if Brock wins, I'm gonna throw my television out of my window. I cannot stand him anymore, I'm sick of his boring matches, and I'm sick of his gimmick. If the fans try to get themselves over by chanting random shit during this match, I'll probably hate tweet every one of you, so prepare for my wrath.

Prediction: Roman Wins

Disagree with our predictions? Let us know. Also, tell us what matchups you're most excited for!