Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger – Chairs Match (US Championship)
Predicted Winner: Alberto Del Rio
A combination of zero threat, zero heat, and zero interest will cause this match to fall flat, no matter how good it will be. Both men know how to work well in the ring, but they seem to lack charisma. Del Rio has the chance to shine on his own without Zeb, but that will likely not be enough to revive this match. On top of all of this, WWE has banned the use of chair headshots. While concussions are concerning, this limitation does hurt the creativity of the match. We can hope that this match will not go past 10 minutes. Del Rio to win.
ECW Originals (Bubba Ray, D-Von, Tommy Dreamer, Rhyno) vs. Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Strowman, Harper, Rowan) – Elimination Tables Match
Predicted Winner: Wyatt Family
This match would have been great at Survivor Series! Unfortunately with the Undertaker plot, this was not the case. The fact that this is a tables match would imply that this is tornado rules. That will definitely spice things up, especially with the aging ECW team, and the speed of Rowan and Strowman. This is also a great easy way out to have Strowman lose, as it does not make him look weak by losing via submission or pinfall. In the end, it will bring nostalgia vs. new blood, along with a few fun spots. Don’t go into this match expecting anything more than that. Bray to get the final table victory.
The New Day vs. The Usos vs. Lucha Dragons – Ladder Match (WWE Tag Team Championship)
Predicted Winner: The New Day
Will we get a reincarnation of the Hardys/Dudleys/Edge & Christian classics? Probably not. We will however, get a strong match between a group of men who are not afraid of jumping off ladders. This will be filled with high spots, ladder shots, and hopefully a few inventive moves (which should be right up the alley of Kofi). With the thinning roster, it doesn’t make sense to pull the tag titles off of the New Day right now. Realistically, they could keep the titles until WrestleMania, to give them a more dramatic and meaningful loss that will also elevate another team. New Day to win (likely with the help of Woods).
Charlotte vs. Paige (Divas Championship)
Predicted Winner: Charlotte
This feud feels like it is dragging, and hopefully this will be the end of it. Nothing about this match seems to be exciting, even with Ric Flair becoming involved. This is essentially a placeholder feud until the fans get what they want, with Sasha vs. Charlotte. The match itself should be better than any main roster match in early 2015, but nothing too out of the ordinary. Charlotte to win.
Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose (Intercontinental Championship)
Predicted Winner: Kevin Owens
Two of the better workers on the main roster in a match for the IC title should fair quite well, especially if they are given ample time. It feels odd that this match of all matches is just a singles, considering both men would thrive in a gimmick match. Ideally, they will have a last minute change, and give us something along the lines of an extreme rules match. Either way, this will be a solid match to heat up the crowd if they are brought down by something earlier in the night. Owens seems to be on a role as of late, so it would be puzzling if he loses here. Owens to win.
Sheamus vs. Roman Reigns – TLC Match (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
Predicted Winner: Sheamus
Before anyone discounts this match, they should remember that Roman does tend to go all out on high profile gimmick matches. His match with Bray at HIAC showed that he is capable of putting on a good hardcore-style match. Provided he can do the same with Sheamus, this match may still bring a bit of life back to the flatline that is this feud. Sheamus and Reigns need to bring a level of intensity and innovation to this match that they have never brought before, if they are ever to convince the fans of their validity in the main event. Hopefully, they understand this, and we see something that we have never seen out of the two big men. Expect a few table spots (Reigns seems to be a magnet for table spots), and a few big crashes off the ladder. As far as the finish goes, it would be odd to see Sheamus lose after forming a new faction. Due to the predictable nature of this match, it is that much more of a reason for these men to put on a great show. Sheamus to win.
