WWE Battleground 2014: Full card, match previews and predictions
As WWE rolls into Tampa, Florida with Battleground, can they keep up the momentum from successes at recent events?
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Your support makes all the difference.John Cena will defend his WWE Championship against three other men at Battleground, but what else is on the card and which match looks like it may steal the show? Who will win the Intercontinental Championship - and will the next champion finally restore the title to its former glory? And will the most over man in the company at the minute, Jack Swagger, continue to win the hearts of fans across the Universe?
John Cena vs Roman Reigns vs Kane vs Randy Orton (WWE Championship fatal four-way match)
While the main event will hardly get pulses racing and the outcome is rather predictable (John Cena to prevail, setting up a clash against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam) it will still be fascinating to see how Roman Reigns will get on. WWE have been at pains to state John Cena does not need to be pinned for him to drop the Championship, but, conversely, that works for the other participants. Neither Randy Orton or Roman Reigns can really afford to take a pin at the moment - the latter, more so - but Kane is a man who has become used to putting opponents over in recent years.
Prediction: John Cena to retain after an F5 and 1-2-3 on Kane.
UPDATE: WWE Battleground 2014 results
Alberto Del Rio vs. Big E vs. Bo Dallas vs. Cesaro vs. Curtis Axel vs. Diego vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Fandango vs. Heath Slater vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Rob Van Dam vs. R-Truth vs. Ryback vs. Sheamus vs. Sin Cara vs. The Great Khali vs. The Miz vs. Titus O'Neil vs. Xavier Woods vs. Zack Ryder (WWE Intercontinetal Championship battle royal)
Tough match to call and one which could legitimately go any way you look. Cesaro could repeat his Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal heroics and claim victory in this 20-man brawl; Big E is the big man with the size advantage who could regain the title he held until he lost against Bad News Barrett at Extreme Rules. Other faces to look out for include Bo Dallas, who is still undefeated, and is quickly becoming a fan favourite. Kofi Kingston usually shines when given the opportunity and a battle royal is his perfect performance space... but he probably won't win.
Prediction: Cesaro or Sheamus. The latter is looking to unify the Intercontinental and US Championships.
Bray Wyatt vs Chris Jericho
The match that CM Punk reportedly would have taken part in had he not quit the company, Bray Wyatt will look to carry on his fantastic debut year by getting a win over WWE legend Chris Jericho. This should end with Wyatt registering a clean victory but just being in the same programme as Jericho proves the trust WWE are putting into Bray.
Prediction: Bray Wyatt with the win, clean or otherwise.
Dean Ambrose vs Seth Rollins
The match a lot of fans are looking forward to most and with good reason - the history between these two is strong and has created an intriguing story. The two former Shield men collide and with Ambrose looking to ruin Seth Rollins' WWE career (and stop him from cashing in the Money in the Bank briefcase) there certainly isn't a shortage of bad blood. Should be a cracker.
Prediction: Ambrose looks the likely winner, but don't be surprised to see the match end in disqualification.
Jack Swagger vs Rusev
USA takes on Russia in a tried-and-tested and rather overplayed formula to wrestling feuds. Jack Swagger (quite possibly the most popular wrestler at the time of writing) takes on Rusev, 'The Bulgarian Brute' who is officially backing Putin's Russia. While the story behind it may be tired, the action should be anything but. Both are technically sound, powerful wrestlers who can put in a great match given the right opponent. Power moves should be complemented by some decent mat wrestling.
Prediction: Swagger surely has to take the victory here, unless the feud is set to run on into SummerSlam.
Full card:
Naomi vs Cameron
Jack Swagger vs Rusev
The Usos vs Erick Rowan and Luke Harper of The Wyatt Family (WWE Tag Team Championship match)
AJ Lee vs Paige (WWE Divas Championship match)
Dean Ambrose vs Seth Rollins
Bray Wyatt vs Chris Jericho
Alberto Del Rio vs. Big E vs. Bo Dallas vs. Cesaro vs. Curtis Axel vs. Diego vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Fandango vs. Heath Slater vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Rob Van Dam vs. R-Truth vs. Ryback vs. Sheamus vs. Sin Cara vs. The Great Khali vs. The Miz vs. Titus O'Neil vs. Xavier Woods vs. Zack Ryder (WWE Intercontinetal Championship battle royal)
John Cena vs Roman Reigns vs Kane vs Randy Orton (WWE Championship fatal four-way match)
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