The biggest event of WWE’s summer takes place this Saturday as SummerSlam heads to Cleveland. This marks the 37th annual installment of one of WWE’s cornerstone premium live events.
In keeping with the high stakes typically associated with SummerSlam, WWE has packed the card with seven matches, six of which are championship bouts. The lone non-title match will feature CM Punk in his first broadcasted singles match since 2014, facing Drew McIntyre with Seth Rollins serving as the special guest referee.
The title matches on the card offer some intriguing possibilities. Undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes is set to defend his title against Solo Sikoa. Rhodes, who previously overcame Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, now faces a potentially more ruthless version of the Bloodline under Sikoa. Meanwhile, World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest is set to defend his title against the long-reigning Intercontinental Champion Gunther, with various factors, including potential assistance from Judgement Day, possibly influencing the outcome.
Here are the predictions from CBS Sports experts for each match on Saturday’s SummerSlam card:
Undisputed WWE Championship — Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
The Bloodline 2.0 has gained momentum with the addition of Jacob Fatu, but Solo Sikoa is not yet ready to become the WWE champion. Rhodes is seen as the future of WWE and is expected to retain his title. Sikoa is anticipated to put up a strong performance, possibly leading to an inconclusive finish as a civil war with Reigns and the original Bloodline looms. Regardless of the exact outcome, Rhodes is predicted to leave Cleveland with the undisputed title. Pick: Cody Rhodes retains the title — Mahjouri and Brookhouse
World Heavyweight Championship — Damian Priest (c) vs. Gunther
Some believe Gunther might not win due to the idea that belittling an opponent too much lessens the value of beating them. However, Gunther has focused on restoring prestige to wrestling and its championships. Priest has gained popularity thanks to Gunther’s critiques, but has not fully solidified his role as a face or heel. This match seems like the right moment to have Gunther take the title to set up a situation where faces chase a heel champion on Raw. Pick: Gunther wins the title — Brookhouse and Mahjouri
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (Special Guest Referee Seth Rollins)
The outcome of this match is uncertain. One potential scenario involves Punk ruining McIntyre’s evening again to extend their feud, but McIntyre also needs a victory over Punk. Rollins’ role as the special guest referee adds further complexity, as he has issues with both competitors. WWE may pivot to a feud involving all three. Not knowing the exact direction of the storyline, McIntyre could get revenge with potential friction or miscommunication between Punk and Rollins. Pick: Drew McIntyre wins — Mahjouri
While wins and losses aren’t crucial in WWE, having Punk lose his first singles match since returning might not be ideal. Rollins’ involvement gives either competitor an out. Therefore, Punk might not lose his first singles match after reconciling with WWE. Pick: CM Punk wins — Brookhouse
Women’s World Championship — Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
Ripley returning from injury and immediately defeating Morgan might seem too predictable. The storyline with Morgan and Dominik Mysterio adds layers of intrigue, with possible twists leading to Mysterio betraying Ripley and aligning with Morgan. This could begin with Mysterio accidentally costing Ripley the match. Pick: Liv Morgan retains the title — Brookhouse and Mahjouri
WWE Women’s Championship — Bayley (c) vs. Nia Jax
Bayley’s reign hasn’t been extraordinary, but Jax winning the title isn’t particularly exciting either. The title feels like it’s being held for Tiffany Stratton, the Money in the Bank winner. Despite the history of quick cash-ins, patience is expected. Bayley should win in a David vs. Goliath match to solidify her reign. Pick: Bayley retains the title — Mahjouri
Jax has become a reliable performer and, along with Stratton, creates potential tension involving the title and the Money in the Bank contract. Jax winning could lead to intriguing storylines. Pick: Nia Jax wins the title — Brookhouse
WWE Intercontinental Championship — Sami Zayn (c) vs. Bron Breakker
Breakker has undeniable charisma that can’t be manufactured. While Zayn retaining in their first match was fine, Breakker needs a win now. Another loss would be detrimental to his character, and while Zayn has had a good run, he remains highly talented even without the title. Pick: Bron Breakker wins the title — Brookhouse and Mahjouri
WWE United States Championship — Logan Paul (c) vs. LA Knight
Knight should have become the United States champion earlier, especially when Reigns was the part-time world champion. Winning the title off Paul at a major PPV like SummerSlam would still be significant. A title reign for Knight is long overdue and would validate his late-career rise. Pick: LA Knight wins the title — Mahjouri and Brookhouse