WWE SummerSlam 2013: Full Predictions for This Summer's Biggest Pay-Per-View

This article will look at predicting the outcomes, lengths and orders of matches, as well as highlighting the likely ensuing twists and turns. These predictions are, of course, just one writer's calculated opinion, so feel free to offer views on anything you agree or disagree with in the comments section below.

The 26th annual SummerSlam event is fast approaching, and with the finishing touches being added to the event's card this week, it's time to make a few decisive predictions for summer's biggest pay-per-view. For the purpose of creating a complete set of predictions, this piece will assume that the events seen on Monday Night Raw will lead to the Shield defending the Tag Team Titles against Mark Henry and Big Show at SummerSlam. 

Match Order      

Following a 20-man Battle Royal on Raw, we learned that Rob Van Dam will challenge The Shield's Dean Ambrose for the United States Championship on the SummerSlam Kickoff show. While such a match would, on paper, appear to deserve a place on the actual pay-per-view card, the complete lack of build or storyline perhaps makes it more appropriate as a pre-show bout.

As for the opening contest of the main card, it would seem that Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow is a solid opening contest. Given the momentum of their current rivalry, the two could have a show-stealing match if given time, but as the rivalry is arguably only just getting started, a solid and reliable 10-minute opener between the two would suffice.

As for the main event, the WWE Championship match is likely to go on last, especially when considering the fact that there will more than likely be some kind of heavy McMahon involvement now that Triple H has been appointed Special Guest Referee. 

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Full Match Order Prediction:

Cody Rhodes vs. Damien Sandow
The Shield (c) vs. Mark Henry and Big Show
Natalya vs. Brie Bella
Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Christian
Kane vs. Bray Wyatt
CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar
Dolph Ziggler and Kaitlyn vs. Big E. Langston and AJ Lee 
John Cena (c) vs. Daniel Bryan

 

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Match Lengths

As far as the longest match of the evening is concerned, the WWE Championship bout and the Punk/Lesnar contest are the only two contenders. Had both competitors been at 100 percent heading into the match, I would have expected Cena and Bryan to go for nearly 30 minutes, but recent reports of the WWE Champion's impending surgery could mean that he is protected ever so slightly. Expect both main events to go just over 20 minutes bell to bell.

There are certainly no prizes for guessing which SummerSlam match will run the shortest. Expect Natalya vs. Brie Bella to last less than three minutes.

Match Results

In order to continue their already hot rivalry, Cody Rhodes will likely go over his former tag partner and best friend, Damien Sandow, in order to carry the feud onward to Night of Champions in September. Although the rivalry is primarily of a personal nature, perhaps a Rhodes victory at SummerSlam could lead to him getting a chance at the briefcase down the line. 

If the Shield do indeed take on Mark Henry and Big Show, I expect them to retain the straps, but almost definitely in a dirty fashion, perhaps even getting intentionally disqualified or via interference from Dean Ambrose. 

Two superstars that appear the least likely to walk away from SummerSlam in defeat are Bray Wyatt and Brock Lesnar. There is absolutely no way that Kane goes over the up-and-comer and his faction, and the way in which Punk stole the momentum from Lesnar and Heyman on the go-home episode of Raw, traditionally spells bad luck for the "Best In the World."

On paper, it would appear that Alberto Del Rio is the clear cut favorite to retain against "Captain Charisma," Christian on August 18.

However, with the push Christian has been given over the last couple of months since returning, it would be foolish to write off the possibility of him leaving SummerSlam with the Big Gold Belt.

Crazier things have happened recently in the World Heavyweight title scene; very few expected Del Rio to overcome Ziggler at WWE Payback back in June. Moreover, could we see an appearance from Ricardo Rodriguez?

My one and only bold prediction for SummerSlam, therefore, is that Christian walks away with the championship having received his "one more match." 

In the mixed tag match, this writer feels that Langston and AJ Lee will pick up a tainted victory. This match has a lot of potential if given time, but it is likely to be reduced to shy of 10 minutes in order to allow for the more anticipated contests to shine. 

Finally, in what is arguably the most anticipated and least predictable match on the card, I expect Randy Orton to turn heel by siding with Mr. McMahon, taking out Triple H in the process and cashing in the WWE Championship Money In The Bank Contract on the recently crowned Daniel Bryan, with Brad Maddox, under orders from Mr. McMahon, making the count. 

Full SummerSlam Card Prediction 

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Cody Rhodes def. Damien Sandow (10 minutes)
Mark Henry and Big Show def. The Shield (c) by DQ (8 minutes)
Brie Bella def. Natalya (3 minutes)
Christian def. Alberto Del Rio (c) (15 minutes)
Bray Wyatt def. Kane (10 minutes)
Brock Lesnar def. CM Punk (22 minutes)
Big E. Langston and AJ Lee def. Dolph Ziggler and Kaitlyn (6 minutes)
Daniel Bryan def. John Cena (c) (20 minutes)
Randy Orton (w/ Mr McMahon) def. Daniel Bryan (c) (

 

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