WWE Battleground 2017: Smart Builds for SmackDown PPV's Top Feuds

As the biggest party of the summer, WWE SummerSlam, approaches fast on the horizon, there are still plenty of pieces in the puzzle to fall into place.

Plenty of them, at least from the SmackDown Live perspective, will be cleared up at the forthcoming Battleground pay-per-view.

There are already a few key matches pencilled in for that show, including what is likely to be the final meeting between Jinder Mahal and Randy Orton for the WWE Championship.

But how should WWE go about booking the bouts we already know are locked in? Here's a look.

Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles (WWE United States Championship)

It was only made official on SmackDown Live this past Tuesday, but it was fairly obvious Kevin Owens and AJ Styles would clash for the United States Championship at Battleground some time ago.

Styles won the battle royal to become Owens' contender for the forthcoming pay-per-view, and this bout has the potential to be the night's standout match.

But how should it be booked between now and then? Fans would surely love to see Owens and Styles, two of WWE's best mat masters, square off almost each and every week.

But this has got to be a feud that plays to Owens' strengths. His attack on Styles at the end of SmackDown Live on Tuesday was a hint as to how this one goes from here.

Have Styles compete and rack up the victories to make him look as genuine a threat as ever to K.O. But, on a regular basis, have Owens cheapen the wins with attacks from behind.

Then it will set things up perfectly for Battleground.

John Cena vs. Rusev

No sooner had John Cena returned from his latest WWE exile had fans already discovered who his first opponent would be.

Cena's triumphant return to SmackDown Live was interrupted by Rusev, himself making a return from time away from TV.

It was quickly announced that the two men will compete in a Flag Match at Battleground, and it makes sense to bring the flag into play pretty heavily in the booking of the rivalry.

Cena competes for the first time since his return next week. That match, however, is interrupted by Rusev, who attacks Cena with the Bulgarian flag.

If you're looking to build some good heat around Rusev as he begins to climb back up the ladder, he could also snap the American flag at some point. That's a sure-fire way to get fans turning on a guy and make him pretty hated.

It could also be interesting to see Cena booked as a struggling veteran here. He made the point on Tuesday night that he's not yet done in WWE despite the emergence of so many younger guys. But surely it's just as important to get Rusev looking strong here, as well as Cena?

Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton (WWE Championship)

The intensity between Jinder Mahal and Randy Orton has been building for a good few weeks now, and there's one simple way to make this match at Battleground as hot as it possibly can be.

Keep the two guys apart in the ring until the night itself.

There could easily be a temptation to have Orton and Mahal perhaps have a face-to-face in a tag match, or have their paths cross at some point before the pay-per-view.

But Orton's promo work in particular has been impressive recently. Mahal has helped bring an aggressive, angrier side out of Randy, which is when The Viper is at his demonic best.

If Mahal continues to antagonize his opponent verbally while staying at a safe distance, it will only make Orton more and more frustrated.

Then the sparks will truly fly at Battleground.