WWE Battleground 2017: B/R Expert Match Picks, Predictions and Analysis

WWE Battleground is the final pay-per-view before Raw and SmackDown Live combine forces for SummerSlam on August 20.

This year's event will feature eight matches. Three will be for championships, one will be for a title shot and two will have special stipulations. Here is a look at the final card, according to WWE.com:

• Aiden English vs. Tye Dillinger
• Sami Zayn vs. Mike Kanellis
• Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin
• John Cena vs. Rusev (Flag match)
• AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens (United States Championship)
• Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte vs. Lana vs. Tamina vs. Natalya (Fatal 5-Way Elimination, No. 1 contender)
• The Usos vs. The New Day (Tag Team Championships)
• Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton (Punjabi Prison, WWE Championship)
• A Fashion Files segment, featuring Breezango

Bleacher Report's lineup of contributors will examine each feud and provide predictions for the matches on the Battleground card. Our group is made up of the following:

• Anthony Mango (@ToeKneeManGo).
• Kevin Berge (@TheBerge_).
• Ryan Dilbert (@RyanDilbert).
• James Moffat (@JamesMoffat).
• Jeff Johnson (@JeffJSays).
• Tom Clark (@TomClarkBR).
• Yours truly, Chris Mueller (@BR_Doctor).

Zayn vs. Kanellis was not announced at the time the questions were distributed, so there will not be a slide dedicated to that match.

Aiden English vs. Tye Dillinger

Q: Dillinger has the support of the WWE Universe and solid skills in the ring and on the mic. Why do you think he hasn't been given a bigger push on the main roster?

Anthony Mango (AM): WWE's writing team seems to have been struggling for the past few months, either out of writer's block or laziness, so Tye Dillinger isn't the only one who has been left out in the cold. My guess is he doesn't have the right supporter backstage to grease the wheels and put him in a position where he's considered a priority. So he's being ignored rather than punished, which is a shame, as he's definitely better than how he's been treated so far.

Prediction: If Dillinger doesn't win, it'd be a travesty.

James Moffat (JM): Simply put, Dillinger was hurt by timing. Not only was he called up along with Shinsuke Nakamura, but a week later WWE instituted its Superstar Shake-up, which added Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Charlotte Flair and more to the SmackDown roster. He got lost in the shuffle, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Prediction: English needs a win, but Dillinger snatches the victory.

Jeff Johnson (JJ): A combination of focusing on other talents and a lack of direction. With the storylines developing on SmackDown, Tye won't suffer from a slow burn. He'll collect wins until the right opponent is available.

Prediction: Dillinger wins in a perfect 10 opening bout.

Kevin Berge (KB): WWE has never had a plan for him, which was clear from his debut. He is a talented performer who deserves a shot in WWE, and he may get it. He just needs a story, something that does not seem to be coming anytime soon.

Prediction: Dillinger once more easily dispatches English.

Ryan Dilbert (RD): Dillinger has been the victim of a cramped SmackDown stage. WWE has chosen to instead showcase the likes of Nakamura, Breezango and Jinder Mahal. The Perfect 10 is just not a priority, which speaks to the company not being sold on him.

Prediction: Dillinger wins.

Tom Clark (TC): Dillinger needs a bit more time. There's room on SmackDown, and he's fitting in, but there's no need to rush him. He has connected with fans, but that does not necessarily mean he's getting over. Fans need to know he's more than just a catchphrase, so his character needs to be fleshed out quite a bit first.

Prediction: Dillinger.

Chris Mueller (CM): Had he been given a little more time in NXT and a run with the NXT Championship, Dillinger would have been a bigger star when he arrived on SmackDown. He needs a little more time to develop his character before management is going to take him seriously.

Prediction: Dillinger.

John Cena vs. Rusev (Flag Match)

Q: How have Lana and Rusev fared since WWE separated them, and would it be better to keep them apart or put them back together as a manager-wrestler combo again?

AM: Rusev and Lana spent so much time together that if they were to pair back up again, it wouldn't be worth it because they wouldn't do anything we hadn't already seen. While Rusev is struggling to get back into the swing of things, Lana has had a great start to her in-ring career, which may prove it was Lana who had all the heat for the duo to begin with.

Prediction: John Cena is victorious.

JM: Quite frankly, WWE is screwing up with Lana and Rusev. It failed when they split them in 2015, and it is failing both Superstars now. These two are best when working together, so why should it be so difficult to do that?

Prediction: #CenaWinsLOL.

JJ: They have fared better than I thought. They are one of the unique valet-wrestler teams that shines bright both individually and together. Keep them apart to thoroughly develop their characters.

Prediction: Cena puts the U.S. on his back and captures the flag.

KB: Rusev's status is up in the air as he hasn't done much since debuting in 2014, but Lana has clearly been utilized, even if not impressing in the ring. The two should be allowed to work solo to see how well they do. Give it more time before making any judgment.

Prediction: Cena gains momentum with a hard-fought victory.

RD: Neither has been anywhere near as memorable as they were during their peak together. Lana's new character is undefined. She'd be far better off in her old role, barking at Rusev to crush his enemies.

Prediction: A Cena win leads to a WWE Championship match at SummerSlam.

TC: Rusev and Lana were over together, but they've just not had enough time apart. For Rusev, it's a matter of proving he doesn't need her to succeed and take his spotlight. For Lana, it's about establishing herself as a legitimate in-ring performer. They need a chance to show what they can do individually.

Prediction: Cena.

CM: Rusev is only just getting back after being absent from television for months, so he needs time to establish himself as a solo act. As far as Lana is concerned, WWE would be wise to give her more time in NXT to build up her wrestling ability before putting her in the ring with top talents like Naomi, Charlotte and Becky Lynch. Putting them back together would be a step backward.

Prediction: Rusev shocks the world with a win, but Cena takes him out to give the segment a happy ending.

The Usos vs. The New Day (Tag Team Championships)

Q: WWE just broke up American Alpha to put Jason Jordan on Raw. After The Usos and New Day are done feuding, which tag team on the blue brand should get the next title feud, and why?

AM: Since The Hype Bros may be breaking up, half of The Colons is injured, The Ascension aren't worth anything and The Fashion Police have already had their title feud, there aren't any options left. WWE is going to have to form a new tag team out of leftover midcarders or bring up some people from NXT in order to salvage the tag team division on SmackDown no matter who the champions are.

Prediction: The Usos retain somehow.

JM: Ummm...there are other tag teams left on SmackDown? Seriously, I wish WWE would give Erick Rowan and Luke Harper the run they deserved some time ago. There isn't a better time to do it with such a weak tag team division.

Prediction: The Usos retain somehow, setting up a final showdown at SummerSlam.

JJ: Breezango. The Fashion Files has been the best original WWE programming since Southpaw Regional Wrestling. With a depleted tag roster, they have to be up next.

Prediction: The Usos retain using Day One Ish tactics to secure a dastardly win.

KB: Is there an answer other than The Fashion Police? Breezango has not only earned another title shot but a full title run. There are still legs for a feud with The Usos, and New Day vs. Breezango is just the bizarre rivalry that could bring SmackDown’s tag team division into the spotlight.

Prediction: The Usos once more escape New Day with their titles in hand, though this time with a victory.

RD: Breezango. No doubt. The funniest, most interesting act on SmackDown would be great in the title picture again.

Prediction: The Usos retain by underhanded means, keeping the feud alive well into SummerSlam.

TC: Assuming The Usos go over, it should be The Fashion Police that steps up. Fandango and Tyler Breeze are firing on all cylinders, and it's obvious the company is behind them. They've done exceptionally well with the comedy thus far, and they should be given a chance to get back into the title picture. This time, The Fashion Police should be the next champs.

Prediction: The Usos.

CM: It would be nice to see Breezango get a run with the titles. Their hard work in the Fashion Police segments needs to be rewarded, even if their run only lasts a few months before they drop the belts to another team.

Prediction: The Usos retain.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin

Q: Nakamura was a big deal in NXT, but he has yet to gain any real momentum on the main roster. What does Creative need to do so he looks like the rock star everyone expects him to be?

AM: The writers don't need to do a thing but let him go out and wrestle. He's obviously pretty awful when it comes to promos, so bitter feuds aren't his strong suit, which means WWE has to double down on his in-ring performances. He should suffer a pinfall loss so he isn't trapped in an unbeatable loop and be paired up with someone he can legitimately feud with for longer than a short stint like what happened with Dolph Ziggler.

Prediction: Nakamura wins.

JM: Nothing. WWE just needs to give him opportunities. He's in the main event scene, he's battling top stars and he just hinted at challenging AJ Styles for the United States Championship in the near future on the most recent episode of SmackDown. Patience is a virtue.

Prediction: Nakamura prevails.

JJ: Book him like the star he is. Nakamura needs to wrestle strong style and decimate opponents. Let his charisma flow without overproducing him and watch the magic happen.

Prediction: Nakamura wins by DQ, ensuring both characters look strong and maintain their momentum.

KB: In NXT, he was the top guy from Day 1, even without the top championship. He will likely never reach that level on the main roster. Still, the big thing holding Nakamura back is a lack of quality rivals. Corbin is the first true feud of Nakamura's main roster career, with both likely to be elevated if the matches are strong.

Prediction: Nakamura defeats Corbin clean after stopping Corbin from walking out on the match.

RD: Less talking, more kicking heads in. Let him be an action hero of sorts, swooping in to chase away SmackDown's heels.

Prediction: Nakamura wins.

TC: WWE committed the unforgivable sin with Nakamura: brought him down to earth. Nakamura is at his best when he's dominating in the ring and working as a master of his domain. He should have conquered in the squared circle, but his matches thus far have been much too competitive. He's a special talent, and that's how he should be booked.

Prediction: Nakamura.

CM: The problem with Nakamura is WWE's failure to capitalize on his momentum in NXT. It felt like he was starting over on the main roster rather than continuing his dominance. He needs to be portrayed as the badass he was before his feud with Dolph Ziggler made him look like every other midcard star on the roster.

Prediction: Nakamura wins, but Corbin dominates most of the match.

Bonus Question

Q: The cancellation of Talking Smack has received a lot of backlash on social media. Explain why you think getting rid of the show was a good or bad idea.

AM: This was an awful idea, as the show was not only entertaining but also advantageous for the Superstars to flex their promo skills, showcase their personalities in an unscripted platform and help expand on feuds in ways they couldn't find time for in a two-hour SmackDown episode. I can't imagine the production costs were particularly high, and it isn't as though something better has replaced it, so this cancellation makes no sense, and I'm at a loss in trying to figure out what the possible benefits could be to airing reruns of other WWE Network content in that time slot instead.

JM: Cancelling Talking Smack might be the dumbest decision WWE (or Vince McMahon, depending on what dirt sheets you read) has made in a long time. It was a grand outlet for Superstars to try new material and to show their personalities in a setting that wasn't overly controlled, unlike the regular TV program they were part of. It was the best property on the Network, and now it's gone.

JJ: Cancelling Talking Smack is one of the worst decisions WWE has made. Adding a dose of realism to the product was cool for the fans to see. You forged deeper connections with the Superstars because you saw more of their charisma and personalities. You also got key insights from Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon from their respective on-camera roles as GM and commissioner and off-camera positions as people and fans.

Renee Young made the show work and appear effortless. It was a lot of fun. The wrestling post-game show is something sorely needed for more than just PPVs, but we'll see what happens.

KB: The root of the problem will not be the loss of Talking Smack but rather WWE's move away from the freedom it gave wrestlers in cutting promos. The show would not have been so popular if wrestlers weren't allowed to speak honestly and openly as performers and characters. Talking Smack is a loss because WWE will likely return to a formula that has become tired rather than adapting what was great about the show to televised events.

RD: Getting rid of Talking Smack is in the running for worst WWE decision of the year. It was such an easy-to-produce, high-quality showcase of SmackDown stars. And wrestlers got a chance to flesh out their characters in its free environment. What a waste to see it gone already.

TC: WWE cares nothing about kayfabe, and that's been the case for years. It's for that reason a program like Talking Smack is such an oddity. It's an extension of the TV narrative, but the talent is supposed to be real. Yet that's not true, because what are they doing when they hang out together on Twitter and Instagram? Are they real then? Vince didn't care about the program, as reported by Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, but none of it made sense in the first place.

CM: Talking Smack is a big reason why The Miz has had such a great run as the intercontinental champion. His promos on the show were some of the most convincing and passionate we have ever seen. Other Superstars also benefitted from the loose format and unscripted nature. It made Renee Young, Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon more relatable. Frankly, it was one of my favorite things about WWE today. Cancelling the show was a terrible idea.

AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens (United States Championship)

Q: WWE recently made a rare decision to have a title change hands at a live event. Should WWE do this more often to make it seem like anything can happen at any time, or is it better to have titles won on TV and PPVs, and why?

AM: Every so often, a title change on a house show is a good thing to wake fans up to the "anything can happen" atmosphere while also renewing interest in attending a live event, but it shouldn't become the norm. Title changes should be mostly reserved for pay-per-views, with the occasional television dethroning, as those are the events people have to be the most invested in to keep watching WWE going forward.

Prediction: AJ Styles retains the championship. He wouldn't have won it to begin with if he were going to drop it back to Owens this soon.

JM: One-off title wins like the one at Madison Square Garden are great, but the company's bread and butter is live television. The live show title change is rare—and so it should be—but WWE should also consider doing it in Saginaw, Greensboro and Cedar Falls, and not just large venues like Madison Square Garden.

Prediction: Styles wins.

JJ: It should happen more often! Untelevised title changes were a normal occurrence back in the day. If title changes took place off screen more often, it would incentivize fans to be at these live events. This also gives WWE the opportunity to promote WWE Network by offering bonus coverage when special things happen and use its social media to cover the action like a traditional live sport.

Prediction: AJ Styles retains the title, setting up another classic match with Nakamura.

KB: Every once in a while, a house show title change is a fine move. But they confuse the storytelling of TV feuds. Now Styles has already reached the payoff of his rivalry with Owens without the buildup. What is most important is keeping fans excited and happy, and that mostly comes from title victories on PPV that give anyone viewing the rush of watching the hunt before the kill.

Prediction: Styles takes a clear and dominant victory over KO.

RD: Doing it too often makes it less special. It should remain a rarity to keep its shock value intact.

Prediction: Styles wins the best bout of the night.

TC: House shows are fun. They're laid back, and they have a different feel than live TV. But they usually don't have that unpredictability factor. If WWE wants to attract more fans to house shows, then random title changes are a great idea. If not, there doesn't seem to be a point in it.

Prediction: Styles.

CM: Having a title change hands at a house show is a great way to increase interest in attending non-televised events, but it shouldn't happen more than a couple of times per year. The majority of changes still need to happen at PPVs and TV tapings so people have a reason to tune in every week.

Prediction: Styles retains.

Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte vs. Lana vs. Tamina vs. Natalya (No. 1 Contender)

Q: SmackDown doesn't seem to know which woman to push as the top contender, while Raw has clear storylines for the title involving a few select Superstars. Which show has been booking its women's division better, and why?

AM: There have been struggles on both brands since the Superstar Shake-up, but SmackDown is doing a better job overall. Tamina is the clear and obvious choice to win this match, and the rest don't even come close this time because she's the only one with a bit of intrigue in that we don't know why she's aligning herself with Lana.

Prediction: Tamina stands tall and we start to see the story of her alliance with Lana unfold heading into SummerSlam.

JM: Neither. Raw has four women competing for a title, while SmackDown has six. Both shows are phoning it in with multi-women matches, failing to develop any real storylines among the Superstars. I give SmackDown more credit; at least it is utilizing its entire roster. 

Prediction: Charlotte prevails, setting up the showdown with Naomi we were robbed of earlier this year.

JJ: Raw because it has the more appealing and interesting characters. Smackdown may be the land of opportunity, but the lack of dance partners for Naomi is glaring. Raw will maintain that edge until stronger feuds are developed.

Prediction: Charlotte walks out as the No. 1 contender.

KB: While SmackDown's women's roster has its problems, it is more interesting on a weekly basis than Raw's. Naomi has been a strong champion so far, even without major rivals, and the depth behind her is intriguing. Charlotte and Lynch are the linchpin stars, while Carmella is on the rise as the potential top heel for the brand.

Prediction: Charlotte wins after last eliminating Lynch.

RD: Raw's women's division is more focused. SmackDown's has felt like it is biding its time, throwing in a bunch of tag team matches until something bigger comes along.

Prediction: Flair wins and begins to show signs of reverting to heel status.

TC: Raw has definitely done a better job with the women's division. SmackDown feels like such a disorganized mess, as no one appears to be standing out from the pack. Everyone is waiting on Carmella to cash in rather than just following the action with the other competitors.

Prediction: Charlotte.

CM: SmackDown has done a better job giving every character time to develop. Raw has women like Dana Brooke, Mickie James and Emma just sitting backstage and waiting for something to do, while the blue brand features every competitor almost every week. People may tire of the multi-woman matches, but at least it keeps storylines from being as predictable as they have been on Raw.

Prediction: Lynch keeps riding the momentum from her win over Charlotte to become the No. 1 contender.

Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton (WWE Championship, Punjabi Prison)

Q: There is no clear top contender for the WWE Championship after Randy Orton. Which Superstar do you think deserves the next opportunity to challenge for the title after Battleground, and why?

AM: There are probably only two options to go with. Either John Cena moves on to feud with Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship, or The Viper wins this match and then loses the belt to Corbin, who cashes in afterward, setting up Corbin vs. Orton at SummerSlam. Those are the paths SmackDown has limited itself to pick from, as the rest of the roster would feel out of place in the title hunt.

Prediction: Orton takes back the title temporarily before Corbin steals it away.

JM: I'd say AJ Styles deserves it since he has been the best performer on the show and could have a great match with a paper bag. Styles vs. either Orton or Mahal would be a fine matchup too. However, all signs point to Cena getting a shot at title No. 17 at SummerSlam.

Prediction: Mahal retains the WWE Championship.

JJ: Logically, Corbin because of his Money in the Bank win and overall hot streak. Realistically, the next in line might be John Cena. Raw's main-event picture is secure, so Cena would be a much-needed shot in the arm for the world title picture.

Prediction: Mahal escapes the Punjabi Prison and retains the title.

KB: No one has been built well enough for that spotlight, unfortunately. So while I like many babyfaces on the SmackDown roster, Cena should get the next shot. He is the biggest star in WWE and would give Mahal his highest-profile challenge to date.

Prediction: Mahal escapes Orton once more to retain.

RD: Cena is the safe bet as the next challenger. The more interesting option would be to tell the story of Zayn's rise and have him go on a Cinderella run.

Prediction: Mahal wins with plenty of help from The Singh Brothers.

TC: A lot of fans will say he doesn't deserve it, but Cena is the next challenger. The patriotic angle is one WWE won't be able to resist, and it's only a matter of time until he crosses paths with Mahal on TV. Cena will break the record of 16 world titles he shares with Ric Flair, and he will beat Mahal to do it.

Prediction: Mahal.

CM: I wouldn't mind seeing several Superstars make a play for the WWE title. It should be the most coveted championship in the company, and that means everyone should be chasing the champion. SummerSlam is a big show, and it needs an equally big main event. Something like Mahal vs. Orton vs. Cena vs. Rusev vs. Styles in a five-way Hell in a Cell would produce some great moments.

Predition: Mahal retains thanks to interference from the Singhs again.