The most important present of the summer time is simply days away when SummerSlam lands in Detroit on Saturday. One in all WWE’s conventional “Large 4” pay-per-views, SummerSlam set the desk for the autumn, and even winter, seasons.
The 2023 version of SummerSlam options many massive matches, although none could have the followers as invested because the “Tribal Fight” match for the undisputed WWE common championship between champion Roman Reigns and his cousin, Jey Uso. This match has been years within the making, with Uso first feuding with Reigns earlier than becoming a member of his cousin in The Bloodline, serving to carry Reigns to a historic title reign earlier than the group cut up up.
At Cash within the Financial institution, Uso turned the primary man to pin Reigns in additional than three years when he and twin brother Jimmy defeated Reigns and Solo Sikoa. Now, Uso appears to be like to totally destroy Reigns by ending a title reign that started greater than 1060 days in the past.
There are 4 title matches complete set for the present, together with many different vital clashes.
Let’s check out who the CBS Sports activities consultants consider will win each match on the SummerSlam card.
2023 WWE SummerSlam viewing info
Date: Saturday, Aug. 5
Location: Ford Discipline — Detroit
Begin time: 8 p.m. ET (kickoff present begins at 7 p.m.)
Watch dwell: Peacock
2023 WWE SummerSlam predictions
Undisputed WWE Common Championship — Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jey Uso (Tribal Fight)
That is yet one more “great place” for Reigns to drop the title. And, but, there’s mainly no expectation that Uso will go over. To be truthful, exterior of the epic Bloodline story, there’s by no means actually been some extent the place both Uso could be seen as a singles star that would carry the world titles. WWE has handed on many different massive moments that might have been a becoming finish to the title reign and it appears sure they’re going to accomplish that once more on Saturday. The “Tribal Fight” guidelines in play give lots of low-cost methods to permit Reigns to retain, which has been the story of his time as champion. Choose: Roman Reigns wins — Brent Brookhouse
They’ve accomplished it. They’ve crushed my spirit. Drew McIntyre at Conflict on the Citadel. Sami Zayn at Elimination Chamber. Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania. No deserving contender has but dethroned Reigns. One could make the argument that it was all resulting in Jey Uso, because it ought to, however I would wager that WWE will settle along with his tag staff win at Cash within the Financial institution as his massive second. There’s nonetheless a Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa feud to discover and Rhodes’ redemption story. At this level, I do not count on anybody to take the undisputed title off Reigns till WrestleMania. Choose: Roman Reigns wins — Shakiel Mahjouri
Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
Rhodes wants the win excess of Lesnar right here, and it is onerous to think about that is not going to be what occurs. Lesnar could be plugged into no matter match or scenario for the remainder of his life and it will likely be accepted by the followers with out hesitation. Rhodes was constructed to his WrestleMania title shot along with his story of redemption and have to “end the story” by profitable the title his father by no means held after which got here up quick. If he loses this feud with Lesnar, it sends a extremely darkish message about his future in WWE. Choose: Cody Rhodes wins — Brookhouse (additionally Mahjouri)
World Heavyweight Championship — Seth Rollins (c) vs. Finn Balor
There is a sense that WWE does not see Balor as a world champion at this stage in his profession. That might change, in fact, below the correct circumstances. Rollins is over with the followers and nonetheless pretty early into his run with the title. For Balor, the story appears extra about Judgment Day and his simmering jealousy over Damian Priest holding the Cash within the Financial institution contract, to not point out each Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley holding championships. That story strikes on simply nice — and even higher — with out Balor holding the title. Choose: Seth Rollins wins — Brookhouse
The SummerSlam outcomes appear largely predictable, so I will take Balor usurping Rollins as my upset choose. Judgement Day has remarkably overcome a protracted and critically-panned begin to turn out to be one of the vital numerous acts on the roster. Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio are champions and Damian Priest holds the Cash within the Financial institution briefcase. It is time for Balor to finish the circle, significantly after dropping to Rollins at Cash within the Financial institution. Some will complain that Rollins deserves an extended stint as champion. That is nice, however SmackDown is already contending with a long-reigning and dominant champion. Maybe Uncooked’s title scene may benefit from some sizzling potato-ing. Choose: Finn Balor wins — Mahjouri
WWE Ladies’s Championship — Asuka (c) vs. Charlotte Aptitude vs. Bianca Belair
Asuka has been largely a secondary presence within the drama between Belair and Aptitude, however that means she’ll overcome her distracted foes. Asuka’s reign continues to be very contemporary and she or he needs to be given the chance to run with it. Belair is coming off a really lengthy reign as champion and Aptitude’s momentum is virtually non-existent. Anticipate the champion to retain. Choose: Asuka wins — Mahjouri (additionally Brookhouse)
Ricochet vs. Logan Paul
Ricochet is an ideal opponent for Paul. Paul has put in lots of nice work in his restricted time within the ring, however he has misplaced his greatest matches. A particular attraction is not a lot of an attraction after they do not rating wins. Ricochet is a strolling spotlight reel, making him a superb opponent for a spotfest towards Paul, however Ricochet additionally loses nothing if he eats a pin. He’ll all the time have his spot as a man who can are available and ship a couple of thrills, however he is by no means going to be a significant champion on the principle roster. Choose: Logan Paul wins — Brookhouse (additionally Mahjouri)
Intercontinental Championship — Gunther (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
McIntyre returning and confronting Gunther was thrilling as a result of it meant followers have been in for an additional hard-hitting traditional throughout Gunther’s spectacular reign as intercontinental champion. That does not imply McIntyre will get the win, nevertheless, particularly contemplating how shut Gunther is to breaking Honky Tonk Man’s report for longest reign with the intercontinental title. It is in all probability so simple as that report to find out the winner. Choose: Gunther wins — Brookhouse (additionally Mahjouri)
Ronda Rousey vs. Shayna Baszler (MMA Guidelines)
Rousey and Baszler are shut mates regardless of their strained storyline relationship. It all the time seems like Rousey is teetering on a break or exit. This might be an incredible second to ascertain Baszler — the extra constant presence — as a foremost occasion participant, as Rousey does her good friend a favor heading out the door. Choose: Shayna Baszler wins — Mahjouri (additionally Brookhouse)
SummerSlam Battle Royal
WWE actually ought to strike whereas the iron is sizzling. Knight is arguably essentially the most over act on the roster and has been defeated at each vital flip. There was sufficient for him to sink his tooth into regardless of dropping the Cash within the Financial institution ladder match, however falling quick within the U.S. Invitational has left him and not using a clear course. A win on Saturday is little greater than a lateral step, however hopefully, it is the time inventive wants to present him one thing juicy. Choose: LA Knight wins — Mahjouri (additionally Brookhouse)