The Hart Grapevine – WWE SummerSlam 2014 Predictions

Since my last few prognostications on the WWE’s pay per views have been well received, it only makes sense to continue along with my monthly forecasts. SummerSlam has always been one of my favorite annual events and has always been kind to my family filled with special memories such as bringing my son Chad to SummerSlam 94, where Bret gave him his trademark glasses at ringside, as well as Bret vs. Mr. Perfect, Bret vs. Davey, Owen vs. Bret and Bret vs. Taker. This particular SummerSlam seems short a few Harts though, so expectations aren’t particularly high, but I do expect a few swerves to make the show palatable.

The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler
This may be the hardest match to predict for the whole show. Dolph has been on a perpetual losing streak since dropping the World title following Wrestlemania 29 and The Miz has only been champ for a short time and is still on an upward swing since his return this summer. So thinking on those lines, one would assume The Miz is a lock. Having said that Dolph has had a few big wins lately and remains a very popular figure within the internet wrestling community. Given the current state of trying to attract more hardcore fans to the network it wouldn’t surprise me if Dolph was to become Intercontinental Champion. But even though it wouldn’t surprise me, I do believe that The Miz is the more likely choice to win this Sunday.

AJ Lee vs. Paige
This feud has really been nothing. The frienemies angle may have had some value if the two had built a tag team and worked together for a period prior to feuding. Since they had no built in prior relationship, this program seems completely hot-shotted with no emotional investment whatsoever. All I can hope is the match surpasses the build. My prediction is AJ wins handily.

Jack Swagger vs. Rusev
Given the stipulation of this match I find it hard to believe that Rusev will be waving the Russian Flag proudly at the end of the night. Yet a loss on a platform like SummerSlam at this stage in Rusev’s career could be the difference between Nikolai Volkoff and Ludvig Borga. I’m of the belief that Rusev will be the winner in the record books, but somehow Swagger will chase him off and be left waving the stars and stripes proudly.

Bray Wyatt vs. Chris Jericho
Despite a few intense promos, this program has seen very little forward momentum since last month’s Battleground. The anticipation for this match seems reduced which may lead to an abrupt halt to this program. I can’t see Bray not picking up the well-deserved victory evening the score 1-1.

Randy Orton vs. Roman Reigns
This will be the first step in Roman Reigns assent to the main event picture. I anticipate a good match, with some likely interference from Kane, which will likely lead to a fallout program between Kane and Orton. Reigns is almost a lock to win and will likely propel into a broader feud with Hunter into the fall.

Brie Bella vs. Stephanie McMahon
I think this match will likely surprise many with the quality. Given how much emphasis the company has put into it, I expect a bevy of bells and whistles and window-dressing to compensate for the shortcomings of both ladies actual technical abilities. I expect them to foreshadow throughout the night that Daniel Bryan will be returning, but in fact it will likely be Nikki Bella who comes out at the end of this match to cost her dear sister the contest, which would lead to Nikki Bella joining The Authority and feuding with Brie throughout the autumn ad nauseum.

Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins
Seeing as WWE, cut short the first match between these two, I do expect more emphasis on this match Sunday. This highly anticipated showdown has been significantly watered-down with the Lumberjack stipulation, yet despite that I still expect a show-stealer. I expect Seth Rollins to win by some sort of nefarious means and continue the feud indefinitely. In fact I expect these two men’s careers to rival one another for years to come.

Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena
Their last match at Extreme Rules 2012 was an incredible hard hitting match despite a ridiculous outcome. I can only hope that this match is fought with the same level of intensity, because anything less will be a disappointment in most peoples’ eyes. Given that Brock broke the streak, it would be a horrible idea and a complete waste to defeat Brock in his first match following. I think that the logical money should be bet on Brock and let the championship only be defended on the WWE network for the time being. Perhaps that will be enough to push subscribers and perhaps build some esteem to the title. Paul Heyman is an incredible orator for his client, yet I don’t feel he will have much of an impact on the outcome as Brock should be able to overcome Super-Cena without much ado.

Tweet me live during the event tonight and enjoy the biggest party of the Summer as best you can. Traditional territorial wrestling at the culmination of big events often introduced unannounced surprise sleeper talents to help launch/introduce them. Most of this event is simply re-hashed cast and with so many hot young talents ready to go in developmental, it would be a welcome treat for the global audience to see fresh blood.

What do you think? Comment below with your thoughts, opinions, feedback and anything else that was raised.

@SmithHart1