For the first time since WCW Spring Stampede 1999, I will be seeing a live pro wrestling Pay Per View inside the Tacoma Dome. Damn, that's 20 years ago already. Now I feel old…..
The WWE returns to Washington this weekend for two events: the brand new event Stomping Grounds on Sunday night in Tacoma and Raw on Monday night in Everett. Being the nerd that I am, I will be at both. And while the card for Sunday night's event Stomping Grounds might not be at the caliber of a Summerslam or WrestleMania, there are definitely some matches that are can't miss.
Here are my predictions for WWE Stomping Grounds this *SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY* night.
Tony Nese (c) vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Drew Gulak- Triple Threat match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
For how overlooked 205 Live is, it's truly one of the most fun hours of original programming each week on the entire WWE Network. All three of these guys are incredibly talented performers who could steal the show any night, but my money is on Gulak. He is an intense, take no prisoners grappler who is overdue for a run with the Cruiserweight belt.
Winner: Drew Gulak – New WWE Cruiserweight Champion
The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods) vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn- Tag team match
This is going to be an awesome match, but I can't see Owens and Zayn walking out as losers. These guys are firing on all cylinders character-wise, and it's time they show just how dangerous they are inside the ring.
Winners: Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
Bayley (c) vs. Alexa Bliss - Singles match for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship
Ayyyyyyyy, we want some Bayley! After I thought Bayley's character had been effectively killed off by awful storylines and loss after loss after loss, she has finally been reinvigorated and brought back to life. It would be a shame to see her championship run killed off just as she is starting to show some real fire. I have a feeling Nikki Cross might interfere to help save Alexa, causing this match to end in DQ.
Winner: Bayley – still WWE Smackdown Women's Champion
Samoa Joe (c) vs. Ricochet - Singles match for the WWE United States Championship
This is the match I am most looking forward to. These are two of the best in the ring and they have totally different styles – Joe has a brutal, smash mouth style and Ricochet flies around the ring with no abandon. I have a feeling Ricochet will get the surprise upset, but will probably get beat down hard after the match.
Winner: Ricochet – New WWE United States Champion
Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre - Singles match
Both these dudes are dominant as hell and can put on a hell of a show. As much as I love seeing Drew kicking ass in the ring, I'm gonna go with the Big Dog. Roman is takin' this one.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Daniel Bryan and Rowan (c) vs. Heavy Machinery (Otis and Tucker) - Tag team match for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship
There's absolutely no way that Daniel Bryan will get BOOed in Washington State. Anytime Daniel Bryan steps foot into the ring here in the PNW, he gets a monster reaction. This will be a fun little feud, but I don't see Bryan and Rowan dropping the belts YET.
Winners: Daniel Bryan and Rowan – still WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions
Seth Rollins (c) vs. Baron Corbin - Singles match for the WWE Universal Championship
TBA as the special guest referee
So I guess the first question is….who will be the referee? My best guess is Shane McMahon.
Now who will win the match? Much to the chagrin of Shane O-Mac and Baron Corbin, the Beast Slayer himself will curb stomp his way to victory.
Winner: Seth Rollins – Still WWE Universal Champion
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lacey Evans - Singles match for the WWE Raw Women's Championship
THE MAN might not be "Becky 2 Belts" anymore, but she sure as hell won't be losing that Raw championship to Lacey. Not a chance!
Winner: Becky Lynch – Still WWE Raw Women's Champion
Kofi Kingston (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler - Steel cage match for the WWE Championship
This is gonna be one helluva cage match! Every time he goes out there in a big match, it feels like Ziggler has something to prove. But as hard as he will fight, Kofi won't be leaving Tacoma without that belt around his waist.
Winner: Kofi Kingston – Still WWE Champion
