WWE Clash of Champions 2016 Preview

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This is the first RAW PPV of the New Era. With eight matches already announced for the card, lets see what to expect this coming Sunday.

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KICKOFF SHOW MATCH: NIA JAX VS. ALICIA FOX

This feud started a few weeks ago when Jax destroyed a local talent on RAW, who happened to be friends with Alicia Fox. After that, Fox flipped out on Jax backstage then they had a match the following week that ended in a no-contest after Jax speared Fox through the barricade. I really do not see any other scenario other than Jax winning as her build as an unstoppable monster continues in the Women’s Division. BAYLESS’ PICK: NIA JAX

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SAMI ZAYN VS. CHRIS JERICHO

These two started their feud when Jericho smashes his cell phone over Zayn’s head two weeks ago on RAW during the Highlight Reel. I think these guys will be feuding for a little while and expect them to have a good match here. However, if the feud is going to continue, then having the heel go over in the first match is the way to go and Zayn’s underdog character is best served fighting from behind. BAYLESS’ PICK: CHRIS JERICHO

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WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: T.J. PERKINS (C) VS. BRIAN KENDRICK

Perkins will make his WWE on screen debut as the Cruiserweight Champion here. Kendrick won a four-way match this past Monday to earn the #1 contender spot. Since Kendrick has a character already (grizzled veteran) they can have him face off against the champ as they continue to build up the rest of the division. I suspect a good match that sees Perkins retain. BAYLESS’ PICK: T.J. PERKINS

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BEST OF SEVEN SERIES FINALS: CESARO VS. SHEAMUS

These two are guaranteed to have a good match each time out. The story here is whether or not Cesaro can overcome an injured back to win and get a promised title shot. With both Champions heel, and I think at least one of them will retain, Cesaro will win and end up facing Kevin Owens for a title shot down the line, possibly at the Hell in the Cell PPV. There is the rumor that Cesaro’s contract with the company is expiring and if that is the case, Sheamus will likely win but I’m going with Cesaro. BAYLESS’ PICK: CESARO

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RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: NEW DAY (C) VS. LUKE GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON

This long-running feud should end on this show, to the delight of many. If Gallows & Anderson lose, then this tells me the company has given up on the act. That would not surprise me but what else is left for the New Day to do as champs? My guess is that the heels cheat to win and become the new Tag Team Champions on RAW as they go on to feud with different teams. I also suspect the WWE wants Enzo & Cass to have a championship run at some point and Gallows & Anderson can be the used as the team they beat.  BAYLESS’ PICK: LUKE GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON

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WWE WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: CHARLOTTE W/ DANA BROOKE (C) VS. SASHA BANKS VS. BAYLEY

I think this match has the potential to be excellent. However, the central storyline is the Dana/Charlotte relationship. Based off of their interaction last week, I suspect Sasha will turn heel down the line and if she wins, there is no point of transitioning the belt to someone else who will be a heel. I don’t Bayley needs the belt quite yet and when she does win, it should be after a long chase. I think Charlotte retains, likely with help from Dana, as their relationship will continue to play out on TV. BAYLESS’ PICK: CHARLOTTE

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WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: RUSEV (C) W/ LANA VS. ROMAN REIGNS

I’d say this is the toughest match to predict on the show. Reigns beat Rusev on the episode of RAW before SummerSlam. After that, they had a match end in a no-contest on the PPV and Rusev cost Reigns a shot at being in the Universal Title match on this show and beat him down in the cage this past Monday. I think Reigns will win this match and the U.S. Title as having him hold that belt and mix it up with other wrestlers for a bit is the way the company uses him for the time being. BAYLESS’ PICK: ROMAN REIGNS

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WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: KEVIN OWENS (C) VS. SETH ROLLINS

This is Rollins’ 4th Championship match since his return from injury. I do not see him winning this time either. Hopefully, we will get further explanation as to why Triple H returned to help Owens win the title. I also assume we will head towards an eventual Rollins vs. Triple H match from here too.  I think these two can have a great match but at the end, Owens will retain as he goes on to a new challenger while Rollins continues his transition into a babyface.  BAYLESS’ PICK: KEVIN OWENS