More than 50,000 fans are expected to fill Cleveland Browns Stadium for WWE SummerSlam 2024, headlined by Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa for the Undisputed WWE Championship. And the ante has been upped, with the match now taking place under Bloodline Rules.
In essence No Disqualification, Anything Goes, Bloodline Rules gave Rhodes the slimmest chance of victory in the main event of WrestleMania XL.
Yet The American Nightmare welcomed the opportunity when Sikoa laid out the challenge on SmackDown.
“I’ve looked in your eyes, I know what you’re all about,” Rhodes told Sikoa, before running down the rest of The Bloodline.
“It’s probably not the smartest decision I’ve ever made but it’s the only decision I can make, I accept!”
Rhodes continued: “I don’t have to fight your family, all I have to do is defeat the Tribal Chief. And since the Tribal Chief’s not here, I’ll settle for the wannabe.”
Despite the odds, Rhodes is unbeaten under Bloodline Rules, having dethroned Roman Reigns (with the help of a who’s who of WWE Superstars including John Cena and The Undertaker) in the main event of WrestleMania XL. With the same stipulation set for SummerSlam, anything could happen…
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World Heavyweight Championship:
Damian Priest (c) vs. Gunther
Grady Hooker (76% accurate in 2024):
Gunther is his own worst enemy here. Priest had so many fingers in so many pies, but Gunther’s personal attacks are focussing him. I don’t think it will be enough though; there’s just too much going on in The Judgement Day. And Gunther can beat anyone on a good day.
Winner: Gunther
Steve McCleary (76% accurate in 2024):
Priest has managed to squeeze by his previous defences thanks to his teammates. They won’t be helping him this time, and maybe not ever again if he loses. And while there might be controversy around the pinfall in Gunther’s King of the Ring victory, there’ll be no doubters when the most dominant athlete in sports today chops Priest into oblivion.
Winner: Gunther
AJ Murtagh (62% accurate in 2024):
Damien Priest has been pulled in a lot of directions in recent months with everything going on in The Judgment Day, and his validity as World Heavyweight Champion. On the flip side, Gunther has been nothing but focused on SummerSlam and fulfilling his goal for months.
Winner: Gunther
Sammy G (65% accurate in 2024):
This will be Priest’s ultimate test to-date as World Heavyweight Champion. Since King of the Ring, Gunther’s stock has been on the rise. He comes into this match with all the momentum on his side. But, I’m still going with my gut on this one, and I feel this match will make Priest’s grip on the championship that much tighter, and put to rest any doubts people have as to why he’s a worthy champion.
Winner: Damian Priest
David Dunn (53% accurate in 2024):
This boils down to who’ll be the most focussed come bell-time. Damian Priest has had to worry about Dominik Mysterio, and Liv Morgan, and Rhea Ripley, and all sorts since becoming champion at WrestleMania XL. Gunther’s thought about nothing but this moment since winning King of the Ring.
Winner: Gunther
WWE Women’s Championship:
Bayley (c) vs. Nia Jax
Grady:
Bayley seems like maybe she got the Damage CTRL monkey off her back and let her foot off the gas? Since returning, Nia Jax has been pedal to the metal towards her goal of championship gold.
Winner: Nia Jax
Steve:
Bayley is the sentimental favourite for many reasons, and she has many opportunities to watch footage of how people have beaten Jax over the years. The main issue will be keeping an eye on the clock to see if it’s Tiffy Time…
Winner: Bayley
AJ:
I feel like Bayley has yet to hit her stride in this title reign. Jax is a formidable foe but I am hoping to see Bayley bring it in this match. I think the champion will do just that and overcome the very real threat that Nia poses.
Winner: Bayley
Sammy:
Nia Jax has almost become an unstoppable force on her journey back to championship gold. I still think Bayley prevails in this scenario, but the damage done in the process could end with the clock striking Tiffy Time…
Winner: Bayley
David:
Elimination Chamber: Perth aside, 2024 has been the year of Nia Jax. It’s ready to culminate at SummerSlam at Bayley’s expense. And it’s a result we, as a nation, should be hoping for – she’s nearly a New Zealander!
Winner: Nia Jax
Picks Summary
Undisputed WWE Championship, Bloodline Rules:
Cody Rhodes: Grady, Steve, AJ, Sammy, David (100%)
Solo Sikoa: – (0%)
World Heavyweight Championship:
Damian Priest: Sammy (20%)
Gunther: Grady, Steve, AJ, David (80%)
CM Punk: Grady, AJ, Sammy (60%)
Drew McIntyre: Steve, David (40%)
Women’s World Championship:
Liv Morgan: Grady, Steve, AJ, Sammy, David (100%)
Rhea Ripley: – (0%)
WWE Women’s Championship:
Bayley: Steve, AJ, Sammy (60%)
Nia Jax: Grady, David (40%)
United States Championship:
LA Knight: Grady, Steve, AJ, Sammy, David (100%)
Logan Paul: – (0%)
Intercontinental Championship:
Bron Breakker: Grady, Steve, AJ, Sammy, David (100%)
Sami Zayn: – (0%)
WWE SummerSlam 2024
Sunday, August 4
11am NZST (Countdown to SummerSlam from 8am)
WWE Network
