This Saturday, WWE will host a premium live event in Germany for the first time in the promotion's long history. Bash in Berlin will take place at the Uber Arena and will be streamed live on Peacock.
It's a relatively light card, but it's expected to be the first PPV event after a tentpole like SummerSlam earlier this month. There are only five games planned, but each has a unique storyline that's worth following.
World heavyweight champion Guenther will look to defend his title for the first time when he takes on Randy Orton, who is seeking his 16th major championship. Gunther, who was born and raised in nearby Austria before working in the independent wrestling scene in Germany, could receive a hero's welcome despite being a heel.
Meanwhile, undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will face off against his friend Kevin Owens as tension between the two grows ever closer as game time approaches.
Plus, CM Punk and Drew McIntyre continue their year-long feud as the two collide in a strap match that's sure to cause violence.
Let's take a look at who the CBS Sports experts are picking to win each game on Saturday's card.
WWE Bash in Berlin 2024 predictions
World Heavyweight Championship – Gunther (c) vs. Randy Orton: Orton is a perfect first challenger for Gunther's title reign. Orton is a real man on the WWE roster and a loss here won't hurt him. Gunther also builds credibility by picking up a second win over Orton after controversially defeating him at King and Queen of the Ring. The outcome isn't really a secret here, especially in Germany, but the road to get there should be good as Orton has settled into a nice role as a dangerous veteran. Tip: Günther keeps the title – Brent Brookhouse (also Shakiel Mahjouri)
Undisputed WWE Championship – Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens: Much like Gunther, WWE isn't going to take the title away from Rhodes in a quick feud after spending two years grooming him to become the company's top star. Rhodes vs. Owens should be a great match that reminds people how good Owens is. It will also mark another strong title defense for Rhodes' reign. There is little doubt that Rhodes retains the title. The more interesting question is how well the superstars' friendship will last until the end of the night. Pick: Cody Rhodes retains the title — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (Strap Match): McIntyre picked up the SummerSlam victory, meaning Punk has to get the win back and even things up. The focus on Punk's friendship bracelet in the SummerSlam match was met with mixed reactions. A strap match should provide the violence that the match lacked. This won't end things between Punk and McIntyre, but if we follow standard wrestling logic, Punk gets the win to set up a third meeting between the two, likely at Survivor Series. Pick: CM Punk wins — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley vs. Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan: If there's one match on the card that's hardest to predict, it's this one. Winning the heels makes sense if you want to further fuel Priest and Ripley's frustrations, and the rest of Doomsday mixing in offers plenty of easy ways to get there. Still, it seems like Priest and Ripley will benefit from a win here, and it's getting closer to Ripley getting her hands on Morgan in another title shot. If that's the end goal, Priest and Ripley should win. Selection: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley win — Brookhouse
Ripley and Priest are the competition favorites, so to speak. They are a far more impressive duo than the weasel lovebirds Morgan and Mysterio. I suspect the Judgment Day combination will be too much for the heroes to overcome. It's the easiest way to continue the feud. If WWE decides to give the German audience a slight pop, LWO could even out the numbers game by helping Priest and Ripley win. Selection: Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan win — Mahjouri
Women’s Tag Team Championship – Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn (c) vs. Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill: Honestly, I have no idea how this game will turn out. Not because WWE has developed a complex storyline or even portrayed the teams as competitive, but because it seems like creativity barely cares. The Unholy Union's title win at Clash at the Castle seemed like an opportunity to reward the Scottish crowd. Belair and Cargill are far bigger draws, but feel invisible without the titles. I expect WWE to correct course with new champions. Selection: Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill win the titles — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
