The biggest show of the WWE summer takes place this Saturday when SummerSlam travels to Cleveland. This year marks the 37th anniversary of one of WWE's most important premium live events.
In keeping with SummerSlam's usually big stakes, WWE packed the card. Seven matches are scheduled for the card, six of which are championship bouts. In the only non-title bout, CM Punk will take on Drew McIntyre in his first broadcast singles match in WWE since 2014. This game carries additional stakes as Seth Rollins will serve as special guest referee.
The most important title fights could also make for interesting theater. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will face Solo Sikoa. Rhodes was spurred into a second Bloodline Rules match after overcoming the circumstances against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. But this time it could be different, as Sikoa's version of the bloodline appears to be more ruthless. Additionally, world heavyweight champion Damian Priest is looking to fend off a formidable challenge from long-time reigning intercontinental champion Günther. There are many possible paths, including the type of help Priest receives from his stablemates in Judgment Day.
There's also the love triangle between women's world champion Liv Morgan, Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley. When Ripley suffered a real injury and was forced to relinquish the title – thanks to Morgan – the current defending champion began to approach Mysterio. Since Ripley was off TV, a relationship seemed to develop between Morgan and Mysterio, but when Ripley returned, Mysterio swore that he hated Morgan and was loyal to Ripley. Now the two meet on Saturday, with Mysterio sure to play his part.
Let's take a look at who the CBS Sports experts are picking to win each game on Saturday's card.
WWE SummerSlam 2024 predictions
Undisputed WWE Championship – Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
The Bloodline 2.0 has been rejuvenated with the addition of Jacob Fatu, but Solo Sikoa isn't ready to become WWE Champion just yet. Especially when Rhodes is considered the superstar that will lead WWE into the future. Sikoa will put in a strong performance in defeat – or an inconclusive finish – as the start of a civil war begins with Reigns and the original bloodline. Either way, Rhodes leaves Cleveland with the undisputed title. Pick: Cody Rhodes retains the title — Shakiel Mahjouri (also Brent Brookhouse)
World Heavyweight Championship – Damian Priest (c) vs. Gunther
Gunther is believed not to win here for a variety of reasons, including the long-held belief that a wrestler who wears down an opponent too much diminishes the achievement of beating him and winning a title. If you say your opponent sucks and then beat him to win the title, have you really accomplished anything? I just don't think that holds up in this case. Gunther's entire effort was about restoring the prestige of wrestling and its top championships. Thanks to Gunther, who defeated him not only as a champion but also as a person, Priest has managed to achieve more than ever before during his title reign. Still, Priest doesn’t feel like “the guy” – and never did. It's possible that WWE will try to extend this to one or two more events, but this seems like the right time to shift the belt from Priest, who still doesn't have a permanent spot as a face or heel, to Gunther for one Creating a situation where faces are looking for a heel for the top belt on Raw. Selection: Gunther wins the title — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (Special Guest Referee Seth Rollins)
Honestly, I have no idea how this game will turn out. The easiest way for WWE to extend the feud is for Punk to ruin McIntyre's night again. But McIntyre really needs to get Punk under control. Rollins' role as special guest referee further complicates matters. Rollins has issues with both men and his inclusion in the match suggests that WWE will be drawn into a feud between the three. Since I don't know where WWE is taking this story, and considering that a rematch between Punk and McIntyre may not happen immediately, I'm assuming McIntyre is seeking revenge, perhaps due to some friction or misunderstanding between Punk and Rollins . It's only fitting that punk gets screwed. Pick: Drew McIntyre wins — Mahjouri
While wins and losses don't really matter in WWE, and the promotion has spent decades moving away from the idea that moves up and down the card require consistent on-screen results, Punk hasn't had a match in WWE since 2014 won (with the exception of Two House). Show wins over Dominik Mysterio). Yes, he's bulletproof enough that a loss to McIntyre doesn't really hurt him, and Rollins' involvement gives both men the opportunity to not suffer any damage from a loss. But why would WWE let Punk lose his first singles match since a previously “impossible” reconciliation between the wrestler and the promotion? McIntyre is too good at the role of the angry and constantly “messed up” player to end it in the first fight with Punk. Pick: CM Punk wins — Brookhouse
Women's World Championship – Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
Ripley's return from injury and an immediate win against Morgan seems like too cheap a solution to this storyline. Morgan's constant sexual advances toward the unruly Dominik Mysterio were a little controversial, but from a plan to steal things from Ripley to Morgan bursting into tears when Mysterio finally freaked out, it doesn't make sense without another twist. I think this all leads to Mysterio betraying Ripley and ending up with Morgan, especially since Ripley is clearly seen as a face (despite her Doomsday ties) while Dominik is purely a heel for now. Maybe Mysterio wants to become his “own man,” but before that happens, he’ll join forces with Morgan. This probably starts with him “accidentally” costing Ripley Saturday's game, if not more. Pick: Liv Morgan retains the title — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
WWE Women's Championship – Bayley (c) vs. Nia Jax
Bayley's reign as champion hasn't rocked the world, but Jax winning the title isn't an exciting prospect either. It feels like the title is being held up for Money in the Bank winner Tiffany Stratton. Normally, this would be the perfect opportunity for Stratton to cash in her money in the bank briefcase. But the women's briefcase has a history of painfully tight cash-ins and I expect patience from today's WWE. Bayley should go over in a David vs. Goliath match to solidify her reign. Pick: Bayley retains the title — Mahjouri
If you've been paying attention over the last few months, Jax has quietly become a reliably good performer and one of the more interesting women on the SmackDown roster. Add in Tiffany Stratton's collaboration with Jax and the most interesting recipe for good television is Jax winning the title here and the tension between her title and Stratton's Money in the Bank contract. Pick: Nia Jax wins the title — Brookhouse
WWE Intercontinental Championship – Sami Zayn (c) vs. Bron Breakker
Breakker has an aura that can't be manufactured, no matter how much WWE loves to just make these things happen. It was fine that Zayn stayed in the first meeting, but Breakker needs the win here. He's simply undeniable at this point – or at least he should be – and another loss would be the wrong move for the type of character Breakker is. Zayn had a good run, but he'll be great even without the title because he's such an incredible talent. Pick: Bron Breakker wins the title — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
WWE United States Championship – Logan Paul (c) vs. LA Knight
This should have happened some time ago. Crowning Knight as United States Champion would probably have been more effective if SmackDown had a part-time world champion in Reigns. This would have effectively made Knight the best individual champion on the brand from week to week. Unfortunately, winning the title against Paul on a Cornerstone PPV is no reason to cry. A title reign is long overdue for Knight and is exactly what he needs to confirm his late career rise. Pick: LA Knight wins the title — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
