Summerslam 2023: Anticipated Showdowns and Expert Predictions - A Comprehensive Preview by Decorum News

**SummerSlam** is an upcoming PLE event produced by WWE for their Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. It is scheduled to take place on August 5, 2023 at the Ford Field in Detriot, Michigan. It will be the 36th event under the SummerSlam chronology and the first to be held in Detroit since 2006.

The event will feature eight matches, including three title matches and a special attraction match. The main event will be a Tribal Combat match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, where Roman Reigns will defend his title and his status as the Tribal Chief against his cousin Jey Uso. The match will have special stipulations that will be revealed on the night of the event. The co-main event will be a singles match between Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar, who have been feuding since Rhodes defeated Lesnar at Backlash in May. The other title matches will see Seth Rollins defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor, who has been chasing Rollins since he lost the Universal Championship to him in 2016; Asuka defend the WWE Women's Championship against Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair in a triple threat match; and GUNTHER defend the Intercontinental Championship against Drew McIntyre, who returned to challenge him at Money in the Bank in July. The special attraction match will see YouTube star Logan Paul face Ricochet in a high-flying spectacle, before Paul flies to Dallas to support his brother Jake in his boxing match against Tyron Woodley.

In this article, we will preview each match, give our predictions and expectations, and provide some background information on the storylines and performers involved.

## Tribal Combat for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jey Uso

This match is arguably the most personal and emotional one on the card, as it pits two members of the Anoa'i family against each other in a battle for supremacy and respect. Roman Reigns has been dominating WWE since he returned at SummerSlam in 2020, winning the Universal Championship from Braun Strowman and aligning himself with Paul Heyman. He has defeated every challenger that has come his way, including Kevin Owens, Daniel Bryan, Edge, John Cena, and AJ Styles. He has also asserted himself as the Tribal Chief of his family, demanding loyalty and obedience from his cousins Jey and Jimmy Uso.

Jey Uso has been conflicted about his relationship with Reigns, as he respects him as his cousin but also resents him for his arrogance and brutality. He has tried to stand up to Reigns on several occasions, but has always been overpowered and humiliated by him. He suffered his first pinfall loss to Reigns at Clash of Champions 2020, when Jimmy threw in the towel to save him from further punishment. He then lost to Reigns again at Hell in a Cell, when he was forced to say "I quit" after Reigns threatened to hurt Jimmy. He reluctantly joined Reigns' side after that, helping him retain his title against various opponents. However, he never fully accepted Reigns as his leader, and often questioned his decisions and actions.

The tension between Reigns and Jey reached a boiling point at Money in the Bank, when Jey pinned Reigns in a tag team match that also involved Jimmy and Edge. This was Reigns' first pinfall loss in over three years, and he was furious with Jey for costing him his momentum. He attacked Jey after the match, injuring his ribs and leaving him lying in the ring. He then challenged Jey to a Tribal Combat match at SummerSlam, where he would put his title and his Tribal Chief status on the line. He said that this would be their final confrontation, and that he would make Jey acknowledge him as his superior once and for all.

Jey accepted the challenge, despite being warned by Jimmy and others that he was walking into a trap. He said that he was tired of being under Reigns' shadow, and that he wanted to prove himself as a main event star. He said that he had nothing to lose, and that he would fight for his family's honor and pride. He vowed to make Reigns pay for his betrayal, and to take his title and his Tribal Chief status from him.

The Tribal Combat match is a unique and mysterious stipulation, as it has never been done before in WWE. The exact rules and conditions of the match are unknown, but it is expected to be a brutal and violent affair, with no disqualifications, no count-outs, and no interference. The only way to win is to make your opponent submit or surrender, either verbally or physically. The match will also have major implications for the future of the Anoa'i family, as the winner will be recognized as the leader and the representative of the family, while the loser will be shunned and exiled from the family.

Our prediction: Roman Reigns retains the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and remains the Tribal Chief

Our expectation: A hard-hitting and emotional match that will test the limits of both men's endurance and willpower. Reigns will use his strength and experience to dominate Jey, while Jey will use his speed and resilience to counter Reigns. The match will have several near-falls and close calls, with both men refusing to give up or give in. The match will also have some surprises and twists, such as the involvement of Jimmy Uso, Paul Heyman, or other members of the Anoa'i family. In the end, Reigns will prevail over Jey, either by making him tap out to the guillotine choke or by knocking him out with a spear. Reigns will then celebrate his victory, while Jey will be left broken and alone in the ring.

## Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar

This match is a clash of two of the biggest stars in WWE history, who have been at odds since Rhodes returned to WWE earlier this year. Cody Rhodes is a former world champion, who left WWE in 2016 to pursue his own path in the independent scene. He became one of the most popular and successful wrestlers outside of WWE, winning championships in various promotions such as Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and All Elite Wrestling. He also co-founded AEW with his friends The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, creating a new alternative for wrestling fans and performers.

Rhodes made a shocking return to WWE at Backlash in May, where he challenged Brock Lesnar to a match. He said that he had accomplished everything he wanted outside of WWE, and that he wanted to face Lesnar as his final challenge. He said that he had always respected Lesnar as a wrestler and an athlete, but that he also wanted to prove himself against him. He said that he was not afraid of Lesnar, and that he had the skills and the heart to beat him.

Brock Lesnar is a former UFC heavyweight champion, who has been one of the most dominant and destructive forces in WWE history. He has won multiple world titles in WWE, including the Universal Championship, which he held for a record-breaking 504 days. He has also defeated some of the biggest names in wrestling history, such as The Rock, Kurt Angle, John Cena, Triple H, The Undertaker, Goldberg, and Roman Reigns. He is known for his unparalleled strength, speed, agility, and ferocity, as well as his devastating finishing move, the F-5.

Lesnar accepted Rhodes' challenge at Backlash, but not without mocking him for his arrogance and audacity. He said that Rhodes was nothing but a wannabe who had wasted his time and talent in inferior promotions. He said that Rhodes had no chance against him, and that he would make him regret ever coming back to WWE. He said that he would break Rhodes' bones and spirit with his suplexes and F-5s.

The match between Rhodes and Lesnar at Backlash was a brutal and intense battle, with both men giving their all to win. Rhodes surprised Lesnar with his speed and agility, hitting him with various strikes and high-flying moves. Lesnar overpowered Rhodes with his strength and size, throwing him around with suplexes and slamming him with F-5s. The match ended in a controversial finish, when Rhodes pinned Lesnar after hitting him with a Cross Rhodes onto a steel chair that Lesnar had brought into the ring earlier. However, Lesnar's foot was on the rope during the pinfall, which the referee did not see.

Lesnar was furious with the result, claiming that he was robbed of his victory by a bad call from the referee. He demanded a rematch with Rhodes at SummerSlam, where he would get his revenge on him. Rhodes agreed to the rematch, saying that he would prove that his win at Backlash was not a fluke or a mistake. He said that he would beat Lesnar again at SummerSlam,

Our prediction: Cody Rhodes defeats Brock Lesnar

Our expectation: A fast-paced and action-packed match that will showcase both men's abilities and styles. Rhodes will use his speed and agility to avoid Lesnar's power moves, while Lesnar will use his strength and size to overpower Rhodes and hit him with suplexes and F-5s. The match will have several near-falls and reversals, with both men kicking out of each other's finishers. The match will also have some interference from Lesnar's advocate Paul Heyman, who will try to help Lesnar win by distracting the referee or handing him weapons. However, Rhodes will overcome the odds and catch Lesnar off guard with a second Cross Rhodes onto a steel chair, scoring the pinfall and the victory. Rhodes will then celebrate his win, while Lesnar will be left stunned and enraged in the ring.

## World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins (c) vs. Finn Balor

This match is a rematch from SummerSlam 2016, where Rollins and Balor fought for the newly created Universal Championship. Balor won that match, becoming the first ever Universal Champion, but he also suffered a shoulder injury that forced him to relinquish the title the next day. Rollins then went on to win the Universal Championship from Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 35, but he lost it to Brock at Extreme Rules.

Balor challenged Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship. He said that he never got his rematch for the Universal Championship, and that he wanted to face Rollins again for the title that he never lost. He said that he was not the same Balor that Rollins faced in 2016, and that he had unleashed his darker side, the Demon King. He said that he would use his power and speed to defeat Rollins, and reclaim his rightful place as the world champion.

Our prediction: Finn Balor defeats Seth Rollins and becomes the new World Heavyweight Champion

Our expectation: A thrilling and technical match that will showcase both men's skills and charisma. Rollins will use his cunning and experience to outsmart Balor, while Balor will use his agility and intensity to outmatch Rollins. The match will have some high-flying and high-risk moves, such as dives, flips, and splashes. The match will also have some interference from Rollins' allies, such as Murphy and Austin Theory, who will try to help him retain his title. However, Balor will overcome the odds and unleash his Demon King persona, hitting Rollins with a Coup de Grace from the top rope and pinning him for the win.

## WWE Women's Championship: Asuka (c) vs. Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair

This match is a triple threat match for the WWE Women's Championship, which is a unified title that represents both the Raw and SmackDown women's divisions. Asuka is the current champion, who won the title at May 27, 2023 Night of Champions.

Bianca Belair is a rising star in the women's division, who won the Women's Royal Rumble match in January. She then challenged Asuka for the WWE Women's Championship at WrestleMania 37, where she put up a valiant effort but came up short against Asuka's experience and submission skills.

Charlotte Flair is a former champion, who has held multiple titles in WWE, including the Raw Women's Championship, the SmackDown Women's Championship, and the NXT Women's Championship. She returned to WWE after a hiatus in June, where she inserted herself into the title picture by attacking Asuka and Belair. She said that she was the best female wrestler in WWE history, and that she deserved to be in the main event of SummerSlam. She said that she would prove her superiority by defeating Asuka and Belair, and becoming a 14-time champion.

Our prediction: Asuka retains the WWE Women's Championship

Our expectation: A competitive and chaotic match that will highlight each woman's strengths and weaknesses. Asuka will use her striking and submission skills to wear down her opponents, while Belair will use her power and athleticism to overpower them. Flair will use her cunning and pedigree to outwit them. The match will have some near-falls and close calls, with each woman breaking up each other's pin attempts or submissions. The match will also have some outside interference from other women in the division, such as Sasha Banks or Becky Lynch, who will try to influence the outcome of the match. In the end, Asuka will retain her title by making Belair tap out to the Asuka Lock, while Flair will be knocked out by a Bank Statement from Banks.

## Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Drew McIntyre

This match is a clash of two of the most powerful and dominant wrestlers in WWE, who have been feuding since Money in the Bank in July. GUNTHER is the current Intercontinental Champion, who won the title from Ricochet on June 10, 2022. He has since defended his title against various challengers, such as Shinsuke Nakamura, Ricochet, and Kofi Kingston. He is known for his immense strength, size, and agility, as well as his devastating finishing move, the Powerbomb.

Drew McIntyre is a former WWE Champion, who held the title for most of 2020 and 2021. He lost the title to The Miz at Elimination Chamber in February. He then went on a hiatus for half of 2023, before returning at MITB, where he challenged GUNTHER for the Intercontinental Championship. He said that he wanted to prove himself as a top star on SmackDown, and that he wanted to win the Intercontinental Championship for the first time in his career. He said that he was not intimidated by GUNTHER's size or power, and that he had the skills and the determination to beat him.

GUNTHER and McIntyre continued their rivalry after Money in the Bank, attacking each other on several occasions on SmackDown. They agreed to a match at SummerSlam, where they would settle their score once and for all.

Our prediction: Drew McIntyre defeats GUNTHER and becomes the new Intercontinental Champion

Our expectation: A brutal and intense match that will test both men's strength and endurance. GUNTHER will use his power and agility to overwhelm McIntyre, while McIntyre will use his speed and technique to counter GUNTHER. The match will have some weapons and tables involved, as both men will try to inflict as much damage as possible on each other. The match will also have some near-falls and close calls, with both men kicking out of each other's finishers. In the end, McIntyre will prevail over GUNTHER, hitting him with a final Claymore Kick through a table and pinning him for the win.

## Logan Paul vs. Ricochet

This match is a special attraction match that will feature YouTube star Logan Paul against WWE superstar Ricochet. Logan Paul is a famous internet personality, who has over 23 million subscribers on YouTube. He is also a boxer, who has fought against celebrities such as KSI and Floyd Mayweather Jr. He made his WWE debut at WrestleMania 37, where he was involved in a match between Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. He sided with Zayn at first, but then turned on him after Zayn lost the match. He then received a stunner from Owens, which went viral on social media.

Ricochet is a former United States Champion, who is known for his high-flying and acrobatic style of wrestling. He has been one of the most exciting and innovative wrestlers in WWE, impressing fans with his moves and charisma. He has faced some of the best wrestlers in WWE, such as AJ Styles, Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins.

The match between Paul and Ricochet was set up by Paul himself, who challenged Ricochet to a match at SummerSlam on his YouTube channel. He said that he wanted to prove himself as a wrestler and an athlete, and that he wanted to face Ricochet because he was one of the best wrestlers in WWE. He said that he was not afraid of Ricochet's flips or tricks, and that he had the power and the skill to beat him.

Ricochet accepted Paul's challenge on Twitter, saying that he was happy to face Paul at SummerSlam. He said that he respected Paul for his courage and confidence, but that he also thought that Paul was making a big mistake by stepping into his world. He said that he would show Paul what wrestling was all about, and that he would teach him a lesson in humility.

Our prediction: Ricochet defeats Logan Paul

Our expectation: A fun and entertaining match that will showcase both men's personalities and abilities. Paul will use his size and strength to overpower Ricochet, while Ricochet will use his speed and agility to outsmart Paul. The match will have some comedy and drama, as Paul will try to use his YouTube fame and antics to gain an advantage over Ricochet, while Ricochet will try to use his wrestling experience and skills to counter Paul. The match will also have some guest appearances from other YouTube stars or WWE superstars, who will try to help or hinder either man. In the end, Ricochet will defeat Paul, hitting him with a 630° senton and pinning him for the win.

## Ronda Rousey vs. Shayna Baszler: MMA Rules match

This match is a grudge match between two former friends and MMA fighters, who have been feuding since WrestleMania 37. Ronda Rousey is a former UFC women's bantamweight champion, who made her WWE debut in 2018. She won the Raw Women's Championship from Alexa Bliss at SummerSlam that year, and held it until WrestleMania 35, where she lost it to Becky Lynch in a triple threat match that also involved Charlotte Flair. She then took a hiatus from WWE to focus on her family and health.

Shayna Baszler is a former NXT Women's Champion, who made her main roster debut in 2020. She won the Women's Elimination Chamber match that year, earning a shot at the Raw Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36. She faced Becky Lynch for the title, but lost the match after Lynch rolled her up for the pin. She then formed an alliance with Nia Jax, and they won the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship from Bayley and Sasha Banks at Payback. They held the titles until WrestleMania 37, where they lost them to Natalya and Tamina.

Rousey made her surprise return to WWE at WrestleMania 37, where she attacked Baszler after her tag team title loss. She said that she was back to reclaim her spot as the baddest woman on the planet, and that she had a score to settle with Baszler. She said that Baszler had betrayed her and their friendship, by joining forces with Jax and becoming a sellout. She said that Baszler had forgotten their roots and their history, and that she would remind her of who she really was.

Baszler responded by saying that Rousey was a hypocrite and a coward, who had abandoned WWE and her fans after her first loss. She said that Rousey had no right to judge her or her choices, and that she had done what she had to do to survive and succeed in WWE. She said that Rousey was jealous of her and her accomplishments, and that she would prove that she was better than her in every way.

The match between Rousey and Baszler was set for SummerSlam, with special MMA rules. The match would take place in an octagon cage, with no ropes or turnbuckles. The match would have three five-minute rounds, with one-minute breaks between them. The match would be won by knockout, submission, or referee stoppage. The match would also have no disqualifications or count-outs.

Our prediction: Ronda Rousey defeats Shayna Baszler by submission

Our expectation: A brutal and realistic match that will showcase both women's MMA skills and backgrounds. Rousey will use her judo and armbar skills to take down and submit Baszler, while Baszler will use her striking and choke skills to hurt and choke out Rousey. The match will have some blood and bruises, as both women will not hold back on their attacks. The match will also have some trash talk and taunts, as both women will try to get under each other's skin. In the end, Rousey will prevail over Baszler, locking in an armbar in the third round and making her tap out.

## Slim Jim SummerSlam Battle Royal: 25-man battle royal

This match is a special attraction match sponsored by Slim Jim, a brand of beef jerky snacks. The match will feature 25 men from both Raw and SmackDown, who will compete for a chance to win a year's supply of Slim Jim products and a future title opportunity of their choice. The confirmed participants are:

- LA Knight
- Sheamus
- Tommaso Ciampa
- Shinsuke Nakamura
- Otis
- Chad Gable
- Karrion Kross
- Grayson Waller
- Matt Riddle
- Santos Escobar
- AJ Styles
- The Miz

The rules of the match are simple: all 25 men will start in the ring at the same time, and the only way to eliminate someone is to throw them over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. The last man standing in the ring will be declared the winner.

Our prediction: Matt Riddle wins the Slim Jim SummerSlam Battle Royal

Our expectation: A fun and chaotic match that will feature some comedy and action. Some of the participants will have some interactions or alliances based on their previous feuds or friendships, such as LA Knight and Tommaso Ciampa, Otis and Chad Gable, Karrion Kross and Santos Escobar, or AJ Styles and The Miz. Some of the participants will also have some spots or moments that will showcase their personalities or abilities, such as Shinsuke Nakamura's entrance, Grayson Waller's dance moves, or Sheamus' Brogue Kicks. The match will also have some surprises and twists, such as some unexpected eliminations or some unannounced entrants. In the end, Matt Riddle will win the match, by eliminating AJ Styles with a Final Flash knee strike. He will then celebrate his win, by eating some Slim Jim snacks and posing with his title opportunity.

## Conclusion

This is the conclusion of our preview and predictions for SummerSlam 2023, as Decorum News. We hope you enjoyed reading our analysis and expectations for each match, and that you are excited for the event. SummerSlam 2023 promises to be one of the biggest and most spectacular shows in WWE history, with eight matches featuring some of the best wrestlers and performers in the world. The event will also have some surprises and twists, as well as some special guests and appearances. SummerSlam 2023 will take place on August 5, 2023 at the Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. You can watch it live on the WWE Network or on pay-per-view. Don't miss it!

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