When Battleground was announced to be taking place in St. Louis (where I currently live) several months ago, I said screw it. While I typically enjoy seeing WWE live, I’d had my fill of the crowded arenas, poor views, and getting stuck in the Scottrade Center parking garage for hours waiting to get out after the shows. And what was “Battleground” anyway? Just another throwaway Pay Per View that nothing will happen at?

Well now I regret that decision. Cena vs. Owens, Rollins vs. Brock, potentially the NXT divas PPV debut… It actually looks like an amazing show! By the time I realized it, however, it was too late to buy tickets, unless I want the cheap seats or to pay $300 for a seat. Ah well, I’ll still enjoy it at home where I don’t have to pay $7 for a beer and $10 for a slice of pizza. On with the predictions!

R-Truth vs. King Barrett for the right to be the one true king
I have a feeling that “King What’s Up” will be used in a study someday on WWE being racist assholes. I don’t know why WWE continually buries the credibility of the King of the Ring, but I’m completely over it by this point. I think Barrett will win because if he can lose his right to the throne in a pre show match, then the name really would lose any of the prestige it had left. Yup, that tiny little bit.
Who will win: King Barrett

Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt
I’ve enjoyed this more than the typical Roman Reigns or Bray Wyatt feud, but I can’t say it’s a match I’m really excited to see. Wyatt is so vague in his promos that it’s hard for me to really care why he’s having imaginary tea parties with Roman’s daughter, and Roman’s response to the situation (as in not immediately calling the police) is a bit of a stretch for me. It’s hard to call this match because WWE is not afraid to let either of these up and coming stars lose, but I think I’m giving Reigns the edge on this one because the losses don’t seem to impact Wyatt as much.
Who will win: Roman

Randy Orton vs. Sheamus
It’s funny how Reigns vs. Wyatt involves weird lighting, cut out photos, and tea parties… and all it takes for Orton vs. Sheamus is for one of them to randomly attack the other one. I really feel like this is just filler so Orton can wrestle in his hometown. And since it IS in Orton’s hometown you kind of know how this is going to go.
Who will win: Sheamus

The Prime Time Players vs. The New Day for the Tag Titles
I really love both of these teams (especially The New Day), so I’m really looking forward to seeing them fight over the titles. I was honestly surprised when the PTP won them because I thought New Day were going to have a lengthy reign, but now that Young and O’Neil have them I’m thinking that they’ll hold on to them for a while instead. I guess it’s just safer to bet on the champions.
Who will win: The Prime Time Players

John Cena vs. Kevin Owens for the US Title
I’m firmly believing that Owens dropped the NXT title so he can win the US Title from Cena. I think if he were to leave his feud with Cena having lost most of the matches and also having nothing to show from it, he’d be wandering around the card aimlessly within a month. That’s not so much a prediction as EXACTLY what happened to Rusev and Wyatt after Cena beat them in two out of three matches. While I think Cesaro’s great and I’ve really enjoyed his involvement in Cena and Owens’ feud, I’m hoping that this match stays a singles match with no interference.
Who will win: Owens

Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar for the World Heavyweight Championship
I hate to say it, but I just can’t see this match ending cleanly. I know that Lesnar has taken out the Authority except for Triple H and Stephanie, who seem to only be part time members despite being the only ones with any actual authority. Seth might run away for a count out, he might be disqualified for using a weapon, but if Lesnar walks out as champ I will be surprised. I guess I can’t shake the feeling that this is only a filler PPV and nothing major will happen at it.
Who will win: Rollins

So that’s it, with only six matches scheduled to take place! I’m sure there will be at least a Divas segment, if not a last minute match. Ambrose might wrestle Bo Dallas? It would be nice for some of these matches to get extra time, but honestly other than Cena vs. Owens and Rollins vs. Lesnar, I’m not sure I’d want to see anything go over 15 minutes.