WWE Battleground 2014: Match Card And Predictions For PPV As John Cena Looks To Keep Title

WWE’s next pay-per-view is just days away, as Battleground 2014 is scheduled for Sunday night in Tampa Bay. The PPV is sandwiched in between Money in the Bank and SummerSlam, two of the company’s biggest events of the year.

This year’s PPV will likely prove to be much better than Battleground 2013. The event was viewed as a major disappointment, ending without a WWE champion.

The undercard for Sunday’s PPV might be one of the best this year. A returning Chris Jericho has one of the most anticipated matches on the card, and it’ll be the first time that two members of The Shield will officially face off in a match. A new Intercontinental champ is also guaranteed to be crowned by the end of the night.

Daniel Bryan isn’t scheduled to appear on the PPV, amid reports that he could have a second surgery. Rumors of CM Punk returning are nonexistent, as his contract with WWE reportedly ends on Thursday.

Seven matches have been included on the card, as well as one on the pre-show. Below are predictions for Battleground 2014.

Fatal 4-Way (WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match)

It would be a major surprise to see John Cena lose the title before SummerSlam, where he’s expected to face a returning Brock Lesnar. Roman Reigns is on his way to becoming a future WWE World Heavyweight Champion, but his time might not come until 2015. Kane and Randy Orton have very little chance to win on Sunday, and they’ll likely cancel each other out, as they do The Authority’s bidding.

Prediction: John Cena

Jack Swagger vs. Rusev

Swagger and manager Zeb Cotler have a made a seamless transition as babyfaces, working with Rusev and Lana. In another situation, The Real Americans would likely end the feud on top, but Rusev has yet to lose in WWE, and the company appears to have big plans for him.

Prediction: Rusev

Chris Jericho vs. Bray Wyatt

It’s almost certain that this feud will continue onto SummerSlam, so there might not be a decisive or clean ending to the match. While Jericho is known for putting over younger talent, he has yet to get the better of The Wyatt Family, and will likely lose at SummerSlam. There’s a chance he could squeak out a victory at Battleground.

Prediction: Chris Jericho

Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins

Since The Shield broke up, these two have been the most interesting part of WWE television. Rollins holds the Money in the Bank briefcase, and Ambrose was sent to the hospital on Monday, following an attack from The Authority. It might be time for Ambrose to get the upper hand on Rollins.

Prediction: Dean Ambrose

The Usos vs. The Wyatt Family (2-out-of-3 Falls Tag Team Title Match)

The two tag teams have put on some very exciting matches in the past few months. Luke Harper and Erick Rowan have done more than enough to earn a shot at holding the belts, and it might be their time to finally win a PPV match.

Prediction: The Wyatt Family

AJ Lee vs. Paige (Divas Championship Match)

The only two women who have held the title in the past year could put on one of the more exciting diva’s PPV matches in recent months. Look for both AJ and Paige to remain in the title picture beyond the summer.

Prediction: AJ Lee

Battleground Battle Royal (Intercontinental Championship Match)

There doesn’t appear to be a clear favorite to take over for the injured Bad News Barrett, who was one of the hottest superstars in WWE, before he was forced to give up the title. A returning Miz could be in line for the belt, while Cesaro is also an option, after losing the steam off of his big WrestleMania 30 win. Bo Dallas is a longshot candidate, considering he’s been well-received since being called up from NXT.

Prediction: The Miz

Cameron vs. Naomi (Kickoff Match)

Naomi is one of the better divas in WWE, but the split of The Funkadactyls has been one of the worst storylines this summer. The babyface will likely get the victory, ending the feud. The two could find themselves off of TV for a little while, following their match.

Prediction: Naomi