Opinion

Title Turmoil: Who Will Lose At WWE Clash of Champions

Published

8 years ago

December 15, 2017

Let’s be honest. The buildup to most of the matches on the 2017 Clash of Champions is a bit lackluster. Smackdown Live made a huge jump back on track before Survivor Series with AJ Styles and Charlotte Flair jumping back to the top of their respective divisions, but since then the blue band has been in a rut.

At this Sunday’s Clash of Champions we’ll get to see many feuds finally come to a close in order to ramp up for the Royal Rumble in January. That is what this PPV is all about for both the WWE and Smackdown Women’s championships: tying up loose ends. However, since this is Clash Of Champions, I think the PPV cannot go without at least one shakeup: one title change. So which will it be?

WWE Championship: AJ Styles (c) vs. Jinder Mahal

Well, I mean I really hope not. In this case, WWE is shoddily wrapping up this lowly feud like a present that wasn’t on anyone’s Christmas list. AJ Styles vs. Jinder Mahal to me does not have the aura of a world title feud, nor does it really excite anyone. I don’t believe it’s necessarily either of their faults, but the writing certainly has not been there as of late.

Jinder Mahal’s promos get more similar every week. It is clear that AJ should be the one holding the WWE title going into WrestleMania this time around, and Jinder can go on to engage in another meaningful feud that will hopefully actually provide some coherent storytelling. There is no story in AJ vs. Jinder. AJ beat Jinder for the title and now Jinder is mad. That’s legitimately the extent of this feud. The story is simply not good enough to warrant a title change, and the change would likely do nothing for both parties involved. I do not foresee a title change here as WWE thankfully chose their prize pony in AJ Styles.

Smackdown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Natalya

There is no way that Natalya is walking out of Clash of Champions with that title. Charlotte, like AJ Styles, won the title before Survivor Series to set up a more star-studded match with her RAW counterpart at the November PPV. Natalya is pretty good at what she does, and I do believe that it was a good call to put her over the stale Naomi to win the title back at SummerSlam earlier this year.

Natalya was an accomplished heel in her title run, but Charlotte is what Smackdown needs right now. Charlotte is the total package and has the charisma to carry the entire division to new heights with a lengthy title run. The only way I see her reign ending anytime soon is with a MITB cash in by way of Carmella. That would certainly make for a fun feud and some much needed attention on the women of Smackdown. As of now though, Charlotte retaining the title is a no brainer.

United States Championship: Baron Corbin (c) vs. Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler

Unfortunately for us, this feud sucks. I genuinely want every star involved in this match to do well, but the build to this match is utter garbage. Nobody in this match communicates that the want to be there, and I’ve seen no redeeming qualities from any of their promos. Bobby Roode, like Shinsuke Nakamura and so many other NXT call-ups, is in the middle of a rocky start. He currently seems to have no real dimensions to his character besides the fact that he’s “glorious.”

Dolph Ziggler is not presently relevant enough to be US champion. If this was a high profile feud with bigger stakes and implications, much like his rivalry with Miz last year, then I could see him winning. Given the way he got into this match (by inserting himself), that’s enough to see that WWE doesn’t view this match as a big moment for anyone.

Since Baron Corbin is just getting started in his title reign, it would be a shame to take the title away from him this early in such a throw away contest. Once again, if Baron were to have a good lengthy feud with an intriguing story, maybe I’d say otherwise. The US title will stay with Baron Corbin simply because the feud is not good enough to take it off him.

Smackdown Tag Team Championship: The Usos (c) vs. Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin vs. The New Day vs. Rusev & Aiden English

HERE is the match we’ve been waiting for. Now this is the match where we could see a title change occur. First, because of the sheer amount of teams it can make for a win in any direction. Second, there are a few teams who could benefit from the rub here.

Rusev & Aiden English have been massively fun and impressive as of late, and they’re my favorite option to take the title off the Usos right now. Rusev Day is a hit and I think it can only snowball and gain more traction over time. Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin gave some pretty cringe-worthy promos on the last few episodes of SmackDown, but their in ring work is solid. WWE could also put the titles on them so that an “upcoming” team can get some of the spotlight and and become legitimate. .

WWE could also give the titles back to the New Day, as we all know that WWE is trying to stick New Day with the most tag title reigns of all time. Though it is equally as possible that WWE lets the belts stay on the Usos for a little while given that they’re the most consistently spectacular tag team in the company right now.

The Verdict

It may be wishful thinking, but I think there will only be one title change at Clash of Champions. The most likely is the Smackdown Tag Championships, but not only because of the odds that are stacked against the Usos, but because there are many routes WWE could go with the tag titles moving forward. Every other title has no place changing hands this Sunday because the feuds and competitors surrounding most of them are nowhere near their A game. Let’s just hope that most of these mediocre rivalries come to an end in time for the road to WrestleMania.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1