WWE No Mercy Predictions

This Sunday is Smackdown Live’s second exclusive PPV since the brand extension and everyone is wondering if it can follow the impressive first exclusive Smackdown Live PPV, Backlash. Last months event crowned the first ever Smackdown tag team and women’s champion. This month those titles are defended and the excitement of having guaranteed new champions isn’t there. However the beginning of building prestige and the legacy of these titles during this brand extension era must begin.
The new WWE Champion AJ Styles has to defy all odds when defending his championship against an on edge Dean Ambrose who has been losing his chill since losing the title and an ambitious John Cena who is looking to tie the record of becoming 16 time World Champion. Rivalries heat up as Nikki Bella finally gets her hands on Carmella in a singles match and Corbin and Swagger go to face to face. Curt Hawkins makes his anticipated debut. The match that got pulled from Backlash between Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt will finally take place. Also, Dolph Ziggler puts his career on the line for one more shot at The Miz’s Intercontinental Champion.
This Sunday we find out if Smackdown’s momentum slows down and if Backlash was a one hit wonder for Smackdown Live. The thing about No Mercy is the rivalries are really good and everyone in the locker room has been delivering in building these stories on both Smackdown Live and Talking Smack. I’m torn on a lot of these matches about who I want to win because I feel like everyone deserves the victory because they convinced me they do. Well everyone besides Cena. Anyway, lets find out how I made the tough decisions of who I would like to walk out victorious this Sunday.
Without further ado, here is my No Mercy predictions.

Curt Hawkins returns to the WWE with a new gimmick and new attitude to Smackdown Live. I’m excited for Hawkins to return, as I always thought he was great in ring talent. He’s also got a great look and as these last few weeks of video vignettes, the ability to cut a promo in character with a sort of captivating oddness. I’m also a huge fan of Hawkins, because I admire what he’s done with his training school Create-A-Pro, hearing nothing but great things about him from friends of mine that trained there such as Maxwell J Finestein and Joe Bronson. I was happy that Hawkins was getting this second run in the WWE. Now, I don’t know who’s he’s facing or if the match will be on the main card or on the kick off but as long as it is not Kane, its almost a “fact” that Hawkins wins his first match back in the WWE. Hopefully we see the return of the milkman or the infamous James Ellsworth. The worst possible scenario is having Hawkins return and lose his first back because it kills all momentum he could have. I mean look at Baron Corbin ever since he lost to Ziggler. I predict Hawkins picks up the win this Sunday.
Prediction – Curt Hawkins

Jack Swagger’s “contract expired” while he was on Raw, and dissatisfied with his spot on the flagship show he appeared on Smackdown Live as the newest free agent signee. On his very first appearance on Smackdown Live he had a stare down with non other than the “Lone Wolf” Baron Corbin. Over the next couple of weeks the two have crossed paths and even had a match on this weeks Smackdown where Jack Swagger walked out victorious. Now with that in mind the only way not to kill Baron Corbins character anymore is to have him pick up the victory here. Initially, I wanted to say Baron Corbin should pick up the victory by cheating but I actually think he needs a clean win. A clean win over Swagger, who really hasn’t done much in the past couple of years, doesn’t hurt Swagger. If anything it’ll allow this rivalry to continue on Smackdown. If Corbin does cheat to win, I’m okay with that too. Overall, Corbin needs this win more than Swagger at the moment.
Prediction – Baron Corbin

In a match that should have been a No DQ match, Carmella finally meets Nikki Bella in a one on one match. Honestly, Smackdown gets two hours every week which means they make sure that every segment has a purpose, that there is less filler and they make sure everyone has an opportunity. One other thing they’ve been doing better than a three hour Raw is making sure the women’s division is up front and featured as much as it can be each and every week. These two have been having a heated feud on the blue brand and the Women’s title isn’t even a part of the equation. I don’t see much of that on Raw, unless you consider Nia Jax squashing people on a weekly basis a storyline with a lot of thought invested in it. I feel like Smackdown invested time to find  away to utilize both Nikki Bella and Carmella in a smart way. I mean Carmella was not getting the babyface crowd reactions they expected when she made her main roster debut. Nikki Bella returned in her hometown at Summerslam to great pop after being out for nearly a year due to neck surgery and rehab. Carmella got jealous, turned heel and targeted Nikki Bella trying to make a statement that she’s better than the longest reigning Divas Champion. Nikki Bella thinks Carmella is wanna be Nikki Bella, I mean they got similar wrestling attire I guess. Carmella thinks Nikki Bella is a spotlight craving, attention seeking “thirsty Kardashian wannabe”. Well she is featured on two reality shows on the same network that the Kardashians made their home. There were brutal attacks after attacks by Carmella showing this aggressive mean streak in her and targeting Nikki’s neck. I really thought they could have booked the first Womens No DQ match we’ve had years with this feud but thats not the case.
Daniel Bryan made a bold prediction saying this match could end in a No Contest because Carmella could just come out there and brutally attack Nikki. I think thats possible. Regardless, I see No Mercy having the end result of Carmella giving beat down to Nikki, whether its after she loses or if its the cause of her losing but I don’t see her winning, just yet. The Bella Twins have been everywhere in the media the past couple of weeks due to the premier of Total Bella’s and this is Nikki’s first singles PPV match since returning from neck injury. Those facts right there immediately lead me to believe Nikki Bella picks up the victory, whether its by pin fall or DQ. However, Carmella will be the last woman standing.
Prediction – Nikki Bella

Heath Slater found a way to earn himself another chance of getting contract to a show, found a tag team partner and friend in Rhyno, won the tag team titles, earned a contract and is now capable of taking care of his kids. Therefore, when I say Slater and Rhyno should drop the tag team titles to the recently heel turned Usos’, just think about how much Slater already accomplished. I know one route they can go is have American Alpha cost the Uso’s the match. Which would lead to those two teams to continue feuding while Rhyno and Slater take on the likes of the Vaude Villans or Hype Bros but what would showcase the impact of the Uso’s new attitude than them capturing the tag team titles from the beloved tag team of Rhyno and Slater. I think this also could lead to awesome Slater and Rhyno skits on training to become two time tag team champions while trying to beat other teams in the division to earn another match (after their official rematch) to face the tag team champions. During that time, The Usos and American Alpha could feud over the tag team titles. I mean TLC is the next Smackdown exclusive PPV… The Usos vs. American Alpha in a ladder match is money. The Usos vs. American Alpha vs. Rhyno and Slater in a TLC match…is even more money.
Prediction – The Usos

If you told me at Backlash that we were going to Ziggler and The Miz for the Intercontinental Championship again at No Mercy, I would have found it pretty meh. However the build up for the rematch totally changed my opinion, not only on the rematch happening but on the ability of both guys to build a story when given the spotlight and time. I mean I am actually really invested in the match. The chemistry between these two has always been great. The Miz has always been spectacular on the mic and easy to hate. He embraces it. Ziggler constantly over delivers in every match even when he doesn’t need to and really stepped up his game to gain sympathy from the fans after they’ve given up feeling sympathetic for him. The fact that I know they’re really good friends in real life makes the story behind the match seem like it could be true. The only question left to ask is if Ziggler is really done with wrestling for now or forever?
I mean he’s still young and has a lot to offer, and there is still a slim window to rejuvenate his career if booked correctly (like he has been ever since the draft). However, maybe he’s burnt out and ready to focus on his other projects and hobbies such as his side jobs as a stand up comic and political analyst. There has been rumours that he might take a more behind the scene roles. If you ask me, if this was it for Ziggler, I’d love him to take the Macho Man route and join the commentating team replacing Otunga. I mean no disrespect to Otunga, but he just doesnt cut it for me. Imagine JBL, Mauro and Ziggler team. I can dig it and Ziggler would only have to work Tuesdays.
However, I still really think Ziggler has a lot to offer. Plus Smackdown has recently suffered two losses with Shelton not being able to return, having to stay out  due to shoulder surgery and Alberto Del Rio leaving the company. Therefore, losing another wrestler with the level talent of Ziggler on an already slim roster does not seem like the best idea to me. I also don’t want The Miz to lose the IC title, because he’s been absolutely amazing as the champion, mainly ever since he became exclusive to Smackdown. I love the Miz and Maryse duo. I mean the title elevates their characters and they elevate the prestige and importance of the IC Title. I can imagine them taunting Ziggler week after week if he was on commentary. Possibly leading to Ziggler costing Miz the title after a LONG REIGN, having the Miz beg Ziggler out of retirement to face him in a no DQ fight. Thats not a bad scenario in my mind. Although, for some reason, even though I know I’m like 99% sure I’m wrong, I have to root for Ziggler.
Prediction – Dolph Ziggler

I love how the two newest women to the main roster in Carmella and Alexa Bliss are getting big opportunities on this PPV against two very popular women in Nikki Bella and Becky Lynch so their characters can be exposed more to the casual fans who may not have really connected with them yet. I feel like this feud with Becky, similar to the Carmella/Nikki feud, has really showcased what Alexa has to offer to the Smackdown women’s roster which wasn’t really established in the last couple of months. Long story short, I’m very impressed with the Women’s division on Smackdown considering I was very concerned for it at first. Becky Lynch is currently the head of that division as reigning Women’s Champion.
Becky Lynch has spent years out trying to reach the top of the mountain, and up until last month wasn’t able to capture any of the championships she pursued. Compared to her Four Horsewomen compadres, she was the only won who never held a women’s title in the WWE. Finally Becky Lynch reached the mountain top as the first ever Smackdown Women’s Champion and it would be a shame for her to lose it this early. Also, the fact that she is the first Smackdown Women’s Champion, she needs to set the bar for the title. I personally think a long, healthy reign with successful title defences is how you set the bar for that title. Don’t get me wrong, Becky will at some point drop the title and one day Alexa Bliss might be the Smackdown Women’s Champion, but as of right now Becky Balboa retains her pride and glory with straight FIYAAAAAAA.
Prediction – Becky Lynch

I’m really torn on who I actually want to walk out victorious in this battle of predators. Randy Orton is one of my favourite wrestlers of all time. Bray Wyatt desperately needs to be victorious in one of his rivalries soon, because no matter how great he portrays his character, he doesn’t ever accomplish anything. I mean the Bray Wyatt character should really never be taken as a threat by anyone because he’s never successful at what he’s trying achieve in his storylines. I mean how could he be right? If he does that means the other person should basically either become a Wyatt or never achieve great heights. The biggest mistake is Wyatt’s career so far was never defeating the Undertaker as I think that would have been the perfect passing of the torch to make him the new Face of Fear, but does that mean if he defeats the Apex Predator Randy Orton that it would make him WWE’s new Apex Predator? I mean technically no, the nickname will always belong to Randall, but thats the background of the rivalry. Wyatt is trying to prove that Orton is no longer a Legend Killer, a Viper or Apex Predator but nothing more than a mortal man. He’s trying to show Orton this because he believes he’s a god and the new Predator. Wyatt needs to achieve something and maybe him beating Orton could be just that.
On the other hand, Orton needs a big PPV victory because he hasn’t had one since he’s back.The only big match he’s had since coming back was against Brock Lesnar and that didnt really end in Orton’s favour. The following month, Randall wasn’t able to compete at Backlash due to lingering injuries from his trip to Suplex City. Therefore, Randy hasn’t been able to technically redeem himself since the beat down. I mean he did show up the Smackdown following Summerslam on his own two feet and looking perfectly healthy besides the staples in his head. When I wrote my Summerslam review, I mentioned how the match with Lesnar didn’t make Orton look bad because he actually briefly brought it to Lesnar in shorter span of time compared to anyone else but ultimately fell just as fast to Lesnar. The match ended against Orton’s will because he pissed off Lesnar enough by bringing it to him that Lesnar forgot about all the rules and just brutalized Orton. Maybe there was a little victory in there for Orton.
Regardless, this is just the first match of a rivalry that could go a couple of months with more twists and turns. I mean the mind games the two have been playing with each other has been compelling TV for Smackdown Live. I mean this last week felt like it ended on a cliffhanger and we quite possibly could be having to wait a lot longer before we get real answers of who exactly did save Bray Wyatt from the storage container. Personally, I was hoping Luke Harper would be returning to aid Wyatt, although it appears since he returned at a Raw Live Event, that he may be placed to make his return on the Raw roster. On that note, I think if Wyatt wins this overall war and Orton needs a credible win since returning, I think Orton wins tonight, but in the end Wyatt overcomes the Viper. Slowly earning the respect of Orton and possibly turning face? Then turning his focus on the WWE World Championship? Who knows? As for No Mercy, I say Randy Orton takes the win at No Mercy and the feud continues ending in Wyatt’s favour.
Prediction – Randy Orton

2016 has been a big year for both AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose. I mean Styles debuts in the WWE just in January and achieves so much, so quickly. I mean Styles beat Cena and is the WWE World Champion, all in his first year with the company. Dean Ambrose on the other hand, finally after years of coming so close cashed in the Money in the Bank and became the WWE World Champion. Then Ambrose went on to defeat both of his decorated Shield teammates in the mega anticipated Shield triple threat match. Ambrose’s luck seemed to have run out when he was faced up against the Phenomenal One, something Cena can totally relate too. Speaking of John Cena , he has been out for most of the year rehabbing his shoulder, lost overall in his feud with AJ Styles and really hasn’t had his 2016 defining moment. John Cena looks to change that at No Mercy by once again becoming the WWE World Champion. Plus, it would be his 16th title reign, which means he would tie the record with the legendary Nature Boy, Ric Flair. AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose both agree thats the last thing that should happen.
The tension between all three men has been openly spoken about and showcased with physicality. The build up to this match has been great. The promos on both Smackdown Live and Talking Smack building up to this match have felt so organic and unscripted. It almost feels as if all three of these guys really don’t like each other. It’s become very clear throughout this year that both AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose don’t like John Cena and are both unaware of why he’s even handed the opportunity to be in this match. The tension between Ambrose and Cena has been the most intriguing. Ambrose believes that Cena has lost his passion for the WWE and become a lazy part timer on his high chair who would rather be at award shows and filming TV Shows while a guy like him his busting his ass night in and night out. Cena has come out and openly stated that he does not care for Dean Ambrose and finds Ambrose to believe in his own hype too much when he’s just been “meh okay” compared to his other former Shield partners. John thinks that Ambrose settled once he won the championship and walks around thinking he is more valuable to the company than he really is.
AJ Styles simply believes that he is better than both of them. I mean he’s won the World Title in almost every company he was in, where he set that as a goal. Unlike John Cena and Ambrose, he’s literally wrestled all around the world, against the who’s who of the wrestling business. In this very same year before his debut he faced Shinsuke Nakamura in the Tokyo Dome..this very same year! When Styles came to the WWE and had to prove himself to everyone, he did it because he accomplished every goal he set out for himself as of yet. Styles truly believes he’s the new “face that runs the place,” and quite frankly why shouldn’t he? He’s been there more than Cena for 2016 and even defeated Cena clean, right? He defeated Ambrose for the WWE Championship while Ambrose was on top of his game? However, Im not sure he’s worked as much as Ambrose and he did beat him with a low blow?  I also don’t think he has done as much media work, which is big part of being the face that runs the place as Cena and plus Cena has been the face of the WWE for over a decade? Technically, now that I think of it all three of these guys have a reason to claim that they think they are the most valuable asset, not only Smackdown Live but the WWE as a whole. They all have reasons to claim that they should be the WWE Champion. Now the question is who’s going to be walking out of No Mercy being able to back it up?
I predict that AJ Styles walks out of No Mercy as the WWE World Champion. Why? Well for one he just won the damn thing, and I hate to see the title bouncing around more this year since you know if the title does switch hands it will be the 7th time we’ve had a new WWE Champion this calendar year and personally I think that diminishes the prestige of the title. Yeah, I get it happened in the Attitude Era, rapid title changes like they were playing hot potato with the belt. Although, if Smackdown Live wants their talent and World Championship to be taken seriously than the title holders better defend it when they have it like it’s their life purpose. Rumour has it that Cena will be leaving after No Mercy until the beginning of November to film his new show for the Fox Network. Don’t get me wrong, I do think whether we like it or not, John Cena will become a 16 time World Champion, however it won’t be this Sunday. I do think using it for the build up for this triple threat was smart because every time it looks like Cena is about to win, it’ll have us on the edge of our seats. Ambrose winning it back so soon doesn’t make any sense to me personally. I mean yeah, I want to see Ambrose as champion again sometime down the road. but his last reign was getting stale before it was really even started. I mean, lets have the Ambrose character develop a bit before he gets his title again. Lets have Ambrose dig deep and find that Lunatic he needs to be to elevate the Smackdown brand and the championship before he wins it again. Thats just my opinion. In a way this prediction is both who I personally want to win the match and also who I actually think is going to win even if I had to bet money on it. The Phenomenal One will walk out of No Mercy still the WWE World Champion by hook or crook.
Prediction – AJ Styles

What do you think about my predictions for No Mercy? What are your predictions? Do you agree or disagree with my thoughts and ideas of what might happen on the show? Leave your comments and opinions below.