The final pay-per-view of 2017 for WWE is setting up some interesting things for the Royal Rumble and perhaps beyond. Rumors are once again rampant that Daniel Bryan could be involved in a match at Wrestlemania, this time against Shane McMahon. With both men being the special referees in an important tag match pitting Shinsuke Nakamura and Randy Orton against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn something may come to a head in that one. Beyond that, there are four championship matches on the show too. The Tag Team Championship is on the line in a Fatal 4 Way Match. The Usos defend against Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin, Rusev & Aiden English and New Day.

A Triple Threat match sees Baron Corbin defending the United States Championship against Bobby Roode and Dolph Ziggler. Charlotte Flair once again takes on Natalya for the Women’s Championship. While AJ Styles defends the WWE Championship against Jinder Mahal too. This is the W2Mnet WWE Clash of Champions 2017 Preview & Predictions.

WWE Clash of Champions 2017 Preview & Predictions

An Introduction to the Article

As someone that has quite a bit of experience doing these roundtable type articles, I wanted to do this a bit differently than some others. Instead of having numerous people all give thoughts on each match, I felt it better to assign one match to each person. So, one of our staff members will give their thoughts on the match itself and predict a winner. This continues until the end of the article, when everyone gathers to give their overall thoughts on the event. – Sean Garmer

W2Mnet Staff

Sean Garmer, Co-Host of Wrestling 2 the MAX, W2Mnet Editor-in-Chief

Paul Leazar, Co-Host of Wrestling 2 the MAX, W2Mnet Wrestling Dept. Head

Patrick Ketza, Host of Wrestling Unwrapped, W2Mnet Wrestling Senior Editor

Harry Broadhurst, Co-Host of Wrestling Unwrapped, Host of Wrestling 2 the MAX Smackdown and 205 Live Reviews, W2Mnet Wrestling & Football Contributor

Elizabeth Pugliese, Co-Host of Wrestling 2 the MAX Smackdown and 205 Live Reviews, W2Mnet Wrestling Contributor

Former Tag Partners Battle

Zack Ryder vs. Mojo Rawley

They’ve hinted at this for months, and the turn finally happens with Mojo Rawley turning on Zack Ryder. The problem is, they haven’t given this much time on television after that. So, this match may serve as the vehicle for a more consistent program. In order for that to mean anything, Mojo has to win this match. Get fans booing him and into supporting Zack Ryder with some modicum of fandom. Ryder has proven many times over the years fans can get sympathetic towards him. They need that here, or this feud will go into misery very quickly. – Sean Garmer

Winner: Mojo Rawley

Other Staff Member Predictions: Everyone else also picked: Mojo Rawley.

Midcard Tag Battle

Tyler Breeze & Fandango (Breezango) vs. Harper & Rowan (Bludgeon Brothers)

So, basically the ending of this has already been foreshadowed by two things. One, the way the Bludgeon Brothers are winning matches in a short manner. Two, by WWE itself banishing the Fashion Files to WWE.com for an exclusive web series. The second part is a good idea in theory because the gimmick is popular. If it can catch on with casuals, or just continue to thrive like Southpaw Regional Wrestling, it may become an even bigger deal. However, it also has a chance of failing being away from Smackdown television. Notice how little I’ve talked about the match itself yet? Yeah, that’s because this is a SQUASH. – Sean Garmer

Winners: Bludgeon Brothers

Other Staff Member Predictions: Everyone else also picked: Bludgeon Brothers.

United States Championship Match

Triple Threat Match: (Champion) Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Bobby Roode

What was seemingly being built as a singles match between Bobby and Baron, got a wrench thrown-in last minute with the addition of Dolph to the match. In theory, this would make Corbin’s chance of retaining slimmer. In reality, it increased that outcome. There is no chance that Ziggler is walking out with the belt. The smart money for the title sees Corbin vs Roode in some fashion. So, I fully expect Baron to retain, pinning Dolph in the process. – Harry Broadhurst

Winner AND STILL CHAMPION: Baron Corbin

Other Staff Member Predictions: Paul & Sean: Bobby Roode. Liz & Patrick: Baron Corbin.

Tag Team Championship Match

Fatal-4-Way Match: (Champions) The Usos vs. New Day vs. Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin vs. Rusev & Aiden English

For some reason this has turned into yet another Fatal Four way match. However, unlike the usual version of these tag matches, where anyone could tag in anyone else, there is a new stipulation that you can only tag in our own partner. This makes things, well, I’d like to say more interesting. However, I highly doubt that. In some respects it might. Will we see teams work together to keep one member away from the only man who can help him? Who knows.

Honestly, this could have been broken down into two matches. Usos vs Benjamin/Gable and Rusev Day vs The New Day. I am loving the Rusev Day stuff. But neither of the latter two teams should be in this match. The other two are where the title picture story is at right now. It’s time to liven things up, so I say Gable and Benjamin get an “upset” win here. – Elizabeth Pugliese

Winners AND NEW CHAMPIONS: Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin

Other Staff Member Predictions: Sean: Gable & Benjamin. Harry, Paul & Patrick: Usos.

Fight For Your Life Tag Match

Double Special Referee Match (Shane McMahon & Daniel Bryan): Shinsuke Nakamura & Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

I have no issue with this match happening. Three of the best on Smackdown involved here and when Orton is motivated, four of the best. The stipulation added to this match is the main problem. It completely foreshadows the end result. There is no chance they are going to take Kevin and Sami off a blue brand already relatively low in star power. Shane and Bryan as referees, only add to what should be the train wreck nature of this match. Especially, since you’ll have to think at least one or both get directly involved in the finish.

To me, Kevin and Sami have to win. And it wouldn’t surprise me if Bryan is directly responsible for that happening. – Harry Broadhurst

Winners: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

Other Staff Member Predictions: Everyone else also picked: Owens & Zayn.

Women’s Championship Match

Lumberjill Match: (Champion) Charlotte Flair vs. Natalya

This has been sort of interesting. While I’m pretty much over Charlotte and Natty facing each other by this point. The whole idea of working the entire division into a overarching feud with The Riott Squad makes sense. However, these matches are usually not all that great. And I’m 100% sure that this won’t be about Natty, Charlotte, or the championship really.

I’m seeing a lot of interference. A lot of debate about whether the women’s locker room can work together for an extended period of time, in keeping The Riott Squad at bay. In the end, I wager Charlotte still walks away with the championship. Whether it’s clean or not, may not really matter all that much either. This match should finally allow The Riott Squad to take center stage in the women’s division. Perhaps, even actually matter as well, instead of just being a thorn in everybody’s side. – Paul Leazar

Winner AND STILL CHAMPION: Charlotte Flair

Other Staff Member Predictions: Everyone else also picked: Charlotte Flair. Harry: thinks Carmella cashes in on Charlotte after the match ends.

WWE Championship Match

(Champion) AJ Styles vs. Jinder Mahal w/ Singh Brothers

What a weird time for the WWE title. Originally, we were expected to have the Modern Day Maharaja reign until Wrestlemania. Then… Brock Lesnar happened. Whether Brock actually happened or not, either way, AJ Styles now holds the title. It was always a question AJ would lose it before the India tour, yet here we are. Now, where do we go from here? The one that gets it done gets a chance to get it done again with the title he holds so dear. And, truth be told, getting so close to the Rumble and Mania season, why would he lose it now? Jinder, you’ve served well, but your time is done as champ. Thank you for your service, but go beat up the Singh Brothers for a few weeks. – Patrick Ketza

Winner AND STILL Champion: AJ Styles

Other Staff Member Predictions: Everyone else also picked: AJ Styles.

Well, this concludes the WWE Clash of Champions 2017 Preview. Leave your predictions in the comments below. Also, check out Gary Vaughan, Sean and Paul giving their predictions on-air, on the Wrestling 2 the MAX Podcast.