WWE No Mercy 2016: Match Card And Predictions

Here we are again. It’s time for No Mercy, WWE’s third pay-per-view since Summerslam. Luckily, it’s a Smackdown show this time – and who expected us to be saying that six weeks ago? The blue brand has been the biggest surprise in Wrestling through September. Somehow, with 80 minutes of weekly TV and a much weaker roster, it’s beating Raw with the one thing the flagship show does not have: it’s digestible.

No Mercy isn’t going to light up the record books. It might not even be a show we remember in 12 months time. But with the matches announced (seven so far) it should be a fun, entertaining show. And that’s what we’re supposed to be watching, isn’t it? Sports entertainment?

There’s an interesting mix of bouts this time round. A seasoned match predictor such as myself can tell you there are a couple of fights which have proved difficult to call. In the end though, you can trust my judgement. Here’s what to expect from No Mercy 2016:

 

Baron Corbin Vs Jack Swagger

Corbin wins. Next question.

In all seriousness this bout has the Lone Wolf written all over it. Both are big guys, which old Vince likes, but Jack Swagger has more or less proved what his ceiling is. Corbin might not turn out much better in terms of his ability to draw money in the long run, but for now he still has potential. After the screwy finish on Smackdown this past week, the writing is on the wall. Corbin wins in convincing fashion then moves on to the Intercontinental Title scene (because who else is there?).

 

Carmella Vs Nikki Bella

That Smackdown are managing to tell two solid women’s storylines at the same time is one thing. The fact Carmella is turning into a convincing heel is something else. Putting her in a programme with Nikki Bella was smart, but it does make this match extremely pesky to predict. Assuming this is the programme going in to Survivor Series I’m saying Nikki gets a roll up win, only to earn another beat down from her jealous rival after the bell. There’s definitely room for this rivalry to run, so don’t expect it to end here.

 

Randy Orton Vs Bray Wyatt

The worst thing WWE could do for this match is make it normal. It doesn’t need a stipulation, but it does need a bit of weirdness. Maybe the action spills out of the ring. Perhaps after the match the lights go out and Wyatt disappears, leaving behind an invitation to his compound. Orton needs to work for this victory. Because yes, Orton is winning this one. WWE have the Viper in full-on rebuild mode after his controversial match with Brock Lesnar at Summerslam. Wyatt fans will have to console themselves with a Kane feud once the Eater of Worlds has done jobbing here.

 

Heath Slater & Rhyno Vs The Usos

Hmm, this one is probably the hardest call of the night. Slater is as hot as he’s been in his entire career, but the big question is whether WWE have any real storylines plans left for the Beauty & The Man Beast (thanks for that one, Mauro Ranallo). The Smackdown tag division segments in recent weeks have all focused on a budding feud between The Usos and American Alpha. The smart money then, is on The Usos. This becomes doubly true if Rhyno needs time off for his election campaign (Michigan House of Representatives, if you’re interested).

 

Becky Lynch Vs Alexa Bliss

As much as I’d like to see Bliss win this (with Becky then chasing the belt until the Rumble) this match is about pushing Becky to the stars. She’s already getting big pops, despite how dorky her whole ‘Straight Fire’ thing is. Regardless, this will be a good match – one of the best of the night – and Bliss will come off looking strong. In the end though, the Lass Kicker will make her tap to the Dis-Arm-Her. Expect a rematch, probably in the next couple of weeks, then possibly a fatal four way at Survivor Series.

 

The Miz Vs Dolph Ziggler

Don’t be fooled by rumours that Ziggler is stepping away from the ring for a new backstage role. While it’s a smart misdirect which adds to the drama of the match, Ziggler is coming out of No Mercy with the belt. This will be a barn burner of a match – and could easily cause problems later in the night if the crowd wear themselves out on it. Either way, Ziggler gets a clean win to become a five time Intercontinental Champion. And Miz shuffles up to the main event scene.

 

AJ Styles Vs Dean Ambrose Vs John Cena

WWE have done a very good job of hiding the fact this is merely a placeholder main event. Both Cena and Ambrose are reportedly taking time off pretty soon for various commitments, meaning Styles is probably holding the strap for the long haul. Ambrose is odds on to eat the pin, possibly with Cena costing him the match. The pair have almost accidentally set the groundwork for a compelling feud down the line, but for now Styles is still the Face that Runs the Place. I’m starting to suspect the Phenomenal One retains all the way to a Wrestlemania main event with Cena – and the idea is making me giddy.

Think any of my predictions are way out? Let me know, and I’ll be sure to explain to you why you’re wrong. Happy pay-per-view weekend, Smarks.