Words by Bill Bodkin & Mike Mueller
The WWE late-summer classic, SummerSlam, will emanate from MetLife Stadium for not one, but two days on Saturday August 2nd and Sunday August 3rd. Pop Break’s Editor-in-Chief Bill and staff writer, BCP+ writer & host of the Sweet Chin Musings Podcast “Mr. Perfect” Mike Mueller take to Pop Break to give their predictions for SummerSlam 2025 Night 1.
WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton © vs. Jade Cargill
Mike’s Thoughts: It would seem like Naomi vs Jade is the likely way to go, and if that’s the case, Tiffany Stratton should retain here to free Jade up to go after Naomi. She’s had a pretty good title run, highlighted by an ongoing feud with Nia Jax, along with one-off televised defenses against Bailey, Charlotte Flair, and Trish Stratus.
However, despite all of that, it’s going to require interference of some kind for Tiffany to retain here (which is totally possible). Jade has spent a long time playing second fiddle and it seems like WWE is hesitant to keep her down much longer. Jade is a superstar who benefits greatly from having gold around her waist.
Predictions: Tiffy’s time is up. Is it the best move for the moment? Perhaps not, but Jade is your new WWE Women’s Champion.
Bill’s Thoughts: Naomi, thankfully, will not have to lose another match to Jade Cargill. No, she’ll drop it to Stephanie Vaquer at Clash in Paris. Jade Cargill, however, will become that champ when she beats Tiffany. Tiffany is now firmly established in WWE, so it’s now time to pass the torch to Jade, who needs the elevation of the title.
Predictions: “And new” Jade Cargill.
Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul
Mike’s Thoughts: SummerSlam and celebrities are like Christmas and eggnog, it’s fine, it’s tradition, but it’s not the reason you showed up to the party. While their participation in matches usually doesn’t leave a lasting impact, it is extremely impactful on getting the attention of non-wrestling fans. On her podcast, comedian Kathleen Madigan mentioned that she’s going to go out of her way to watch SummerSlam just to see Jelly Roll.
As far as Drew and Randy (and I guess Logan) go, this doesn’t seem like it’s going to be an ongoing feud for much longer, and it feels like both of these perennial main eventers are just in a holding pattern until their next big move.
Predictions: Celebrities are rarely on the losing side of things at SummerSlam, and this will be no different. Orton and Jelly Roll def Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul.
Bill’s Thoughts: A few weeks ago WWE and AEW firmly, and without hesitation, planted their definitive flags of “who they are” over All In Texas Weekend. AEW is firmly the wrestling alternative where dudes can get stabbed in the head with a fork, and WWE is firmly where country singers will chokeslam a YouTuber. And you know what, that’s the way it should be. There are people who are going to lose their minds in joy over this match. Will I be one of them? Absolutely not. However, WWE is in the business of moving tickets, getting eyes on PLEs and selling sponsorships to matches — not making Bill Bodkin happy. This match will do all of the above (minus making me happy) and it’ll be a spectacle for sure.
Predictions: Randy Orton doesn’t lose on PLE’s, brother.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Match: The Judgement Day (Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez) © vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
Mike’s Thoughts: Charlotte and Alexa are the definition of a thrown together tag team, with absolutely no reason to gel. That being said, they seem to work together well, and Charlotte is starting to get legit cheers for the first time in a long time. Giving them the titles could be a nice feel good moment and help cement Charlotte as a babyface.
Meanwhile, the drama is just waiting for Judgment Day when Liv returns. It would cause a nice wrinkle if Raquel and Roxanne still had the titles, it doesn’t seem necessary.
Predictions: Charlotte recently liked my tweet and that’s literally all it takes for me to predict New Women’s tag team champions. Charlotte and Alexa win.
Bill’s Thoughts: WWE has a habit of putting wrestlers in the classic odd couple team where you think they’re going to eventually split up, and they never do. This happened with Daniel Bryan and Kane in Team Hell No and later Alexa Bliss with Nikki Cross. I think the same thing happens here with Alexa and Charlotte. I do wonder if having Judgement Day drop the titles will allow Raquel or Roxanne to work AAA’s Triplemania in Mexico City for the Reina de Reinas (aka Queen of Queens/AAA Women’s World Title) which has been held for two years by Lady Flammer. If WWE is looking to put eyes on that show and that title, either of these ladies (or Natalya or Lola Vice for that matter) would work very well.
Predictions: “And New” Charlotte & Alexa
Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker
Mike’s Thoughts: Two world champion main eventers vs Rollins’ goon squad? C’mon man, there’s no way Roman and Jey lose this match. It’ll be competitive, sure, as Bron Breakker is a bona fide superstar in the making, but ultimately this is just buying time for Seth to return from his horribly untimely injury.
Predictions: Roman and Jey win, with Bronson Reed eating the loss, per usual.
Bill’s Thoughts: Unless there’s a brand new world beating member of Team Bron Bron, there’s no way Big Dog and Yeet Man lose here.
Prediction: The Bloodline
Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
Mike’s Thoughts: This has been a polarizing angle to say the least. Regardless of personal thoughts about the story, the big question is: is WWE just getting what they can out of Kross before they dump him, or do they plan on keeping him around a while longer? If he’s gonna stick around, a win for Kross is the way to go.
Either way, Sami seems to be on the long track for a main event spot in next year’s Wrestlemania. Going through a little adversity and doubt along the way is always good for Zayn, but if Kross is on his way out, that would be a dumb move.
Predictions: My faith in WWE’s faith in Kross is non-existent, so Sami wins.
Bill’s Thoughts: Karrion Kross is one of the most fascinating humans in WWE. There are certain sections of the internet that swear he is the second coming of wrestling Jesus. He’s the catalyst for every storyline in WWE. He’s a future world champion. He should beat Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania. There is an insane worship for him from a small but vocal subsection of Wrestling Twitter.
Now, there’s currently speculation he hasn’t signed his new deal. Call me a cynic (it’s fine, most do) but WWE is not putting someone on their show that’s not already signed. I think this whole story is some sort of work in order to garner interest for a guy that most people, besides those ardent worshippers on Twitter, do not care about. I think Kross has got everything going for him except when the bell rings and I don’t think I’m alone in that sentiment.
Prediction: Karrion Kross wins, news breaks on the post-show or on X that he’s resigned with WWE. The crowd goes mild.
WWE World Title Match: Gunther © vs. CM Punk
Mike’s Thoughts: Punk has proven he’s back for the long haul, and has effectively won over the vast majority of the WWE Universe. The whole world is rooting for Punk here, and if Gunther’s World title reign hadn’t been interrupted by Jey Uso, this would be the perfect time for Punk to win this match.
However, Gunther doesn’t have short title reigns, and not giving the audience what they want is kind of Gunther’s specialty. With how night two is likely going to end, night one seems to have a dark rain cloud sitting squarely above the main event.
Prediction: Gunther retains and sends the fans home unhappy for Summerslam 2025 Night 1.
Bill’s Thoughts: I’m of two minds on this match. If this match opens the show, then Punk is winning as clean as a sheet, brother. Gunther will look strong, and he’ll eventually rumble with Roman at some point.
Now, if this match goes on last — let’s get nuts. Seth Rollins is cashing in and his injury was a massive work. You can’t just end with “Gunther wins.” That’s a flat ending. You can’t end with “CM Punk wins” because that would indicate Cody loses to Cena (which he likely won’t because they need to course correct that horrific Cena turn…unless The Rock comes out of course…which he’s not).
So, what better way to “shock the world” and conclude SummerSlam 2025 Night 1 than to have Seth come in and cash in. Now, the money angle would be this … Punk somehow ends up getting the flash pin on Gunther, but he’s broken down, beaten up and his chest is seconds away from caving in. His music plays, he raises his hand with the title … finally, he’s won. Then “Burn it Downnnnnn” and Seth Rollins runs in (no injury in sight), cashes in, and beats Punk with a GTS. He hops the rail and blows a kiss to Punk. That’s how you book a finish, brother.
Prediction: Punk (if it’s the first match), Seth Rollins (if it’s the main event)
