WWE SmackDown Predictions, Dec 13, 2024: John Cena Will BURY Carmelo Hayes

As an avid WWE fan with over two decades of wrestling fandom under my belt, I must say that this week’s SmackDown promises to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions and suspense! With Cody Rhodes defending his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens, the finals of the Women’s U.S. Title Tournament heating up, and rumors swirling about a shakeup on the horizon, it’s safe to say that the road to WrestleMania 41 is shaping up nicely!

This coming week on WWE SmackDown leads up to Saturday Night Main Event, where Cody Rhodes will hold onto his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens. Additionally, the finals of the Women’s U.S. Title Tournament are set to occur. Given that Saturday Night Main Event has a nostalgic feel, it’s possible that legends like Bob Orton might make an appearance to cheer on Randy Orton, who may appear in retaliation against Kevin Owens at some point. Last week on SmackDown, DIY claimed the Tag Team Championship title after reportedly attacking Street Profits backstage and replacing them in their fight against MCMG.

This week on SmackDown, here are the confirmed match-ups: Carmelo Hayes faces an Unknown Rival, Tiffany Stratton challenges Michin for the U.S. Title, and Bayley squares off against Chelsea Green also in a U.S. Title Tournament Match. Additionally, there’s buzz about an upcoming WWE “Transfer Window” Shakeup. This shakeup is said to move superstars from Raw to SmackDown and vice versa, marking what seems to be the midpoint on the WWE calendar as we edge closer to WrestleMania 41 in April.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Mystery Opponent [Personal Rivalry]

After Carmelo Hayes voiced concerns about limited chances on SmackDown, Nick Aldis hinted that Hayes would face an unknown opponent this week. Excitedly, Hayes began to hint at a potential match with John Cena, who has been connected to Hayes through their NXT Storyline with Trick Williams from March. With seeds sown since then, it would be fascinating to watch them square off as Cena embarks on his farewell tour. For Hayes, Cena is a significant inspiration, and the opportunity to wrestle him early in his career could significantly boost his reputation.

Ms. MITB Tiffany Stratton vs. Michin [U.S. Title Tournament]

Tiffany Stratton might triumph over Michin due to a possible WWE strategy to hint at Tiffany potentially claiming the U.S. Title, even though some may find it unnecessary for her to participate in this tournament given its initial setup. Michin, on the other hand, is a consistent mid-card performer who’s had impressive matches this year – notably against Chelsea Green in the Dumpster Match and Iyo Sky last year. Her eventual U.S. Championship win seems imminent, but to make it happen, she requires further character development and a compelling reason for her title victory.

Bayley vs. Chelsea Green [U.S. Title Tournament]

While Bayley is the most established talent here and would bring a ton of credibility and prestige to this title, she does not need to win this title, especially after already winning the world title at Mania this year. This championship should go to an actual mid carder like Chelsea Green, especially since WWE should strike while the iron is hot after how popular she has gotten in 2024. Green’s character work has been commendable to date and should be rewarded. Booking her as merely a hand to make the roster look better is not advisable in the long run, as this could be an entertaining title reign.

Confirmed Match Card and Segments for 12/13 WWE SmackDown:

Cody Rhodes v. Kevin Owens Final Face-Off
Bayley vs. Chelsea Green
Ms. MITB Tiffany Stratton vs. Michin
Carmelo Hayes vs. Mystery Opponent
WWE SmackDown “Transfer Window” Shakeup

2024-12-12 18:15

I’m A Celebrity star Tulisa gets back to reality as she has her Range Rover MOT’d after fleeing Australia – while Coleen Rooney does the school run