WWE Clash of Champions 2016: Match-by-match predictions for the show

After years of leaving it dormant, WWE has finally unearthed Clash of the Champions from the annals of World Championship Wrestling history.

Well, sort of.

WWE removed the "the" part from the title, thus making it Clash of Champions, which falls in line with the event's former title, Night of Champions.

Also, the event is an actual pay-per-view, which was not the case for WCW's version, as those were television specials that took place at various points throughout the year.

This time around, Clash is a Raw-exclusive pay-per-view under WWE's second incarnation of the brand split. Every title on WWE's flagship brand is on the line along with three non-title contests.

So without further delay, here are my predictions for Clash of Champions.

WWE Universal championship – Kevin Owens (c) vs. Seth Rollins

Although the build to this match has been rather pedestrian, I'm still personally looking forward to it, as Owens and Rollins are two of the best in-ring performers in the world today.

With that said, I believe the outcome is rather predictable, as Owens is almost a lock to retain in his first title defense. I even think the modus operandi is predictable, as I think most assume that Triple H will have some form of involvement in the match.

The one thing I have liked about the build is Rollins' maturation into a full-fledged babyface. It hasn't overnight, which is good. It should take time, as Rollins spent two years as one of WWE's top heels.

He shouldn't have simply flipped a switch and embraced the adulation of the fans. It should happen gradually and WWE has done that to this point.

Prediction: Owens RETAINS the Universal championship

WWE Raw Women's championship – Charlotte (c) vs. Sasha Banks vs. Bayley

This is a WrestleMania-worthy match, but that event is more than six months away and WWE rarely looks that far down the road.

Instead, WWE is focused on presenting the biggest match possible right here, right now.

Like the Universal title match, I expect a great contest despite its iffy build.

As for the winner, I think Banks will regain the championship, but do so in more of a heel manner. I think that will give way to a rekindling of the rivalry between her and Bayley, which should also be saved for WrestleMania, but again, that is too far down the road.

As for Charlotte, I think she will move away from the title picture (after her rematch, of course) and begin a feud with her current protégé Dana Brooke. If that doesn't happen, I don't see what else WWE could do with her at the moment.

Prediction: Banks WINS the Raw Women's championship

WWE United States championship – Rusev (c) vs. Roman Reigns

Reigns has to win the title here, right?

WWE could obviously opt to keep the championship on Rusev, but I just don't see it happening by way of the Bulgarian defeating Reigns. It would have to be another non-finish, which we have seen before between these two.

I'm not totally sure WWE wants to put the United States title on Reigns, as the company might see the title as being beneath him, which would be strange, as John Cena held the title multiple times in 2015.

However, I don't see any other outcome with this match.

Prediction: Reigns WINS the United States championship

WWE Cruiserweight championship – T.J. Perkins (c) vs. Brian Kendrick

Although I believe WWE miscalculated by not showcasing Perkins during the debut of the cruiserweight division on Raw last Monday, I do think the company will make up for it by allowing Perkins and Kendrick to tear it up at Clash of Champions.

I liked the decision to have Kendrick be Perkins' first challenger. He is the most recognizable name in the division at the moment and could easily play the role of the heel during the match.

With that said, I don't see Perkins losing not only his first title defense but his first WWE match.

Prediction: Perkins RETAINS the Cruiserweight championship

WWE Raw Tag Team championship – The New Day (c) vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

I've been predicting for it to happen all summer, but I think it's finally time for Gallows and Anderson to win the tag titles.

At the very least, it'll add a different dimension to a rivalry that has left a lot to be desired.

Prediction: Gallows & Anderson WIN the Raw Tag Team championship

Sami Zayn vs. Chris Jericho

Zayn and Jericho didn't get to do much in the way of advancing their story this past Monday night, as they were shoved into a massive tag team match, but I did enjoy the Highlight Reel segment between the two a couple of weeks ago.

Although there hasn't been a ton of storytelling between these two, I expect another fun match here with Zayn coming out on top.

Prediction: Zayn def. Jericho

Best-of-7 series – Cesaro vs. Sheamus

I'm a fan of both of these men, but I really have no care of who wins this match one way or the other.

I'm not totally sure what's at stake and it was painfully obvious that Cesaro was going to fight his way back from being down 3-0 in the series.

With that said, I believe Sheamus will prevent him from completing the comeback and win the deciding match in the series.

Prediction: Sheamus def. Cesaro

Kickoff match – Nia Jax vs. Alicia Fox

It's not a matter of if Jax will defeat Fox. It is a matter of how long it will take and how much bodily harm will be done in the process.

The last time these two were in the ring together, Jax tossed Fox around like a sack of potatoes and then speared her through the barricade.

I fear for Fox's safety this time around.

Prediction: Jax def. Fox