SmackDown Five-Point Preview: July 16, 2015

The battle before Battleground

Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt: Raw, July 13, 2015

The Lunatic Fringe battles the mind games of The Eater of Worlds.

Tonight on SmackDown, Dean Ambrose will join forces with Roman Reigns to combat “Mr. Money in the Bank” Sheamus & Big Show. With WWE Battleground three days away, one thing is for certain, havoc will not be hard to find in this tumultuous main event.

The fierce showdown carries with it major implications, as it features combatants from two imminent WWE Battleground clashes, both of which will take place this Sunday on the award-winning WWE Network. The Celtic Warrior will go head-to-head with Randy Orton and The Big Dog will finally look to get his hands on Bray Wyatt.

In addition to the explosive main event contest, WWE.com has learned that Reigns himself is scheduled to open Thursday night’s hottest show, after ambushing The Eater of World during Monday’s Raw. What will he have to say? And considering Wyatt’s track record, will the ominous Superstar look to bring his mind games to a whole new level? Find out tonight at 8/7 C on Syfy.

Can Rollins slay the Beast alone?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Contract Signing for WWE Battleground: Raw, July 13, 2015

Chaos erupts when Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins meet to make their WWE Battleground clash official.

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins hasn’t been seen or heard from since Monday’s Raw. During the contract signing on WWE’s flagship show, The Architect got a small, chaotic taste of what might happen to him against Brock Lesnar this Sunday at WWE Battleground.

Moreover, Rollins is going to have to do it alone, in what could be a very dangerous trip Suplex City indeed. In recent weeks, The Beast Incarnate has systematically destroyed almost every asset the WWE World Heavyweight Champion has at his disposal, putting J&J Security out indefinitely and even removing Kane out of the equation by smashing the Director of Operations’ ankle between the steel steps!

Rollins has vowed to burn Suplex City to the ground, but is it possible to do it all by himself? 

What will follow revolution?

NXT's Women's division emerges to challenge Team Bella: Raw, July 13, 2015

Stephanie McMahon launches the Women's Evolution by introducing Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and NXT Women's Champion Sasha Banks on Raw.

Stephanie McMahon put Team Bella on notice this past Monday night when she brought Charlotte, Becky Lynch and the NXT Women’s Champion Sasha Banks into a WWE ring in an act of absolute revolution.

With the additions of the intense up-and-coming NXT Divas, the landscape of the squared circle has been turned completely upside down. Charlotte and Lynch look to be joining Paige in her crusade to loosen the Bellas’ grip over the Divas division, while The Boss has aligned with Naomi and Tamina. But how will the shockwaves from this monumental occurrence be felt tonight? Don’t miss the best show on Thursday night to find out. 

Power clashes with brutality

Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens vs. Rusev - Winner Faces John Cena for the U.S. Championship: Raw, July 13, 2015

A Triple Threat Match breaks out as three United States Championship challengers pursue John Cena's title.

On SmackDown tonight, Cesaro will look for a little payback against Rusev. Monday night, after Kevin Owens opted to take a walk in their Triple Threat Match, The Bulgarian Brute triumphed over The Swiss Superman and earned an immediate United States Title opportunity against John Cena.

Since returning from injury, Rusev has attacked his opponent with a renewed viciousness that is second to none — displaying dominance and his innate ability to be one of the most ruthless Superstars today. Can the powerful Cesaro stop his momentum or will Rusev leave another Superstar in ruin?

Can a New Day rise above The Lucha Dragons?

Mark Henry & The Prime Time Players vs. The New Day: Raw, July 13, 2015

The New Day's positivity is put to the test against The World's Strongest Man and The Prime Time Players.

Three nights before they battle The Prime Time Players for the WWE Tag Team Championships at Battleground, The New Day will compete against The Lucha Dragons on SmackDown.

But which combination will be in action? Will the power of positivity lead them to victory on Syfy? If Sin Cara & Kalisto can pick up a victory tonight against the No.1 contenders, what does that mean for the Tag Team Title picture?

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