The WWE Battleground pay-per-view is three weeks away with some exciting matches already confirmed. John Cena recently returned to Smackdown Live after three months. He kicked off the event on the Fourth of July and received a warm welcome. However, he was interrupted by another returning superstar in Rusev who did not receive as much hype. There was an altercation between Cena and Rusev, with Cena challenging him for a flag match on the spot. Rusev did not accept the match, but it was later confirmed by Daniel Bryan and scheduled for "Battleground".
According to Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Live, John Cena could lose the match.
The Beginning of rivalry
The rivalry between John Cena and Rusev started in 2015. Rusev defeated Cena in their first match against each other. However, Cena received a rematch at Wrestlemania 31 and defeated Rusev to win his fourth US title. Rusev's undefeated streak was broken by Cena and he has beaten Cena only one time while Cena has defeated him on multiple occasions. This makes it look like Cena has the advantage unless Rusev plays some dirty tricks. According to Alvarez, the match sets up a possible Rusev win since all he has to do is grab his flag to win. This would not affect Cena's momentum heading into Summerslam since he could lose without being pinned.
A victory over John Cena can give a big push to "The Bulgarian Brute."
List of Matches at 'WWE Battleground'
Confirmed matches:
1. WWE Championship -- Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Randy Orton (Punjabi Prison Match)
Randy Orton gets his second rematch but this time it's more personal than ever before. The Singh brothers attacked Randy's father "Cowboy" Bob Orton in the previous match.
This time, it will be a Punjabi Prison match.
2. United States Championship -- Kevin Owens (c) vs. AJ Styles
AJ Styles became the number one contender for the United States Championship. He eliminated 14 other wrestlers and won a 15-man Independence Day Battle Royal on Smackdown Live's main event last week to earn the spot.
3.
John Cena vs. Rusev (Flag Match)
Returning legend John Cena faces another returning superstar in Rusev in a flag match.
4. Tag Team Championship -- The Usos (c) vs. The New Day
Tag Team Title rematch between The Usos and The New Day.
Projected matches not yet confirmed:
5. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin
Baron Corbin attacked Nakamura in the backstage in the past episode of Smackdown Live.
6. Sami Zayn vs. Mike Kanellis
As Zayn has accidentally interrupted the couple of Maria & Mike Kanellis twice, it seems to be a building rivalry between Sami & Mike.
