On Sunday night (August 19), the WWE universe will be watching with anticipation as "SummerSlam 2018" arrives at the Barclays Center. The annual pay-per-view is among WWE's "Big Four," and could feature a number of surprises. That could mean title changes, betrayals, and other major events that lead towards future matches. Based on recent match odds, it's looking like quite a few championships will leave the arena with brand new owners.
Undercard favorites
On Sunday, Bleacher Report provided Odds Sharks' latest updated WWE "SummerSlam 2018" odds.
Fans already have an idea that Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar will probably close out the show. However, there are some stellar matches that could take place ahead of the main event.
Dolph Ziggler vs Seth Rollins, with the Intercontinental title on the line, is one of those. Back in June, Ziggler defeated Rollins for the title after a nice run for The Architect. Currently, Rollins has the advantage Sunday night at 14-25, with Ziggler at 7-5 to retain. A rumor heading into this one is that Dean Ambrose possibly turns heel to double-cross Rollins setting up a feud.
In another undercard matchup, AJ Styles is putting the WWE championship on the line again, and unfortunately, once again, it will probably not be the main event.
He takes on Samoa Joe who has +320 odds to win the title for the first time in his WWE career. Styles is a strong -460 favorite to win and retain his championship for his well-deserved run.
In one of two women's title matches for the night, Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch are part of a Triple Threat with WWE SmackDown Women's Champion Carmella.
As of this report, Mella is an even-money favorite at +100. Becky (+200) and Charlotte (+230) are considered underdogs but some bettors may see an opportunity with this match ahead of the women's pay-per-view. It's possible WWE could move the title to Becky or Charlotte in a heel turn to set up a feud between these two talents at "Evolution."
Other WWE "SummerSlam" odds from the pre-show or undercard include Cedric Alexander (-155) to defeat Drew Gulak (+115), The B-Team (-290) over The Revival (+210), and Braun Strowman (-270) to defeat Kevin Owens (+160) in the Money in the Bank contract match.
Also, The Miz has -185 odds to defeat Daniel Bryan +145, while Shinsuke Nakamura (-530) is favored to retain the United States title against Jeff Hardy (+350).
Rousey, Reigns due for wins?
Things become interesting in two of the biggest matches on the card in terms of star power and title situations. With Ronda Rousey vs Alexa Bliss, WWE may very well be ready to bank on the former UFC as the new WWE "Raw" Women's Champion. Ever since Ronda debuted at "WrestleMania 34," most fans have been highly supportive of her in-ring display. The odds at 5Dimes (per Odds Shark) suggest Rousey is a -300 favorite to defeat Bliss while the current champion is a +220 underdog. It makes sense for this title change to put the belt on Rousey heading into the women's pay-per-view as it will draw headlines and viewers.
Then there's Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship. In many fans' minds, Lesnar has held the title hostage for way too long and Reigns (or another superstar) is due to the win. Oddsmakers suggest that Reigns will capture the title for the first time in his career tonight. He's a -155 favorite to win the match compared to the current champ at +115. With that said, fans will be anxiously watching to see what transpires with the Money in the Bank briefcase as either Strowman or Owens might cash in for an immediate title match.