For the first time, WWE will have a major live event in Italy. The Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy, is home to the historic event on Sunday, May 31, at a special start time of 2:00 p.m. EST. Thankfully for those in Italy, WWE has put together a star-studded card, with world title clashes, huge names, and WrestleMania rematches.
Who will make their mark on Italy’s grand stage? Who will walk out as champion? Are there any surprises in store? It’s time to preview WWE Clash in Italy with my thoughts and predictions for this Sunday’s event!
Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Gunther
This is the hardest match to predict. Gunther has been unbeatable since he retired John Cena and AJ Styles. It’s hard to see him take a loss here, even against someone like Cody Rhodes. When I look at the big picture, I don’t know who Gunther would face on SmackDown if he were to win. There seems to be a lack of viable challengers. The same can apply to Cody Rhodes, but he’s at least got something brewing with Sami Zayn, and he’s still got the story with Randy Orton that will hopefully be rehabbed into something good, rather than something awful. Speaking of Orton, I would not be shocked if the injury rumors are false and he interferes here. As far as the match quality goes, this should be great. It’s kicking off the show, so it’ll get a red shot and tantalize the Italian crowd right from the start.
Prediction: 51% Rhodes retains.
WWE Women’s Championship Match: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Jade Cargill
I was expecting a rematch to take place pretty soon after their WrestleMania match. Their match at Mania was better than I thought it would be, so I actually have decent expectations for this. I fully expect Cargill’s crew of B-Fab and Michin to interfere, as well as Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair getting involved on Ripley’s behalf. Cargill pinned Ripley during Saturday Night’s Main Event to get some momentum, so now, I 100% have Ripley winning here and moving on to her next challenger.
Prediction: Ripley retains.
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sol Ruca
They did a non-title match between these two at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but it only lasted a couple of minutes as Sol won by disqualification. Now, the title is on the line, and Ruca definitely stands a strong chance of winning the championship in Italy. Despite Ruca’s stint on the main roster being, so far, not the best, and her injury, it would make sense for Ruca to get her crowning moment. But, there’s still a good chance they drag this out and have Lynch retain here by cheating, and the feud continues, or maybe they both just move on their separate ways.
Prediction: Ruca wins the title.
Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
I understand why making this more of a feud, rather than just a one-off match, is enticing and, in some ways, better. However, I really liked Brock’s send-off and thought that was a perfect conclusion to his career. Now, when he does retire, it won’t have the same impact, and since this match is happening again, all signs point toward a trilogy with Lesnar winning here. Oba should ultimately win the feud at either Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia or SummerSlam in Lesnar’s home state of Minnesota. I don’t love the idea of Femi losing, but it won’t necessarily kill him, just halt his momentum until WWE’s ready to pull the trigger on him winning the championship. With all that said, I’m excited for the match, and I hope it’s a fun sprint.
Prediction: Lesnar wins.
World Heavyweight Championship Tribal Combat Match: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
Clash in Italy has both of the men’s world championships on the line. Now, on the Monday Night Raw side, Roman Reigns defends his title in Tribal Combat against Jacob Fatu. This is a rehash of their match from Backlash earlier this month. Now, it’s got no rules, so both men can go out there and push the envelope even more. I liked their match at Backlash, and even though the past Tribal Combat matches don’t have the greatest track record, I expect this to be a bright spot in that catalog. With every passing day, I’m thinking there’s more of a chance a surprise title change could take place, but I’m still leaning toward the belt staying where it is, as Reigns heading into SummerSlam as the World Heavyweight Champion still makes sense in the eyes of WWE.
Prediction: Reigns retains the title.
Final Thoughts
I’m very hyped for this show. Unlike Backlash or Saturday Night’s Main Event, where I headed into both events feeling underwhelmed, this card has a lot of potential and should close out a slew of May special events with a bang. It’s crazy what putting big names on the card and titles on the line can do for you, huh?! In all seriousness, it’s great to see Italy get this moment, and I have no doubt this crowd will be as white hot for all the action as you can get. Che figata! Arrivederci! Did I do it right?
