WWE SummerSlam Predictions: Rusev vs. Jack Swagger in a Flag Match

Tonight, at WWE SummerSlam, Rusev and Jack Swagger will meet in an emotional battle for the pride of their countries.

Last month at Battleground, Rusev defeated Swagger via countout, now they meet at the second-biggest show of the year in a Flag Match.

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As of this writing, the rules for the match are not yet known. So it is tough to make predictions, but the Daily DDT staff will do their best:

Rob Wolkenbrod’s Take: This has been a fun, mid-card feud for the past six weeks. We’ve essentially seen the second Cold War go on in the middle of a wrestling ring.

I think this has to be the end of the feud because there just isn’t anything else they can do with this. The patriotism promos have been repetitive at times. They do get over with the crowd every time, though. Even with the crowd being behind Swagger, WWE is behind Rusev to make him into a monster heel. He’s done a solid job so far over the past four months on the main roster. We need to see if he can hold up in a longer match, but he’ll be fine for now. I think him and Lana wave the Russian flag in victory.

Rob’s Prediction: Rusev

Stephen Ajamie’s Take: Who would have thought just some time ago that Jack Swagger would be on this run of his? I mean, he’s really become one of the more popular guys in just a matter of time.  I don’t think that will last beyond this feud with Rusev, but still good for Swagger to step into this role as I wasn’t sure what would be next for Rusev after that battle with Big E.  I think it’s an easy feud to throw together, Russia and America, so it’s been well done.  It’s a strong midcard match where Swagger can win, but doesn’t “beat” Rusev.  So you can go with Rusev beating down Swagger after the match, or doing it the next night on RAW, and then he moves ahead with wherever he’s going.

Stephen’s Prediction: Jack Swagger

Jordan Campbell’s Take: The Rusev-Swagger booking has brought the best out of Lana, Swagger, and Zeb Colter. The problem is that it has done little to help Rusev’s character. Swagger and Colter are definitely over with the WWE Universe at this point. Swagger wins the match on Sunday but fails to record a pin-fall on Rusev.

Jordan’s Prediction: Jack Swagger

Marcus Hagness’ Take: I love the concept of this match, marked out when Swagger and Zeb came out to interrupt them the first time and will stand with my right hand over my heart, and in a loud, proud voice proclaim “WE…. THE PEOPLE!” on Sunday night. I honestly don’t know what’s more over, Swagger’s theme music or Zeb’s mustache. Anyway, I believe this will be the first loss of the Bulgarian turned Russian bulldozer known as Rusev.

It would be a smart way to end his winning streak with an actual decision and not a DQ. In matches that have an actual finish he’s 28-0. The only times he’s lost is a DQ to Roman Reigns on SmackDown, the Royal Rumble, and the MITB battle royal on Raw. This way he loses, but doesn’t get pinned or submit. Swagger gets to wave old glory for the LA crowd and we get to hear 20,000 people yell “WE… THE PEOPLE!”

Marcus’ Prediction: Jack Swagger

Brian Rzeppa’s Take: Even though it’s been a little while since this angle started, I still can’t believe how over Jack Swagger is with the crowd; its like him and Cesaro just completely swapped places. With Lana by his side, Rusev has been rolling through all the competition that has been thrown his way but this is where his streak is going to come to a halt. I don’t necessary think that Swagger is the best person to end his undefeated run, but that appears to be the way they’re headed with it.

Brian’s Prediction: Jack Swagger

Mike Smith’s Take: If this match ends by retrieving a flag, which it should, Jack Swagger has a chance. If this match ends by pinfall or submission, Rusev will definitely win.

I think the match, and feud, come to an end with Rusev debilitating Swagger with The Accolade, then retrieving the Russian flag. I think that there was a plan in place to have Swagger win this match, and for the feud to continue, but they have run out of material, and Zeb and Lana’s promos have become very repetitive.

There’s an outside chance that Swagger stands tall at the end of this feud, considering that he and Zeb have considerably more momentum than Rusev and Lana, but I don’t think WWE is giving up on them yet.

Mike’s Prediction: Rusev

So, the Daily DDT staff is split 4-2 in favor of Jack Swagger. Who do you think will come out on top in this match, and what do you think the rules will be? Let us know in the comments section below, and be sure to check out the rest of our predictions for SummerSlam.

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