WWE SmackDown: Predicting the IC Title Tournament Bracket and Winners

Jeff Hardy vs. Cesaro [Grudge Match]

In what would be a rematch from WWE MITB 2020, the WWE could take the lazy route and book this rematch for the first round of the tournament. Evidently, Hardy will win again, continuing his momentum from his return to the ring.

This rematch would still be unpredictable because naysayers could also see 50:50 booking being implemented here, in which Cesaro could logically pick up the victory. However, Hardy’s momentum is on his side, so he’s a lock to advance in the first round.

Prediction: Jeff Hardy

Elias vs. Shinsuke Nakamura [Grudge Match]

As can be indicated by past WWE booking decisions, Cesaro loses most of his matches while his tag team partner, Shinsuke Nakamura, is protected. This booking situation will be played out in that way for this tournament, especially with King Corbin’s help.

Since Elias returned to action at WWE MITB 2020 to screw King Corbin in the MITB Ladder Match, it should be expected to see Corbin get his revenge by screwing Elias in the tournament. Ever since Zayn has been absent from SmackDown, King Corbin has taken Zayn’s spot as the leader of the Artist Collective, which consists of Nakamura and Cesaro.

Henceforth, it would be sensible to see Corbin help Nakamura pick up a heel-like nefarious victory against his arch nemesis, Elias. Corbin never lets things go and he is still frustrated over losing to Elias at WWE WrestleMania 36 this year. This victory would set up Nakamura to battle Jeff Hardy in the semifinals of the left bracket.

Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura