WWE SmackDown: Predicting the IC Title Tournament Bracket and Winners
By Mark Justice
Daniel Bryan vs. King Corbin [Grudge Match]
In what would be a rematch from Friday Night SmackDown two weeks ago, the WWE could take the lazy route again and book this rematch for the first round of the tournament. In response to Corbin screwing Elias, Elias would return the favor to help Daniel Bryan overcome King Corbin.
Since Bryan won by Disqualification the last time they wrestled, this rematch would still be unpredictable because naysayers could also see 50:50 booking being implemented here, in which Corbin could logically pick up the victory. However, Daniel Bryan’s journey to the Intercontinental Championship had been emphasized profusely.
The Intercontinental Championship was the title Daniel Bryan relinquished before retiring from in-ring competition in 2014 and he took part in a back-and-forth Intercontinental Championship match against Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 36. After all that hype, it would be embarrassing if he lost in the first round, so he’s a lock to advance in the first round.
Prediction: Daniel Bryan
Drew Gulak vs. Sheamus [Grudge Match]
As can be indicated by past WWE booking decisions, Drew Gulak loses most of his matches while his tag team partner, Daniel Bryan, is protected. This booking situation will be played out in that way for this tournament, especially due to Sheamus’ dominance.
There’s no way Sheamus will lose in the first round of this tournament. His journey to his first Intercontinental Championship, which would guarantee him an Ultimate Grand Slam Champion, is too great of a storyline to pass up.
A victory over Drew Gulak won’t be as easy for the Celtic Warrior as it was against all the jobbers he has been defeating week after week, but the victory is certainly inevitable. This victory would set up Sheamus to battle Daniel Bryan in the semifinals of the right bracket.
Prediction: Sheamus