WWE SmackDown: Predicting the IC Title Tournament Bracket and Winners

Jeff Hardy vs. Shinsuke Nakamura [Grudge Match]

After defeating one member of the Artist Collective in Cesaro, it would be suitable for Jeff Hardy to continue his momentum by defeating the other member of the Artist Collective in Shinsuke Nakamura. These two have a history when it comes to the United States Championship.

At Extreme Rules 2018, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Jeff Hardy in record time (i.e. 5 seconds) to win his first United States Championship. Although it would be redeeming for Nakamura to win the title for Sami Zayn, Hardy never got his redemption against Nakamura from two years ago, so this would be the time to do so now that his journey to the top is being heavily promoted.

Prediction: Jeff Hardy

Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus [Grudge Match]

After defeating one member of The Duck Walkers in Drew Gulak, it would be suitable for Sheamus to continue his momentum by defeating the other member of The Duck Walkers in Daniel Bryan. These two have a history when it comes to the World Heavyweight Championship.

At WrestleMania 28, Sheamus defeated Daniel Bryan in record time (i.e. 18 seconds) to win his first World Heavyweight Championship. Like Jeff Hardy, Daniel Bryan never got his redemption, so this would be the time to do so but there’s also no need for him to stop Sheamus’ dominance.

Both superstars have strong cases to become the next Intercontinental Champion. However, while Bryan has already achieved some success since returning from retirement (i.e. walked into WrestleMania 35 as WWE Champion), Sheamus clearly needs the win more.

He has been built as a force to be reckoned with since returning and his momentum and character development would be ruined completely if he did not go one-on-one with his current rival, Jeff Hardy, in the finals of this tournament.

Prediction: Sheamus