WWE SmackDown Predictions, Dec 13, 2024: John Cena Will BURY Carmelo Hayes

WWE SmackDown is on the go-home week to Saturday Night Main Event, where Cody Rhodes will defend his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens and the finals of the Women's U.S. Title Tournament will take place. Since SNME is a throwback nostalgic show, there's always a chance that legends like Bob Orton shows up to support the return of his son, Randy Orton, when he inevitably returns to vengefully screw Kevin Owens. Last week on SmackDown, DIY became the new Tag Team Champions after allegedly attacking Street Profits backstage and replacing them to battle MCMG.

This week on SmackDown, three matches have been officially scheduled: Carmelo Hayes vs. Mystery Opponent, Ms. MITB Tiffany Stratton vs. Michin in a U.S. Title Tournament Match, and Bayley vs. Chelsea Green in an U.S. Title Tournament Match. In other news regarding WWE SmackDown, there is a rumored WWE "Transfer Window" Shakeup set to occur. This shakeup will apparently trade Raw superstars to SmackDown and SmackDown Superstars to Raw in what seems to be the halfway point in the WWE calendar as the WWE approaches the road to WrestleMania 41 in April.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Mystery Opponent [Personal Rivalry]

Since Carmelo Hayes complained about insufficient opportunities on SmackDown, Nick Aldis let Carmelo Hayes know that he will have a mystery opponent for him this week. Carmelo Hayes then proceeded to start teasing a potential match with John Cena, who was actually involved in hisa NXT Storyline with Trick Williams back in March. Since seeds were planted since then, it would be intriguing to see them go at it as Cena kickstarts his farewell tour. Hayes sees Cena as a big inspiration of his, and it would be a solid rub for him this early in his career if shared the ring with him.

Prediction: John Cena

Ms. MITB Tiffany Stratton vs. Michin [U.S. Title Tournament]

Tiffany Stratton will defeat Michin because WWE probably wants to tease the idea of Tiffany cashing in on the U.S. Title even though it is redundant to have her in this tournament in the first place. Michin would be more suitable for the finals in this tournament since she is a solidified mid carder who has been putting in some good work this year, especially against Chelsea Green in that Dumpster Match as well as her show stealing match against Iyo Sky last year. Michin will definitely become U.S. Champ in the future but she needs more character development and storyline rationale for doing so.

Prediction: Ms. MITB Tiffany Stratton

Bayley vs. Chelsea Green [U.S. Title Tournament]

While Bayley is the most established talent here and would bring a ton of credibility and prestige to this title, she does not need to win this title, especially after already winning the world title at Mania this year. This championship should go to an actual mid carder like Chelsea Green, especially since WWE should strike while the iron is hot after how popular she has gotten in 2024. Green's character work has been commendable to date and should be rewarded. Booking her as merely a hand to make the roster look better is not advisable in the long run, as this could be an entertaining title reign.

Prediction: Chelsea Green

Confirmed Match Card and Segments for 12/13 WWE SmackDown:

• Cody Rhodes v. Kevin Owens Final Face-Off
• Bayley vs. Chelsea Green
• Ms. MITB Tiffany Stratton vs. Michin
• Carmelo Hayes vs. Mystery Opponent
• WWE SmackDown "Transfer Window" Shakeup

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