This Saturday, WWE will host a premier live match in Germany for the first hour in the promotion’s storied history. Bash in Berlin parks in the Uber area and can survive Peacock.
It’s a pretty sunny card, but it’s expected to be the first post-tent PPV match like SummerSlam in the future. Only five suits are scheduled to speed up the park, but each one has a unique story to follow.
International Heavyweight Champion Gunther will look to put together a major defense of his name when he takes on Randy Orton, who is seeking his 16th major championship. Gunther, who was born and raised in Austria before competing on the wrestling scene in Germany, could receive a hero’s welcome despite running as a heel.
Meanwhile, WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes is about to take on his friend Kevin Owens as the tension between the two continues to rise as we approach showdown time.
Plus, CM Punk and Drew McIntyre continue their year-long feud when the two find themselves in a strap-on suit that’s sure to keep the violence going.
Let’s see who the CBS Sports pros pick to win each and every game on Saturday’s card.
WWE Bash in Berlin 2024 predictions
International Heavyweight Championship – Gunther (c) vs. Randy Orton: Orton is an ideal first challenger for the reign of the Gunther name. Orton is as accomplished a guy as there can be on the WWE roster and losing here will hurt him badly. Gunther also gains credibility by earning a second victory over Orton, having controversially defeated him at King and Queen of the Ring. There’s a real mystery wrong with the outcome here, especially in Germany, but the journey to get there should be perfect as Orton has settled into a nice role as the dangerous veteran. Choose: Gunther keeps the name — Brent Brookhouse (also Shakiel Mahjouri)
WWE Undisputed Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens: Like Gunther, WWE will not take Rhodes’ name away in a tough feud that then spent two years grooming him to be the company’s big name. Rhodes vs. Owens needs to fit right in and remind people how right Owens is. It will also add another solid name coverage to Rhodes’ reign. There is a little confusion about Rhodes retaining the name. The more interesting question is how well the friendship between the stars lasts until the end of the night. Pick: Cody Rhodes keeps the name — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (strap adjustment): McIntyre got the SummerSlam victory, which means Punk has to get the win again or even come out on top. Punk’s friendship bracelet theme at the SummerSlam event was met with a mixed response. A strap adjustment should deliver the violence that was once missing. This won’t solve the problems between Punk and McIntyre, but if we follow wrestling common sense, Punk will get the victory to heat up a third match between the two, probably at Survivor Order. Selection: CM Punk wins — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley against Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan: If there’s a tougher adjustment to look forward to on the card, this is it. The heels gain is sensible if you want to continue collecting frustration from Priest and Ripley and the excess interference from Judgment Date provides enough simple paths to get there. Still, it looks like Priest and Ripley have the advantage of a win here and that’s close to Ripley getting her hands on Morgan with another name. If that is the main objective, Priest and Ripley must achieve victory. Highlight: Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley win – Brook House
Ripley and Priest are the aggressive favorites, so to speak. They are a much more implementing duo than lovebirds Morgan and Mysterio. I think the combination of The Logic Date could be a residue for the heroes to succeed. It is the simplest solution to continue the dispute. If WWE opts to give the German family an easy pop, LWO could even the numbers by helping Priest and Ripley get the win. Choose: Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan win – Mahjouri
Women’s Tag Team Championship: Alba Fyre and Isla Daybreak (c) vs. Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill: I honestly don’t know how this adjustment plays out. Not because WWE has created a fancy story or given the teams such a competitive level, but because it seems a little gimmicky. Malicious Union’s victory at Accident on the Citadel seemed like a chance to praise the Scottish family. Belair and Cargill are much larger partners, but they feel confidential without the titles. I look forward to WWE taking the right path with impeccable champions. Choose: Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill win the titles — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
