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Whether it's the run-up to SummerSlam, a show WWE was always desperate to position as a WrestleMania-level event, even before moving it back to New York City, or just a way to convince even casual wrestling fans that WWE Network is $9.99 they have to spend each month, Vince McMahon and company at least want us to think they're pulling out all the stops for tonight's Battleground pay-per-view (PPV).
In addition to the persistent rumors of Undertaker returning to avenge his kayfabe brother's ankle and his 'Mania streak by interfering in the main event between WWE champ Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar, there have been whispers that Sting might make his first appearance for the company since March.
Some potential details about how The Icon might get into tonight's affair were offered up on Wrestling Observer Radio. If Sting makes it on to our screens tonight, it's likely that he'll be involved in the Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns match that was started at Money in the Bank.
Working with the future Hall of Famer would be a nice rub for the Eater of Worlds, even if - like his 'Mania match-up with Taker, it would be a match-up that neither man can really afford to lose. A way around that is speculated on by the Observer crew, who say that Luke Harper might also be added to the feud, leading to a possible SummerSlam all-star tag of Reigns & Sting vs. Wyatt & his former follower.
Which would work out great...for everyone other than Roman's friend and frequent ally Dean Ambrose. Maybe The reunited Family could find a replacement for the injured Erick Rowan and make it a six-man?
In much less shocking news, PWInsider is reporting that Sasha Banks, Charlotte and Becky Lynch are in Saint Louis. Though Divas champ Nikki Bella's shoulder injury explains her absence from the card, it seemed like a bad idea (even for WWE's booking of the ladies) to leave the NXT women off the card days after their hot debut on Raw last Monday.
No word exactly on what the three and their allies like Paige, Naomi & Tamina Snuka might be doing tonight, but Mike Johnson also mentions that Charlotte's father, Ric Flair, is on hand for the Scottrade Center show. Whether he's there as a proud papa or as another way to get the young women over with the mainstream crowd is unclear at this time.
No matter what, Battleground is shaping up to be a show you do not want to miss! Keep it here on Cageside Seats for all the latest news and rumor from all around the wrestling world.