Nothing says “The Biggest Party of the Summer” like only booking five matches prior to the event. Even better is making the two main events the same as the last month’s PPV. Granted, both have new stipulations added and are still fresh (though Smackdown’s main event scene could be shaken up a bit). With that being said, it’s hard to argue that Summerslam is the second biggest show of the year, when it’s barely even treated as one.
Top tier wrestlers such as The Miz, Rey Mysterio, Alberto Del Rio and Daniel Bryan have been left off the card, as well as both the United States and Intercontinental champions. A few more matches could (and should) be added after this article gets posted. That doesn’t change the fact that more should have been announced by now. I guess Raw was a better place to have the Truth/Morrison blow off match.
No matter how many matches are on the card, I’ve got a job to do. This time, it’ll be easier and quicker. I guess I can’t complain about it. Without further ado, here are my Summerslam predictions.
Undisputed WWE Championship Match
CM Punk vs. John Cena
w/ Triple H as Special Referee
Despite my earlier rant, I have no problem with this match happening again. Not only does the storyline warrant it, but Punk and Cena put on a classic at Money in the Bank. I expect the same to happen here, though I highly doubt this sequel will match the original’s quality.
One of the reasons is because Triple H is the acting referee. I like Triple H, but can’t deny that he sometimes hogs the spotlight. This would be one of those times. Though an argument could be made that his presence in the storyline warrants this, I counter with the fact that he could have appointed someone else as special referee. Come to think of it, no special referee is needed.
Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis may have interfered at Money in the Bank, but the referee still kept law and order. I expect that, if that same referee were booked, any issues would be dealt with accordingly. I guess the problem is his name isn’t Triple H.
I’d also argue that Triple H being the referee makes this match a bit predictable. I already thought CM Punk was walking out as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Now, I almost see it as a certainty. I expect Hunter to Pedigree Cena and count the three for Punk, aligning himself with the Second City Saint. They would explain they’ve been in cahoots all along, hence why Punk came back.
I wouldn’t be the happiest person if this were played out as such, but I wouldn’t hate it, either. It could still be a very engaging storyline and it keeps the WWE title on Punk. My only gripe with it is that I see Triple H taking the spotlight away from Punk, which shouldn’t happen. I’ll have to keep my fingers crossed.
Winner: CM Punk
No Holds Barred for the World Heavyweight Championship
Christian vs. Randy Orton
As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been enjoying this storyline a great deal lately. But, even I have to admit that this has been played out a bit. I knew it would be if Christian won the title at Money in the Bank, which he did. It was a sacrifice I was willing to take, as I wanted the title back on Captain Charisma. I want to see him retain here, even though I know that won’t spell the end of this storyline.
Having Christian win through nefarious (but legal) ways can stretch this feud out until Hell in a Cell. For Night of Champions, having a multi-man match for the title can hold off that clash, while injecting some new blood into the main event scene.
In order for that to happen, Christian has to walk away with the World title still intact. I guess Orton could win it back, with Christian’s rematch being at Hell in a Cell, due to a multi-man match at Night of Champions. Going that route would be asinine, in my opinion, as Orton is always hotter with the crowd when chasing the title. That and they should at least give Christian a decent title run this time.
Winner: Christian
White Chocolate vs. Sexual Chocolate
Sheamus vs. Mark Henry
As happy as I am to see Sheamus as a face, I don’t think Mark Henry was the smartest choice as his first opponent. Sure, it’s great to get the crowd behind him. The only problem is that, in order to keep this new momentum, he needs to pick up the win. That would derail Henry’s recent push and damage his monster persona. Not that this is anything new for the World’s Strongest Man.
There is a simple solution, though. Have the match end in a draw. It could be a double count-out, double disqualification, double pin, etc. This makes both men still look like beasts, despite not actually winning the match. I normally don’t like when a PPV match ends like this, as hard earned money is being spent. This would be one of those rare times when it’d be fine.
Winner: Draw
The Best of NXT Season 1
Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett
It was nice of the WWE to finally add this match to the card, even if it was at the last minute. Since they blew Morrison/Truth and Rhodes/Jackson on free TV, I was afraid the same was going to happen to these two. That, or they’d hold off the match for another PPV. That wouldn’t have been too bad, but I’m glad it’s not the case.
It’s also intriguing to note that both men faced each other, so to speak, in the main event of last year’s Summerslam. Wade led the Nexus into battle against Team WWE, which Bryan was the mystery partner on the team. DB went on a rampage in that contest, only to be eliminated by Barrett. Can he gain revenge this Sunday?
This rivalry may stem back to their NXT roots, but it’s only escalated since Daniel Bryan won the Money in the Bank. As per usual for the briefcase holder (or wanker, as Wade refers to him as), he’ll most likely go on a mini-losing streak. It happened to CM Punk (on two occasions) and it’ll most likely happen to the American Dragon. So far, he’s been fending off the competition.
Since Barrett needs the momentum, I see Bryan’s steam running up at Summerslam. Since his briefcase isn’t on the line (and rightfully so), he can afford to lose. He can get back on track, all the while helping propel Wade back into the main event scene. It’s a win-win situation.
Winner: Wade Barrett
Divas Championship
Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix
Let it be known that, when I say this match should end in under a minute, I don’t mean that in a sexist way. I’d have no problem if this match went five to ten minutes, or even longer. I feel the women’s division needs to be treated better and equally, especially since they have a good, if underused, talent roster.
I say that this match should end in under a minute in order to reestablish Beth Phoenix as a monster heel. Remember when she first debuted the Glamazon character a few years ago? She went on a warpath on the women’s division, with the only offense coming her way came later down the road when her opponent’s scouted her better.
Since this is a new twist on that character (according to her appearance on Colt Cabana’s “Art of Wrestling”), giving her another warpath would be a tremendous way to get her back on top. Not only that, but Kelly Kelly is portrayed as a Barbie doll type diva, who, at this moment, shouldn’t be able to stack up against Phoenix. I realize she’s the champion, but it’s the truth.
Winner: Beth Phoenix