“SummerSlam is this Sunday!” I remember a time when saying these words actually meant something. I remember a time when WWE didn’t book “the day of,” but actually considered long-term plans and booking, created new talent, and had strong shows from beginning to end. I also remember a time where RAW lacked Jeremy Piven. Welcome to 2009. The Stephanie McMahon Era still to come. Are you ready?
If it wasn’t for SmackDown!, I honestly don’t know if I’d still be following WWE television. I watch RAW out of habit, and seem to get annoyed more by the week. However, since the Draft this year, I’ve watched SmackDown! with passion and interest just about every week. It’s easily the best pro wrestling show on TV today. Great wrestling action, no ridiculous storylines, and mostly fresh faces. What else could you ask for? It is near impossible to believe the same company that produces RAW is also running SmackDown!. But alas, “SummerSlam is this Sunday!”
Kane vs. The Great Khali
Well, let’s keep it short! They obviously invested too much TV time in this pointless feud and now have to put the match on PPV. The last one PPV bout between these was a favorite for Worst Match of the Year. I hope they keep this under two minutes. I have always enjoyed Kane’s work, for whatever reason. He works hard, and tries his best, but I think age is starting to catch up. He has good matches with certain opponents, and Khali is not one of them, as Khali doesn’t have good matches with anyone. From what I hear, Undertaker is due in September/October, and the return program they’re planning for him is with Kane. I guess Kane should win here, but it really makes no difference, as the audience will be the loser one way or another.
MVP vs. Jack Swagger
They didn’t do a good job building this feud up. When Swagger arrived on RAW, they had something with him the first night and playing off of Randy Orton was a nice touch. Of course, they never followed up, and only a month later contradicted their own story by having Swagger interrupt Orton’s interview to claim he’ll win the Beat the Clock challenge and become #1 contender. I liked the talking these two were doing when they first started feuding. Since MVP doesn’t have the US Title anymore, they couldn’t put them on the Night of Champions card, and that’s where they belonged. They stretched the feud by not actually stretching the feud (not giving them enough time on RAW to tell a story and doing BS matches/finishes such as last week, where they had a match without introductions), and I don’t think anyone cares for this. It’s sad because both guys need to be pushing to the top at this stage. I’m going with Swagger.
Big Show/Chris Jericho vs. Cryme Tyme for the Unified Tag Team Championships
Chris Jericho’s brilliance has actually made me enjoy him teaming with Show. I thought it was a horrible idea to put them together, but they have developed an awkward chemistry I seem to care about. Jericho’s mic work is top-notch, and he continues to be the company’s best performer. Unfortunately nobody will care for this match because of the company’s main problem in 2009 — they don’t create new stars. Cryme Tyme have not been established as serious opponents, and a one-night rub from Shaq will not be enough. The people will get into it, but it could have meant so much more! I’m going with Jericho and Show here.
Christian vs. William Regal for the ECW Championship
If given enough time, this could be one of the best matches on the card. Two ring veterans who know how to work a solid bout and are a decent match. To me, Christian is one of the most consistent performers in pro wrestling today. You know you’re going to get a good effort out of him every time he wrestlers. His professionalism is uncanny, having in mind how he’s been treated. I seem to recall him being in top shape and going all out before he left WWE for TNA a couple of years ago too, although he was well aware he’s leaving. I don’t remember the last time William Regal was on PPV. He has aged but remains a solid worker. I hope they get at least ten minutes. I’d go with Christian on this one.
Rey Mysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship
The original plan here was for a title switch at Night of Champions and young Dolph getting the push. Things got changed last minute, but the program was set to continue regardless. I would imagine Ziggler picks up the win here and gets the title. WWE desperately needs new faces on SmackDown!, and they like Ziggler enough to give him the push. I don’t think the program will end at SummreSlam, though.
DX vs. The Legacy
Sadly, WWE thinks this match is the main event. In fact, there’s been a lot of talk backstage on whether this bout should be last on the card, or would the honor go to Punk and Hardy. You always try to send the fans home happy so you end a big show with a babyface win, and with Hardy leaving pretty soon, he will most likely be losing to Punk. (Unless they convince him to stay or he drops the belt on SmackDown! next week.) Thus, it makes sense for DX to send everyone home happy, since it’s Michaels’ first match since WrestleMania. I would assume a DX win is automatic here.
Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk in a TLC Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
This is the real main event to me. It should be a good match. In a way I’m glad this program is over, because they’ve run out of things to do. Adding Matt to the mix was a nice way to breathe some fresh air into it. The plan is for Matt to take Jeff’s spot if/when he leaves. Whether Matt does so as a face or a heel is yet to be determined. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Matt play a part of this bout somehow. If Jeff loses here, it’s almost 100% he’s done with the company. If he wins, he might lose on SmackDown!, or he’s been convinced to sign a contract extension. One way or another, you can always expect greatness when Jeff Hardy is involved with the letters T, L, C — tables, ladders, and chairs… oh my…
Randy Orton vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship
Who cares? Really! Who cares? Do you see what the main problem on RAW is? The main event from this program for the last two years has involved only four people — Triple H, Randy Orton, John Cena, and Batista. How desperate is WWE? They promoted this on RAW as “the first time these two have met one-on-one in two years.” Yes, that really makes me want to see it. We might get a Cena win here, but I’m 50-50 on this prediction. 50% of me don’t care, and the other 50% could care less.
It’s not going to be the best SummerSlam ever, I can assure you of that. However, it should be a good show. Punk and Hardy will be good. Regal/Christian can be good if given enough time. Even MVP and Swagger could pull something nice. Mysterio and Ziggler also has potential. It’s HBK’s first match back, so I would assume he’ll try to leave his mark, though I’m not sure what shape he’s in. I’m going live to the show at Staples Center, so I’ll most likely have notes for you in some shape or form. Enjoy.
