Once upon a time, long long ago in a wrestling era far far away from today, you could expect three pay per views in the summer to involve the summer in some way. You had World Championship Wrestling and their July celebration in Bash at the Beach, which became synonymous with WCW’s biggest turns and moments. You had over in Extreme Championship Wrestling their July/August event Heat Wave, which is often remembered for the flaming table Spike Dudley went through. Finally, you had the August cap off in WWE’s SummerSlam, a generic supercard meant to tide the WWE Universe at the halfway point of the WWE calendar year. WWE always tries to do something big in terms of gimmick but it’s the wrestling that we remember for such a card. Whether it be British Bulldog vs. Bret Hart, the second Ladder Match between Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels or most recently the epic matchup between John Cena and Daniel Bryan, we lock our gaze to SummerSlam for the wrestling.
Last Word on Sport’s finest in the wrestling department (and introducing Dallas Blacker) will be discussing the show, from Aaron Wrotkowski, Shawn Wilken, Adam Contant, Philippa Hopwood, James Carlucci and Jeff DeHaan. Unfortunately, there will be no segments of Leslie Nielson trying to find The Undertaker.
WWE Kick-off Match
Cesaro vs. Rob Van Dam
WINNER:
Shawn, Aaron and Jeff: Cesaro
Dallas: RVD
THOUGHTS by Aaron Wrotkowski: When I originally sent the predictions out, it seemed like a fatal four way for the WWE World Tag championship was developing as the kick-off. Turns out WWE decided to go instead with Cesaro and Rob Van Dam for some random reason. I wouldn’t be surprised if the tag match still finds its way into the show but instead I had to try and rush to get answers on Cesaro/RVD. Either way, it’s very disappointing that Cesaro went from the next rising WWE star after winning the Andre the Giant Battle Royale to the kick-off opener. I’m actually of the opinion this isn’t due to WWE not caring but WWE caring too much. They wanted to make Cesaro a star but had no idea how to do it. Thankfully, the man is an amazing talent and will overcome it.
WWE Intercontinental Championship
Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz (c)
WINNER:
Philippa, Aaron, Dallas, Shawn, James and Jeff: The Miz
Adam: Dolph Ziggler
THOUGHTS by Shawn Wilken: No great Championship hunt has ended in a month or two and I don’t think we’ll see it happen in this situation either. Dolph Ziggler’s big pay-off could come at a later time but right now it makes sense for The Miz to continue holding onto the Intercontinental Championship while pulling off his Johnny Cage-like character. A DQ loss after Miz does the splits and crotch punches Ziggler would be a great way to garner some heat while drawing his inner Mortal Kombat persona out more but I guess we’ll settle with a roll-up and a handful of tights.
Chris Jericho vs. Bray Wyatt
WINNER:
Philippa, Adam, Aaron, Shawn, James and Jeff: Bray Wyatt
Dallas: Chris Jericho
DOES THE WYATT FAMILY INTERFERE?:
Philippa, Adam, James and Jeff: No
Aaron and Shawn: Yes
THOUGHTS by James Carlucci: After building serious momentum over the course of his Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber victories, Wyatt’s momentum has been murder-death-killed. In order to be something besides a baseless charlatan, Wyatt needs to start backing up his words. He should beat Jericho Sunday, hopefully on his own.
Flag Match
Jack Swagger w/Zeb Colter vs. Rusev w/Lana
WINNER:
Philippa, Aaron, Dallas, Shawn, James and Jeff: Jack Swagger
Adam: Rusev
THOUGHTS by Adam Contant: WWE should be applauded for the way they’ve handled the rise of Rusev. He’s been smashing wrestlers left and right and yet we still believe he can be beaten. That element is so crucial in keeping our interest as fans and WWE has managed to make Jack Swagger into a real threat for Lana’s wrecking machine. Speaking frankly however, I still think it is a masterfully woven smokescreen to hide another squash for Rusev, who will give Swagger plenty of offence during the match, but will ultimately conquer the All American American to wave his flag proud and add to his collection of xenophobic heat.
Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton
WINNER:
Philippa, Aaron and James: Roman Reigns
Adam, Dallas, Shawn and Jeff: Randy Orton
DOES THE AUTHORITY INTERFERE?:
Philippa, Adam, Dallas and Shawn: No
Aaron, James and Jeff: Yes
THOUGHTS by Philippa Hopwood: After the beating Randy gave Roman a few weeks ago on Raw, the Viper deserves to lose here and hopefully Roman will be let lose to prove just how much of a great singles competitor he can be, this for me is one of three main events and Roman and Randy need to step it up in order to stop them being a forgotten part of the biggest party of the summer.
WWE Divas Championship
Paige vs. AJ Lee (c)
WINNER:
Philippa, Shawn, James and Jeff: AJ Lee
Adam, Aaron and Dallas: Paige
THOUGHTS by Dallas Blacker: I’m quite excited for this match because both of these ladies can go! AJ is going to drop her precious title to Paige once again. I foresee these two exchange the Divas Championship a number of times before this little feud is over. Wait for the inevitable CM Punk chant that will happen at some point in this match.
Lumberjack Match
Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins
DOES THE FINISH COME DUE TO A LUMBERJACK? IF SO WHO:
Philippa, Adam, Dallas: No
Aaron: Kane
Shawn: Sheamus
James: Lumberjack joins Authority afterwards
Jeff: Maybe
WINNER:
Philippa, Adam and Dallas: Dean Ambrose
Aaron, Shawn, James and Jeff: Seth Rollins
THOUGHTS by Jeff DeHaan: This could be the blow off for this feud, but with both Ambrose and Rollins being young guys who could use the win, interference from a lumberjack could be a good way to save face for the loser and to start a new feud. But who? I’m not sure. Seth will squeak by in this one with some outside help.
Brie Bella vs. Stephanie McMahon
WINNER:
Philippa, Adam, Aaron, Shawn, James and Jeff: Brie Bella
Dallas: Stephanie McMahon
DOES HHH INTERFERE:
Philippa, Aaron, Dallas, Shawn, James: Yes
Adam and Jeff: No
DOES DANIEL BRYAN RETURN?:
Philippa, Aaron, Shawn, James: Yes
Adam, Dallas and Jeff: No
THOUGHTS by Dallas Blacker: I’m going to be frank. The employee versus the evil boss angle is played out. This is the match I’m least looking forward to at SummerSlam. There are plenty of actual wrestlers who would kill for a minute to shine at SummerSlam, instead we get this. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking Brie she has solid skills. Stephanie doesn’t belong in the ring see No Way Out 2001. Hunter will assist with the win and fans will be left wondering where the hell Daniel Bryan was.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman vs. John Cena
WINNER:
Philippa, Adam, Aaron, Dallas, Shawn and James: Brock Lesnar
Jeff: John Cena
DOES SETH ROLLINS CASH IN:
Philippa, Adam, Aaron, Dallas, James and Jeff: No
THOUGHTS by Shawn Wilken: Normally I like to just say LOL Cena Wins, as most of the Internet Wrestling Community does but this time around, it does not make any sense. Think about it for a moment; Brock Lesnar has not wrestled since defeating the streak. If he were to lose the next match he is featured in, it makes the streak look weak and The Undertaker even weaker. From this point on, Brock Lesnar absolutely has to win this match and every match that follows leading into Wrestlemania. Brock Lesnar has officially become “the” name to beat. He’s the guy that beat the guy so from this point forward, Lesnar goes undefeated. This of course comes with criticism as Brock would become the company’s main Champion as a part-timer. Much like The Rock carrying the WWE Championship and presenting promos via satellite, Lesnar wouldn’t be defending the Championship much or even wrestling at all. With that said, Brock is an absolute animal and it makes sense at this point to put the Championship on him and make the fans believe that he is absolutely unstoppable. This would eventually set up a Wrestlemania bout where he would drop the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and lose to an up-and-comer on the verge of becoming the next big thing. Perhaps Roman Reigns? Maybe someone else.
The SummerSlam 2014 kick-off starts at 7:30PM EST on PPV or WWE Network. $9.99 baby! See you there.
Photo via Chirantha
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