What's up with Summerslam?

[Loose Cannon]

Five matches (one being announced today according to the front page) have been announced. I didn't even realize the show was tomorrow. Where's the rest of the matches? Being one of the five big PPV's, there should be better build to the undercard then what we have thus far.

I know last year was six matches, but we had that big 14 man tag match.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I think that Cena and Punk will go for like an hour this time. I feel they kinda forgot to book the rest of the roster, getting so wrapped up in that.

[SammyG]

Seriously. Maybe the Rock is gonna show up and cut a long promo or something. And out of those 5 matches I only really wanna see the Punk Cena one. This could be an awful SS.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Cena v. Punk
Orton v. Christian
Sheamus v. Henry
Barrett v. Bryan

....uhhhh, what else is there? Are they gonna go Rhodes/Jackson? Maybe throw Mysterio/Miz in there? I do like that The Miz mentioned his lack of involvement, but his point was almost too right for a heel.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Oh yeah, Kelly Kelly v. Beth. That's a show stealer in the making.

[Pintint]

Yeah definetely not enough matches. I know the big draw is Cena/Punk, but I think Orton/Christian hasnt had enough build to make for an attraction. No one besides me wants to see Henry/Sheamus, so I definetely think another match, a battle royal of some sort should be added and probably will. A tag titles match would be good too...

[Anybody Thrilla]

What about Ziggler/Riley? What's Kofi gonna do?

[Loose Cannon]

I guess they fell that it doesn't really matter what they fill the undercard with since they prob sold out the gate months ago and people are paying to watch Punk/Cena. They'll probably get it to seven by Sunday.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I think Orton/Christian hasnt had enough build to make for an attraction.

That feud has had more build that most anything in a long while. If people aren't into it by now, they just won't be...but I think that they are.

[SammyG]

Any PPV without Miz is retarded. Definitely needs Zigler/ Kofi too. When the hell is WWWYKI gonna be on a PPV?

[Rammsteinmad]

Cena/Punk and Orton/Christian are both going to completely steal this show. These two matches alone will likely make the PPV worthwhile. I expect Barrett and Bryan to also be a very good match.

Henry and Sheamus I'm kinda meh about, but Sheamus has been getting some nice pops lately, so I expect the crowd to be into this match. Beth and KK I don't really care about, other than hoping that Beth roughs KK up a bit.

Overall though kinda sad that most of the undercard has been ignored here. I'm sure they'll probably be at least one match made on the night, but otherwise it's kinda surprising to see all the people who've been left off the card.

[CSL]

Any PPV without Miz is retarded. Definitely needs Zigler/ Kofi too. When the hell is WWWYKI gonna be on a PPV?

Miz will definitely be on, Ziggler too I'd have though

[Loose Cannon]

how about a Wild Card match???

Miz, Riley, Rhodes and Ryder vs Ted, Ziggler, Kofi and RTruth

[Anybody Thrilla]

Why?

[Loose Cannon]

because Cody Rhodes now gets on the show. :roll:

[Anybody Thrilla]

That match makes no sense, though. Ryder especially makes no sense in it.

[Loose Cannon]

what don't you get about a Wild Card match? see Survivor Series 95

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I love Bryan/Barrett being added on. Almost feels like it's 14 months in the making.</font>

[Anybody Thrilla]

what don't you get about a Wild Card match? see Survivor Series 95

Seems dumb, is all...unless there's some sort of prize for the winning team.

[Emperor Smeat]

Besides Beth vs Kelly Kelly feud that only started 2 weeks ago, WWE kind of forgot to build up the RAW side of the ppv outside of Punk vs Cena while they did a good job setting up a few feuds and potential matches for the Smackdown's side.

Miz vs Rey could have been a possibility until Rey got injured recently although I guess they might sneak in Morrison vs R-Truth and Riley vs Ziggler as unannounced matches.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

I'd much rather see Punk/Cena and Orton/Christian get a lot of time than some undercard matches.

Plus, Bryan/Barrett :drool:

[Rammsteinmad]

Plus, the whole Punk/Cena/Triple H hype video will probably take about 20 minutes... considering they'll be covering Punk's promo, MITB, the title situation, Trips taking over, the whole 2 champs, 1 match thing... Jeez...

[Chavo Classic]

Plus, the whole Punk/Cena/Triple H hype video will probably take about 20 minutes... considering they'll be covering Punk's promo, MITB, the title situation, Trips taking over, the whole 2 champs, 1 match thing... Jeez...

They'll probably just show this

http://vids.wwe.com/12911/smackdown-a-look-back-at-the-con

and then another 2 minute video.

[MoFo]

Miz was moaning on Raw about not being on the card, so obvious hes on.....dunno who against mind.

Shit looking card either way.

[loopydate]

It blows my mind that people want more matches on this show.

Cena/Punk - between the video packages, entrances, introductions, match, and aftermath - is going to be over an hour, possibly upwards of 90 minutes, which takes up half the show, as well it should.

Orton/Christian is the culmination of four months of build. These two will get another 30+ between all the stuff mentioned for the other main.

Mark Henry has never looked better and Sheamus is exploding as a babyface. There will be no squash like we've seen from both for the last few months and I'd be surprised if this wasn't a good 15-minute segment.

If they don't give Bryan/Barrett at least ten minutes, they're fools.

Five minutes for Beth to destroy Kelly and further the DoD story.

There's 2-2.5 hours right there. Backstage segments - a Miz segment railing against being left off the show (possibly interacting with Truth's conspiracy again), some Triple H hype, and commentator banter... That's your show.

Adding extra matches just to get people on the show necessitates taking time away from the best-built storylines of the summer. So... What's the point?

[Chavo Classic]

Probably because the last PPV in comparison was packed with tonnes of matches and wrestlers (AND had one of the best matches in recent WWE history), the road to Summerslam feels like it's gone by quietly.

[Jordan]

Loopydate does sell it well

[Juan]

I'd much rather see Punk/Cena and Orton/Christian get a lot of time than some undercard matches.

Plus, Bryan/Barrett :drool:

[loopydate]

Probably because the last PPV in comparison was packed with tonnes of matches and wrestlers (AND had one of the best matches in recent WWE history), the road to Summerslam feels like it's gone by quietly.

True, but there were so many guys on the show because there were two 8-man ladder matches. They didn't need build, those matches sold themselves. The second-biggest show of the year really only needs a handful of well-built matches, and this show has that.

[St. Jimmy]

It's a one match show. Punk vs. Cena: Champion vs. Champion.

[Chavo Classic]

It's a one match show. Punk vs. Cena: Champion vs. Champion.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. Especially knowing that it could go 60 minutes.

In kayfabe terms, it should be too. It is probably the most important storyline match in the history of the WWE.

[Jordan]

I bet the announcers sell Bryan/Barrett as if it were a year in the making, they should it would make it more dramatic and memorable.

I just wonder how the PPV will do in sales.

[Rammsteinmad]

If Barrett gets in a promo before the match, maybe like his one at Capital Punishment, it would make sense for him to mention how 'one year ago at this very event, Daniel Bryan returned to the WWE to screw us over' or something.

[#1-norm-fan]

I see the point of giving the big matches a lot of time. I'd still like to see Cody vs 'Zeke and Riley vs Ziggler for the respective mid-card titles. Riley and Ziggler can have a nice 10 or so minute opening match and you can have Cody get DQ'ed against Zeke in 5 or 6 to keep the title. Ideally a better build for both matches would be nice but just to see the mid-card titles defended on the 2nd biggest show of the year would give it a nice feel.

[Droford]

It's a one match show. Punk vs. Cena: Champion vs. Champion.
and it should have been an Iron man Match..they could still totally do it too.

[XCaliber]

Not sure why Ziggler/Riley isn't on the card but maybe it will be one of those impromptu matches that we get every once and awhile while Miz will probably play a big part in the outcome of the main event.

[Mr. Nerfect]

They could very easily throw out a surprise six-man tag pitting Rey Mysterio, John Morrison & Kofi Kingston against The Miz, R-Truth & Alberto Del Rio. I've seen someone else suggest that, and I agree with it, because it just condenses the feuds, keeps the wheels in them spinning, and has a somewhat "special" feel to it. That would make a tremendous choice for opener.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Alex Riley could also be added to the show. They would have a nice little bout, but they might be saving that for RAW. Alternatively, if they want to combine feuds and use the undercard to get over as many mid-card programs as possible, they could have Ziggler & Cody Rhodes team up to face Riley & Ezekiel Jackson. Champions vs. Challengers, if you will. It's using PPV to build television again, but when the PPV is being sold on Punk vs. Cena and (kinda) on Orton vs. Christian, the new attitude of the Divas Division and Mark Henry possibly being stopped -- you can afford to use your mid-card that way.

But as loopy said -- they may not be a reason for anything more. Rey Mysterio and The Miz seem like the front-runners to be added to the show, but there may not even be time for a match between them (merely a segment), and that's okay for this event -- because it's got a very important story to tell.

[#1-norm-fan]

I guess they can always throw out and impromptu opening match interpromotional battle royal. Usually a lame idea to just throw some guys on a show but at this point, with all the major stars still left off, it can be a GREAT opening match.

Alberto Del Rio, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Alex Riley, The Miz, Rey Mysterio, Ezekiel Jackson, Cody Rhodes, John Morrison, R-Truth

That's 10 guys for an opening match battle royal right there without even falling from the prominent/upper card and tossing in guys for the sake of filling space like Sin Cara, Ryder, Santino, Otunga and McGillicutty, etc.

[#1-norm-fan]

It blows my mind that people want more matches on this show.

Cena/Punk - between the video packages, entrances, introductions, match, and aftermath - is going to be over an hour, possibly upwards of 90 minutes, which takes up half the show, as well it should.

Orton/Christian is the culmination of four months of build. These two will get another 30+ between all the stuff mentioned for the other main.

Mark Henry has never looked better and Sheamus is exploding as a babyface. There will be no squash like we've seen from both for the last few months and I'd be surprised if this wasn't a good 15-minute segment.

If they don't give Bryan/Barrett at least ten minutes, they're fools.

Five minutes for Beth to destroy Kelly and further the DoD story.

There's 2-2.5 hours right there. Backstage segments - a Miz segment railing against being left off the show (possibly interacting with Truth's conspiracy again), some Triple H hype, and commentator banter... That's your show.

Adding extra matches just to get people on the show necessitates taking time away from the best-built storylines of the summer. So... What's the point?

As I read this, it dawned on me. You didn't even mention Cee Lo Green's performance. That's gonna take up some time too. He'll probably do a couple songs. You can pretty much count that as a match time-wise.

[Rock Bottom]

Mark Henry has never looked better and Sheamus is exploding as a babyface. There will be no squash like we've seen from both for the last few months and I'd be surprised if this wasn't a good 15-minute segment.

Makes me wonder if we need more true jobbers. Guys like Sheamus and Henry's current persona are a classic example of how you could get some momentum out of pure squash matches.

I think the Big Show did a lot for Mark Henry. Don't get me wrong. Just don't think they need to hurt a bunch of talent to get these two in a match with momentum.

RVD said this is one of the things he would change about wrestling if he could. Bring back jobbers. Enhancement matches. Give one a week to whoever needs it the most. Can still use the undercard, but I think it'd make more feuds like this possible. Instead of roster mashed potatoes.

[Rock Bottom]

Just to highlight something else, if Miz vs. Mysterio is added, it might be better off as a last minute thing. Rey already beat The Miz on an episode of Raw recently.

Same with Punk and Cena, although obviously this match has a lot more legs. I think it'd odd that they have matches on Raw that are/might get booked on a PPV that actually have pretty clean finishes.

[#1-norm-fan]

I agree. Part of the reason guys like Mark Henry do the "monster for a couple months, jobber to the stars. Monster for a couple months, jobber to the stars." thing is that after a little bit of squashing to make them look terrifying, they get put in the big match where they get beaten like everyone wants to see and then it's over. Same happens with every monster it seems. Squash matches are SO vital over a long span. It takes a long time to really get a monster heel over for good.

[Xero]

I could see Miz vs. Rey being added as a last-minute thing, and it winds up being for Rey's spot on RAW the next night.

[XL]

I wouldn't be adverse to shaving 10 mins from the WWE Title match to get an 8 man tag in.

Just have Miz question HHH why "The Most Must-See Superstar in WWE History" isn't on the card, then have Truth come in claiming it's a conspiracy, then ADR questioning why Mr Money in the Bank isn't featured and finally have Dolph say that he deserves to be on the show because he is undisputed US Champ. The 4 squabble, H says "Enough! You guys want a match? Get to the ring. Now!".

Then do Miz/Truth/Del Rio/Ziggler v Mysterio/Morrison/Kofi/Riley. Have both groups enter as teams to save time, 8 - 10 minute match.

[#1-norm-fan]

Just to highlight something else, if Miz vs. Mysterio is added, it might be better off as a last minute thing. Rey already beat The Miz on an episode of Raw recently.

Same with Punk and Cena, although obviously this match has a lot more legs. I think it'd odd that they have matches on Raw that are/might get booked on a PPV that actually have pretty clean finishes.

Morrison and R-Truth was a lock for SummerSlam in my mind. The build was already spectacular and WAY past the caliber needed to be a highlight of the 2nd biggest show of the year. I was all ready for it to be a selling point of the show.

Then the match happened on Raw the week before SS. And I saw how little WWE seems to care about Morrison right now.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I wouldn't be adverse to shaving 10 mins from the WWE Title match to get an 8 man tag in.

Just have Miz question HHH why "The Most Must-See Superstar in WWE History" isn't on the card, then have Truth come in claiming it's a conspiracy, then ADR questioning why Mr Money in the Bank isn't featured and finally have Dolph say that he deserves to be on the show because he is undisputed US Champ. The 4 squabble, H says "Enough! You guys want a match? Get to the ring. Now!".

Then do Miz/Truth/Del Rio/Ziggler v Mysterio/Morrison/Kofi/Riley. Have both groups enter as teams to save time, 8 - 10 minute match.

Fucking hell, I didn't even consider the idea of Riley and Ziggler being added to the RAW tag match I've been talking about. That's a good idea, and it works beautifully. It'd be a fun match and continues storylines. I don't think they need to waste promo time with it. Just have the match happen.

I really wish Cee Lo Green weren't performing. That shit will take up useful time. I kind of hope Cody Rhodes or The Miz interrupts and tells him to fuck off.

[Loose Cannon]

True, but there were so many guys on the show because there were two 8-man ladder matches. They didn't need build, those matches sold themselves. The second-biggest show of the year really only needs a handful of well-built matches, and this show has that.

I think what they have will be a good show, but it's just weird that until today only four matches were announced. just not used to seeing that, especially with Summerslam. They try to get a ton of guys on with Mania, so you would think they'd try to do the same with Summerslam.

[#1-norm-fan]

You could say they have all the well-built matches they NEED. But when you have SO many guys that are in the main event scene that have just kinda been forgotten about as far as SummerSlam build goes it just makes you wonder how much BETTER it could be. Like I said, the build for Morrison and Truth was done. Nothing else needed to be done to make it a big deal and yet another feature attraction of the show. Even if it ended with a clean Truth win in somewhat anti-climatic fashion, it would have been a great addition.

[#1-norm-fan]

I'm just saying it seems like they focused on Punk-Cena and said "Okay, build's over." Which in a way they were right because that sells the PPV alone. But there is EVEN MORE that could have been done with little to no effort. It's a little disappointing. They're stopping with an A- build when A+ is right there for the taking.

[Mr. Nerfect]

John Morrison vs. R-Truth not being on the show slightly confuses me, to be honest. I really just think it's a timing thing. With Cee Lo Green performing, Orton vs. Christian likely to get a lot of time, the main event getting a lot of time and the WWE probably trying to drill into our heads how good a worker Daniel Bryan is (even to casual fans, I mean) -- the show really is quite stacked already. I think both World Title matches are likely to go over 20 minutes. Dare I say it, they might even each pass 30. Orton and Kane had an epic Street Fight on SmackDown! recently, and Christian is more of a marathon guy than Kane is.

Cena vs. Punk: 40 minutes
Orton vs. Christian: 35 minutes
Bryan vs. Barrett: 15 minutes
Sheamus vs. Henry: 10 minutes
Phoenix vs. Kelly: 10 minutes (I think they'll have Kelly put up a fight)
Cee Lo Green: 10 minutes

Keep in mind you usually have backstage interviews and promos to do, as well. But that's well over two hours of pure "show" content right there. And as we have been discussing, it's very likely that we'll have some sort of multi-man bonus match thrown onto the main card as a surprise opener. I really doubt the WWE will not have Rey Mysterio wrestle at the second biggest PPV of the year so close to his hometown, or that The Miz won't be on the card.

[Shisen Kopf]

I kinda feel the same way about this as I did for MITB. I didn't order it and caught it on a stream but the picture quality wasn't the greatest but I don't wanna drop money on something like this and not enjoy it. WWJD? Do i bother or not?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm waiting for the WWE to build up my trust. If they keep booking this angle well, I may order WrestleMania next year. :shifty:

[Jordan]

I gotta say WWE is suffering from WCW syndrome in promotion for this PPV, the card was on the backburner to building big ratings for Raw.

[Rock Bottom]

Morrison and R-Truth was a lock for SummerSlam in my mind. The build was already spectacular and WAY past the caliber needed to be a highlight of the 2nd biggest show of the year. I was all ready for it to be a selling point of the show.

Then the match happened on Raw the week before SS. And I saw how little WWE seems to care about Morrison right now.

I agree. A lot of it apparently has to due with Morrison's behavior as it pertains to Melina though. I see Morrison as a star in the future with some work on his character. Just seems like it's not going to happen at this rate.

[Rock Bottom]

I kinda feel the same way about this as I did for MITB. I didn't order it and caught it on a stream but the picture quality wasn't the greatest but I don't wanna drop money on something like this and not enjoy it. WWJD? Do i bother or not?

Just stream it. The stream I've been using that some guy had frequently posted in the stream group (was it BizzaroKing?) usually work great, with backup channels if one of them screws up.

As far as what Jesus would actually do, he's already been doing with Cena.

[Shisen Kopf]

I'm like not allowed in the stream group or something. They never approved me. Buncha racists!

[Wolfpack423]

what don't you get about a Wild Card match? see Survivor Series 95

That's actually one of my favorite matches at Survivor Series.

[Wolfpack423]

I wouldn't be adverse to shaving 10 mins from the WWE Title match to get an 8 man tag in.

Just have Miz question HHH why "The Most Must-See Superstar in WWE History" isn't on the card, then have Truth come in claiming it's a conspiracy, then ADR questioning why Mr Money in the Bank isn't featured and finally have Dolph say that he deserves to be on the show because he is undisputed US Champ. The 4 squabble, H says "Enough! You guys want a match? Get to the ring. Now!".

Then do Miz/Truth/Del Rio/Ziggler v Mysterio/Morrison/Kofi/Riley. Have both groups enter as teams to save time, 8 - 10 minute match.

That sounds decent enough to me. It includes everybody and the match would be fun.

[XL]

It also wouldn't resolve any of the seperate fueds, especially if you have, say, ADR pin Morrison.

On top of that, there's bad blood outside of the immediate fueds. Rey with Albert and recently Truth, Miz with Riley and Morrison, Ziggler with Kofi for example.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Bingo.

[MoFo]

Is Danielson v Barrett for the briefcase?

[Malfeitor]

Saw a little match between Yoshi Tatsu and Drew McIntire at Axxess. It wasn't bad.