It's one of those times in wrestling where all the seeds are planted for Wrestlemania season. Where, technically, the "Road to Wrestlemania" begins at the Royal Rumble, 9 times out of 10, the Summerslam card dictates what happens for the rest of the season. Look at last year. Daniel Bryan won the WWE Championship clean from John Cena in a match of the year contender, only to have the title snatched from him in the dying minutes of the show by Triple H and Randy Orton, who cashed in his Money in the Bank contract. Fast forward to WM30, and after an 8 month long battle with Triple H's authority, Daniel Bryan fulfilled his destiny by winning the now unified WWE World Heavyweight Championship, defeating not only Hunter himself to gain entry into the title match on the night, but then champion Orton and Royal Rumble winner Batista in a triple threat match. An 8 month journey starting at Summerslam, will we be treated to something similar this year? Only time will tell. Only early days but, so let's deal with the matters at hand. Here's what the card looks like for this Sunday...
AJ Lee vs Paige (Divas Championship Match)
This is what we all wanted to see. Ever since Paige debuted in WWE the night after 'Mania and beat AJ for the Divas title, the question on everyone's mind was when they were going to get the chance to get into a proper rivalry. The answer to that question is... now. Paige has got a devious edge to her now, costing AJ her match on RAW this past week and cutting a brilliantly sly promo, sending AJ into a rage. Neither of these women are slouches in the ring, and if given the time it deserves, this could be a crackin' match. In terms of the winner, it would make sense for Paige to get the title back here, and allow the rivalry to stretch out into further PPVs, where we could possibly (please please please) see a submission match down the line.
Jack Swagger vs Rusev (Flag Match)
I'd be lying if I say I knew what was going on here. I don't understand the concept of a flag match, and I've not watched enough WWE recently containing the build up to it to know what the match entails. Is it a glorified game of retrieve the flag from COD? Is it a pinfall to a finish? Who knows. I hope Swagger wins this one, and sets up a proper match at the next PPV to settle the score. Both men are brilliant wrestlers and they should be allowed to have the match that everyone knows they can have, and for me, a "flag match" at the second biggest PPV of the year won't be doing these two justice.
The Miz vs Dolph Ziggler (Intercontinental Championship Match)
It's getting needless to say that it's been far too long since Dolph Ziggler had a championship around his waist. For someone of his well rounded talent, it's bizarre that since dropping the WHC to Alberto Del Rio last year, he hasn't even had a sniff of a championship. It got to the stage where everyone watching conceded that he wouldn't win whenever he was booked in title matches - but not this time. It's only just that Ziggler wins this match. The Miz is a proven Intercontinental champ, but has anyone really cared about the IC title since he won it at Battleground? Bad News Barrett brought a great deal of relevance back to the title, and after what will probably be an all-round great match, I think Ziggler will win, only to be confronted by a returning Barrett.
Bray Wyatt vs Chris Jericho
What should be a fantastic rivalry has so far been underwhelming. I've not watched Battleground, but from what I've heard, the match between these two wasn't anything special. Both have tried to build up to this match through the war of words that we would all have expected. This past Monday on RAW, they shared thoughts in a sit down interview, where Wyatt implied that he has Jericho right where he wants him. Jericho is up for the fight again though, but I think it'll be Bray who comes out on top this time around. I was surprised that Y2J beat him at Battleground, and I think it only makes sense now that Wyatt evens up the score. If in their best moods, this could be a storytelling masterclass and a fantastic psychological encounter.
Brie Bella vs Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie hits a belter of a Pedigree. That's about all I have to look forward to in this match. It won't be an awfully good wrestling match, let's be honest. I don't think it'll be a disaster mind you, if it gets left alone for the duration of the match and let it run it's course, it'll be at least watchable. Can we see past Stephanie hitting that wee beauty of a Pedigree to pick up the win? Didn't think so. No basic hoe is gonna beat the billion dollar princess, doesn't matter how many well loved, bearded, burglar killing, former champions she's married to.
Roman Reigns vs Randy Orton
I'm well confused, because the last time I checked, Triple H vs Roman Reigns was definitely happening at Summerslam... Turns out it's not, and instead we get Reigns and Orton going at it in what's sure to be an instant classic in restholds. Seriously though, Reigns is still coming into his own as a singles competitor, and Orton is still one of the most consistent performers in the business. I do think that a lot of the match will be Orton carrying Reigns, but ultimately I think the big man will pick up the win. Hopefully the recent experiences trimmed the edges of Roman's in ring work, and we get to see him put on a quality one on one match. It should be solid, but we can't discount Kane coming down for some interference, and trying to cost Reigns the match.
Dean Ambrose vs Seth Rollins (Lumberjack Match)
Ambrose said it best himself. There's nowhere for Rollins to run now. This has been the moment that Deano has waited on, getting his hands on Rollins properly and laying justice upon him in the shape of a beastin' beatdown. Dean Ambrose is a way of life. If you're not looking forward to seeing him leather Rollins rotten on Sunday, have a word with yourself. This is my pick for match of the night because the added stipulation of the lumberjacks surrounding the ring means that this will be about good old fashioned storytelling between Ambrose and the man he once considered a brother in Seth Rollins. My pick for this one has to be Ambrose, everyone needs a stepping stone on the way to winning every championship on the planet, and shaggin' at least 10 burds in every single country he travels to. Plus, I love Ambrose. Ambrose.
John Cena vs Brock Lesnar (WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match)
The main event of the evening. Where it's not the match I personally would have wanted to see, no doubt it'll be a fantastic match, with Cena always seeming to be on his absolute A game at Summerslam. We all know that Lesnar is a formidable threat to Cena's title reign, and after breaking the streak at Wrestlemania, the only step up from that is for him to win the big one in WWE. The only thing that's putting me off about Brock winning the championship is that he'd have to be on RAW at least more often than he has been since making his initial return. That's not a bad thing, but not even the genius that is Paul Heyman could sell Brock as champion every single week. If we were to believe the rumors, Brock has the match won already, but I think Cena will retain, followed by a successful cash in from Rollins. The match itself between Cena and Brock should be an even contest, as it's unlikely Lesnar will be allowed an easy time against the champ. It may be a bit obvious after how Summerslam panned out last year, but if I was forced to predict, I would have to say Seth Rollins walks out as WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
The card itself looks to be fantastic, but we'll only see come Sunday if it will live up to the hype. With the pre-show match still to be announced, and no US Title or Tag Team Title matches announced as of yet, we may see a couple more impromptu matches made come the night. We're all looking forward to the biggest event of the summer, so here's hoping it delivers!