WWE SUMMERSLAM, BY THE NUMBERS
By Joel C Croyle on 8/25/2007 10:24 AM
We’ve survived the great American Bash and TNA’s Hard Justice and this Sunday is SummerSlam. When I did my article on the Great American Bash before it aired I definitely was in the camp that the PPV was not worth the forty dollars we would have to shell out to see it, and after seeing it, I still agree. SummerSlam is definitely the PPV where the WWE could shine again and I hope for their sakes, they do.
Here’s how this works…Each match is worth 5.00 total, I rate each match anywhere from .50 cents to the full 5.00, and sometimes, if it looks to be a spectacular match, I throw on a few bucks as a tip. If at the end of the match listing it doesn’t total 40.00 or more than it isn’t worth it to buy the PPV. So now we take a look at what is supposed to be the second biggest event WWE puts on each year…SUMMERSLAM!
Chavo vs. Rey Mysterio
This one has an extreme amount of build up even though the two participants haven’t been in the same ring together since Rey’s injury. Chavo laid out Rey, hurting his leg, taking him out of action. Rey wants revenge and also is coming back in a hugely hyped match. Chavo and Rey can really go and may be two of the top performers in WWE today. They never disappoint and I don’t see this one being a let down. I see Rey winning, hands down. This one earns Five whole dollars and then a three dollar extra handling charge.
Batista vs. Khali. (Smackdown Title)
When he wants to, Dave Batista can be great. Usually that occurs when he is in a match with someone else who is better than great such as Edge or the Undertaker. Unfortunately for us, Batista is going at it with an attraction not a superb wrestler. Khali has improved his game lately, I give him credit. I think Khali retains the Championship and this match gets Four dollars.
John Cena vs. Randy Orton. (RAW Title)
This one is going to be a hot match. I expect it to be quick and I expect for Orton to pull off the upset. Lately, Randy hasn’t ever looked better; he is doing fantastic promos and better wrestling in the ring. Cena also is being booked well and he is way over. The set-up they did at Saturday Nights Main Event was fantastic. Four bucks total.
John Morrison vs. CM Punk (ECW Title)
If the fans get into it, this could actually steal the show. These two are fantastic young athletes. The story line has been the best thing on ECW all year. However, most people aren’t watching ECW, some people don’t know that Morrison is Nitro and many are going to care less. I can’t pick a winner here. For pure wrestling alone I give this one four dollars.
HHH vs. King Booker
If HHH is completely healthy this by far should be the match of the night. King Booker is at his very best and HHH is going to be cheered for 100 miles around the arena. These two are now veterans believe it or not and I wish this was for the title. But alas, assuming Orton wins, the title will be waiting for H I’m sure just a bit down the road. I see HHH winning and this one gets five dollars plus another five dollar tip.
Divas Battle Royal
I was very glad to see this match added to the card. I would have preferred a triple threat between Micki James, Candice and Beth Phoenix but oh well. My pick here is Phoenix , I think she will win the battle royal and then get the title at the next PPV or so. I give this event 4.50.
Kane vs. Finlay
I think this match will be very well done as through their entire feud they have worked well together. Look for a lot of strongly timed offense from Finlay and a few big-hurt spot moments from Kane. This may be longer than expected, it isn’t going to be a Celtic cross – choke slam finisher-3 minute bout. I say Finlay wins at the ten minute mark and it is worth 4.00.
Umaga vs. Carlito vs. Mr. Kennedy
I am really looking forward to this match. These three all have done great things this year. Kennedy is just fantastic in the ring as well as the mic, same goes for Carlito. Umaga was the strongest heel in WWE up until his face turn and now he is receiving Jeff hardy’s fan pops. This thing is going to be back and fourth. Carlito will get the win by using dastardly tactics. Five dollars plus a 2 dollar tip.
Other
Regularly when I do the “by the Numbers PPV” article I stick to just what WWE has announced for the card. I am amazed that there are certain feuds and angles not culminating in a match at SummerSlam. I have a feeling however we may see a few unannounced matches or at least angle’s to further their storylines. The biggest shocker to me is that MVP and Matt Hardy aren’t locking it up for the US Title. This could have been the show stealer. MVP’s mic work has been only overshadowed by his in ring ability. Matt is on the biggest push of his life.
Another thing that isn’t happening at SummerSlam according to WWE is a tag team title match for either brand. Cryme Tyme and Cade and Murdoch have really been doing great stuff and there is no PPV payoff??? On top of that London and Kendrick are a beloved team who could have made it a triple threat. On the other side of the tracks we have no match for Deuce and Domino. This Friday we’ll get them in a tag team title match but not at the PPV and not against an established team. It makes no sense.
Another hot feud is Noble vs. Hornswaggle. It has led to the cruiserweight title not being defended at a PPV again. Add in the great work Moore , Funaki and Wang have done these past few weeks and this could have been comedic and athletic gold. On the same line we aren’t getting Big Daddy V vs. The Boogey man either. If it were me I would have somehow wound a 6-man match with Hornswaggle, Finlay and Big Daddy V. vs. Noble, Kane and Boogey man. It would have been a great way to have all those feuds in one time slot.
And so I go back to my statement that I believe there might be an extra match or angle at SummerSlam that we haven’t heard about yet. I wouldn’t be surprised if a veteran like Stone Cold, Foley or even Jericho showed up either. And I also wouldn’t be amazed if McMahon announced the identity of his love child. I can’t believe they didn’t do Teddy and Kristal’s wedding at this year’s summer party either. Remember when we had the Match Made in Heaven/Match made in Hell Summerslam with Elisabeth and Savage tie-ing the knot? That was pricelss.
So, for the unknowns at SummerSlam I am going to add two dollars to the overall total. In the end we get the total of 47.50. SummerSlam is absolutely worth the PPV asking price of 39.95 and I think we are all going to enjoy it very much
