The Pre-take: WWE SummerSlam 2016 (Part 1)

08/21/2016 10:34:54 PM

SummerSlam banner (Photo credit: WWE)

Looks like the World Wrestling Entertainment has been really serious in building SummerSlam as its second biggest show of the year, eh? Look at this: 13 matches in all, with ten of them happening at the four-hour main broadcast. Three main event matches: one that has been hyped despite controversies, and two title matches representing RAW and SmackDown brands.

Hey, it's even bigger than WrestleMania 32. And expect the live venue crowd's not large in numbers since it will be slated at the Barclays Center though we hope they will roll on a different stage design unlike the so-totally-generic ones they had for the past two years.

As the main program progresses, the competition seems clear: every single member of both Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live rosters were booked accordingly. Let's start with the tag team action that gives their women a chance for SummerSlam exposure. 

Photo credit: WWE

Well, the supposedly 6-on-6 match turned out to be a 3-on-2(+1) set-up. While Carmella, Becky Lynch, and Naomi were already been placed on one side, Natalya and Alexa Bliss remained without a third squad member as Eva Marie was suspended by the WWE for a very similar infraction – violating their wellness policy.

That just sucks. Unless someone in dark character shows up for the team of Natalya and Alexa Bliss, you better hope this will become a 3-on-2 handicap affair, with Naomi doing the double-cross role since she was effective during her heel days.

But wait a second: was Nikki Bella drafted by SmackDown Live? If not, then it's her chance to be part of the WWE playing field. To think that she's already medically cleared to compete. Should the scenario happen anytime soon, the cast may be completed. Other than her, Tamina and Rosa Mendes are viable choices, with the Superfly's daughter an expert in playing the vicious villain role before.

And either way, who knows? Carmella and Becky Lynch might just get a taste of a PPV victory for the first time.

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Enzo and Cass versus Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens might be one of the exciting matches from RAW. Both were entertaining in talent and on microphone. And I have a feeling that the certified Gs will go home with a victory.

Why not? It's their home turf! And besides, we may see Jericho and KO turn back on each other if they lose. Imagine KO going on babyface role soon; or maybe more vicious that will turn Jericho face again.

But you can't discount the possibility of being a result-stealer. If Jeri-KO wins their match, then we will have an entertaining tandem in Monday Night RAW soon. (Even if they are portraying villains.)

Photo credit: WWE

John Cena vs. AJ Styles should better be good. They had an awesome match (and an even awesome storytelling despite that shenanigans by The Club) at Money in the Bank, while their tag team duel with the certified Gs went a-okay during Battleground. And this SummerSlam tussle should be another block-busting one to look for regardless if it's been scheduled near the main events or at the mid-card. 

The problem though is that while I like AJ to win this, I think Cena needs the victory more. For the past five years, he was winless in this August PPV offering. Like seriously, since that victory from that 7-on-7 elimination tag team battle against Team Nexus – a match that was bigger than any of Survivor Series matches – the Cenation leader was a fallen soldier; with all of them were for the championship stakes (five for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and one for the United States Championship).

For five years, it sucks to lose your shot for the title or even failure to defend them at the end. John needs it.

Author: slickmaster | © 2016 september twenty-eight productions