Summerslam 2012 [Put Spoilers In Tags]

[Hunter]

I think the Summerslam PPV is deserving of it's own thread, quite like the Wrestlemania PPV. This can simply accompany the Predicition thread. At least this way, we can discuss specifically Summerslam as opposed to just clogging up the general PPV thread, into which things get lost in the sea.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b4/SummerSlam2012poster.jpg

The Summerslam 2012 card:

http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2012/08/17/297617-marella-cesaro.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/qlmgq.jpg

http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2012/08/17/297618-players-truth.jpg

http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2012/08/17/297616-miz-mysterio.jpg

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/article/media_slots/photos/000/515/677/zigy2j_original.jpg?1344874106

http://i.imgur.com/cVtfG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/RSmzO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/H4Dvw.jpg


Remember to post up potential spoilers in tags initially, for just the first day or so. It'll give those who won't be watching live an opportunity to still enjoy the PPV and any possible surprises.

So is everyone looking forwrd to it? I most definitely am.

What are the chances of both a Ryback and Divas match? Summerslam 2012's card looks really quite busy, but then again, neither a Ryback or Divas match last long. :lol:

[Joel]

Only really looking forward to the two main event. Hopefully some others surprises and turns out well.

Hopefully ADR gets out of the title picture after Sheamus runs through him.

[Hunter]

Only really looking forward to the two main event. Hopefully some others surprises and turns out well.

Hopefully ADR gets out of the title picture after Sheamus runs through him.

I never used to like Del Rio or Sheamus much, I found them to be fairly bland. The latter I still do at times, but I do also think he's slowly improving and becoming more believable in his role. Sheamus's matches as of late have been very good though, with his recent encounter against Tensai being utterly brutal. Sheamus is a powerful wrestler whilst Del Rio perhaps more cunning. A brains over brawn match? I'm not expecting anything special, but I do think it has potential to be a good solid and eventually enjoyable encounter.

Y2J vs. Ziggler could be excellent too given both of their in-ring capabilities. I love watching Ziggler, and given Y2J's almost taunting-esque wrestling style, it could prove quite funny.

A Tag match as well? Yes please. I'm all for Tag matches when the wrestlers involved are actually Tag Teams. It's a nice variation and adds an extra dimension as opposed to just primarily singles matches throughout.

[muscularmatt]

But Joel, it's his destiny!

[Joel]

I love Sheamus' matches and I don't mind him either. He has grown on me as the champion.

I can't believe I forgot the Y2J/Ziggler match :kenny: Yeah, I know this match will deliver with these two in it. Should take match of the night if given the right amount of time.

[muscularmatt]

http://thisiskmitv.files.wordpress.co m/2012/08/slam12_photo_180.jpeg

Trips looking sad and fishing for sympathy after tapping out to Brock Lesnar. Hope this is the start of a retirement angle.

[Baddar]

A decent PPV, I guess. Ziggler-Jericho was my favourite match. I hear Jericho's leaving again soon, but him winning was still the right thing to do. It gives him a big win to go out on, and who knows, by the time he returns, he could be going for the WHC, with Ziggler as the holder.

As for the Triple H stuff, didn't he sign a new worker's contract until 2014 not so long ago?

The main event was ok, but it was never going to be as much of a "fight" as Cena-Brock was. Either way, Brock winning was the right result.

[muscularmatt]

I just don't get why that was the main event. Two guys capable of putting a wrestling classic together, and they go for the whole grrrrrmanbrawl thing. That should have been in the middle of the card.

[Haribo]

Commentary for the first match. :kenny:

"Biggest match in Jericho's career", "his biggest match in years", "the big one", "the big one", "the big one". Ignoring that he's a 6-time world champion.

Decent PPV. Everything was in the **-***1/2 range so can't complain about matches getting screwed for once.

[Joel]

"Biggest match in years" - SummerSlam opener.

What was Jericho doing this year at WrestleMania again? :hmm:

[Haribo]

Only one title change on PPV in the last four :/

(14/15 retaining the titles)

[Hunter]

I agree with most sentiments in here, Summerslam was decent, but not spectacular.

I enjoyed the Y2J vs. Ziggler match definitely, and as far openers go, it was quite excellent - but then again, this was probably the 'safest' match of the card, in that we all knew they'd deliver. It's probably why it was the opener in fact, which in itself is a big responsibility. I wouldn't be opposed to them continuing in series of matches really, there's potential for a long feud I think.

The Kane vs. Daniel Bryan match was pretty good, and I'm a fan of both, so it's always nice to see them in action. Bryan's popularity with the WWE Universe has really taken off in the last year or so, and his character has become a lot stronger, and more interesting as a result. His in-ring skills are obvious for all to see and enjoy, and the match itself turned out well with the small package being a surprising but welcome finish.

I was pleasantly surprised with The Miz as well. He pulled a few new moves out of his arsenal, a couple of which looked superb. The torture rack position backbreaker was impressive enough to be a new finisher really - but of course Miz would probably end up hurting himself more doing this move if it were to Superstars any bigger than the likes of Rey, Sin Cara etc. Overall though, both Rey and Miz look fresh, more fast-paced, and in regards to Miz; he's wrestling with what seems to be a little bit more conviction, thus making him more believable - although in saying that, I've always felt as though he'd make a better face than villain, but we'll see how it goes upon his return, he seemed to be connecting with the crowd well during the match.

As far as the Sheamus vs. Del Rio match, it served it's purpose and while I find both characters a little on the dull side, they've been beginning to interest me more over the last few weeks/months, particularly Sheamus. I did particularly love the manner in which the match finished though. The Ricardo distraction and the thrown shoe, which Del Rio fumbled into the hands of Sheamus, of whom kindly helped Alberto return it to Cinderella. Then to top it off, we saw Sheamus cheekily knocking Del Rio's foot off of the rope following the Irish Curse backbreaker and the 3-count. Everything really fell into place quite perfectly, the thrown shoe could have went wrong in so many ways no doubt - but it didn't, and it looked great. I have to give props to Michael Cole as well in his commentary at the end also, as the foot on the rope could have initially went unnoticed by many before the replay was shown. Cole however by immediately calling it, with such fury to boot, worked well.

The Triple Threat match was also very good I thought, and there was a real sense of story telling going on. The blow by blow action, the teamwork to the betrayal, it was a genuinely engaging match and perhaps the most 'exciting' of the night. I kind of applaud the WWE and Cena as well for being able to swing his character back around into the WWE Universe's good books for the most part. At one point in time, it looked impossible, it looked as though Cena had no option but to turn heel - now, thanks to some good strategy, and CM Punk perhaps failing as a face (perhaps due to the constraints slightly of the PG-era?), John Cena's character is growing stronger again, which I don't mind seeing. Something I picked up on during the match though was Jerry Lawler constantly calling Big Show "The Giant" nearly every few seconds. Obviously this was his former name, but it just sounded 'weird' all the same, given the frequency in which "The Giant" was used by Lawler.

The musical performance wasn't bad either. I guess we always fear the worst don't we? But as far as live music performances for WWE events, this is probably towards the top of the list. Sure it helped that the commentators, Divas and what seemed to be every WWE employee dancing boosted the spirits and energy, but even the crowd looked to be enjoying it and it's a pretty catchy, feel-good song, so fair play.

Now, Brock Lesnar. I have to confess to being slightly underwhelmed by the match, but then again, I think we were spoiled at Extreme Rules with the Lesnar vs. Cena match - that was truly barbaric, brutal, exciting and certainly memorable, particularly aided by being Brock Lesnar's first match back in the WWE. This time however, less so. I'm surprised a few more props weren't used during the match, maybe such as a chair - but then again, it may have taken away slightly from the story telling in terms of the man vs. man aura that was exuded. It was still well handled though I think as I say in terms of a story being told, and being entertaining. Triple H being initially fired up, which startled Lesnar a little, before Lesnar then slowly paced back into the ring with that psychotic smile as he slowly removed his fighting gloves - to which the WWE Universe gasped, as if in fear of Triple H's safety. When you think about it, little moments like this really build to the progression of the match, and to pulling the audience in to the events that are unfolding. We had Brock viciously attacking Triple H's freshly healed left arm - the moment near the start, where Lesnar was suspended in mid-air whilst clutching onto HHH's arm was quite incredible, I was almost wincing at the thought of this colossal beast applying such strain on one's body.

As I say though, I enjoyed the manner in which the main event unfolded, story-wise. Lesnar's stomach weakness being exposed was also an interesting, entertaining route, and it levelled the playing field a little bit more, which was certainly needed, given we're talking about Brock Lesnar here, a genuine monster. I also liked the manner in which Lesnar tumbled over the top rope on a couple of occasions, it was very unique, and the fact that this technique is rarely used - if ever, perhaps made it seem more 'real' also. The leap from the top of the announcer's table was also quite a unique moment, I don't think I've ever seen it done before, and I'm absolutely positive I'm not the only one who thought the table would fall under his weight, or tip over, but fortunately it worked out well. Brock Lesnar just oozes this sense of a lack of care regarding his own well-being, in that he's willing to almost kill himself, as long as it means he's also killing his opponent, and that mentality alone, when watching, provides an incredibly believable and fascinating character.

I was afraid prior to the PPV that HHH would win, but I think in Brock winning, it's elevated the match slightly, and it was undoubtedly the right outcome. But I was quite surprised to see how it finished - with no interference and also with Hunter tapping out. Fair play.


I've probably rambled on a fair bit, but I once I discuss one match, I tend to get the ball rolling and mention some of the more unique aspects and highlights of matches that enjoyed, and why.

[Sho]

So that's a wrap for HHH?

[Hunter]

So that's a wrap for HHH?

I doubt it to be honest.

He'll probably just be gone for a while, whether as a wrestler, or corporate character. I just can't see HHH retiring right now, he still does have a bit to offer, so it was probably just a goodbye for a fair amount of time I imagine - or at least that's what I think anyway.

[muscularmatt]

Naaaah. It's the start of his retirement angle, but you'll see him again.

[nikos24]

Just a question, is that masked Kane the same Kane without the mask?

[muscularmatt]

Yeah, it's the same guy.

[Haribo]

Just a question, is that masked Kane the same Kane without the mask?

Yeah, it's been the same guy for 15 years. Regardless of what some people like to believe.