Hart Murmurs # 147 by Bruce Hart
Greetings. With SummerSlam, the WWE’s second biggest show of the year, taking place this week, in Toronto, I’d like to render my perspectives on the card, which, the last time I checked, looked something like this:
Universal Title Match
Brock Lesnar (Champion) vs. Seth Rolllins
It’s been widely speculated that Rollins will be going over here.
I’m not sure if that’s because the WWE has faith in him or if the Beast is taking a sabbatical to do UFC or whatever.
In any case, if Seth does, indeed, win the Universal strap, it might be a step in the right direction, as the belt has been kind of dormant in recent months around the Beast’s waist and Rollins could revitalize things.
We shall see.
WWE World Heavyweight Title Match
Kofi Kingston (Champion) vs. Randy Orton
The common consensus is that The Viper will be winning the belt in this one.
Randy’s certainly a more than worthy candidate, but to my way of thinking, Kofi hasn’t really been given a good opportunity to rise to the occasion since he won the belt.
As such, I’d be inclined to have Kofi gain some traction and credibility, by surprising The Viper this time around
United States Title Match
AJ Styles (Champion) vs. Ricochet
Most are anticipating that Ricochet – who’s become one of the most dynamic faces in the industry, will be going over here, but to my way of thinking Ricochet would probably benefit from gaining some much needed sympathy, by doing the job, via some kind of hot finish – which would set the stage for an even hotter return down the road – perhaps at Survivor Series
RAW Women’s Title Match
Becky Lynch (Champion) vs. Natalya
Even though this match is taking place in Neidhart’s home turf, so to speak, it’s pretty unlikely she’ll be going over, as Lynch has several so-called programs or feuds going with assorted other girls.
Even so, it should still be a decent match.
SmackDown Women’s Title Match
Bayley (Champion) vs. Ember Moon
For whatever reason, I’m not really that excited about this match.
I thought it was kind of needless overkill to have Bayley ambush Ember last week on SmackDown to set this tepid charade over and I have doubts that Bayley has the wherewithal to be a decent heel.
All things considered, I’d probably still leave the strap on Bayley, if only because there will likely be other more significant title changes on the card and there’s not much reason to have yet another title change, just for the hell of it.
Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt
It’s been widely speculated that Finn will be taking some time off from the WWE, which means that Bray will probably be going over here. It might, thereby, be a good opportunity for Wyatt to re-establish himself as a serious heel contender, but hopefully the WWE creative types won’t go overboard on the cartoonish hokus pokus crap, including the rubber mask and all of that nonsense, which is needless overkill.
Kevin Owen vs. Shane McMahon
(If Owens loses, he leaves the WWE)
Because of the stipulation that if he loses, Kevin will leave the WWE, it’s somewhat predictable that Owens will be going over in this one, especially since there’s no perceptible contingency for Shane O’Mac, if he were to lose.
Even so, in order to maximize the inherent potential, I could see the merit of having another pretty hot heel, such as McIntyre or Elias getting involved – which would set up a potentially hot program with Kevin.
I’d also consider having Kevin’s side-kick Sami Zayn perhaps perpetrate some kind of insidious double cross and set the stage for a Kevin/Sami program, which could be pretty hot, as both are great workers and would have good chemistry.
That pretty much sums up my outlook on the big show.
For the sake of you, the fans, I hope the show proves to be an unqualified, ass-kicking success. I’ll look forward to catching up with you all next time for my candid assessment.