The Katz Files – Arnie Katz
SummerSlam: Preview & Predictions!
The Kingfish Arnie Katz gets you ready for WWE’s biggest pay per view event pf the summer!.
SummerSlam, WWE’s second-biggest pay per view of the year, usually brings to a head major plotlines that have been developing since WrestleMania. The only difference is that, this time, the stories aren’t especially riveting.
Let’s look at the scheduled matches and delves into what fans might expect from SummerSlam.
The Story:
My Prediction:
Predicted Grade:
Christian vs. William Regal
ECW Championship
The Story: Now that Capt. Charisma has solidified his current title reign with back-to-back wins against former champion Tommy Dreamer, William Regal has stepped up to challenge him. Regal is bigger and stronger with lots of veteran know-how. We’ll find out at SummerSlam whether or not that will be enough
My Prediction: It’s hard to tell whether WWE expects us to take this seriously or is just using Regal to give Christian a breather before a run of more grueling matches. William Regal has many good qualities, but he is also slow and showing his age. He is a good mid card guy, but at this point in his career, he’s probably miscast as a legit contender for this title. This should be a clean win for Christian, though the kind-hearted folks at WWE might be willing to let Regal lose by DQ (even though that makes no sense since a rematch is unnecessary).
Predicted Grade: B-
Jack Swagger vs. MVP
The Story: Like the feud between Jeff Hardy and CM Punk, this is a clash of lifestyles and attitudes. Jack Swagger has no sympathy for MVP’s rehabilitation after a shady youth. The fans feel very differently about the way Porter has escaped his criminal past.
My Prediction: This looks more like the start of an exciting feud than the climax of one. Accordingly, the match will not have a clean finish. Something, or someone, will interfere so that the All-American American can gain a cheap victory that will lead to a rematch.
Predicted Grade: B+
Kane vs. The Great Khali
The Story: It’s sometimes hard to guess what Kane will do next. His latest obsession is The Great Khali and his brother Ranjin Singh.
My Prediction: Kane will menace Singh and then brutalize the unwary Khali. This has real potential to be the show’s designated Bathroom Break Match.
Predicted Grade: C-
Dolph Ziggler vs. Rey Mysterio v
Intercontinental Championship
The Story: When you want to make your mark and you’re just starting, a good strategy is to target someone who is already on top. That’s what Ziggler has done, though he has not yet tasted the kind of success he expects. His last match against the Masked Marvel, but he stayed in it until the final bell. He did well enough to earn another shot at the IC strap.
My Prediction: All the build up for Dolph Ziggler is going to be a waste if he doesn’t get a big win in here somewhere. This could be his time to obtain his first taste of gold. Mysterio will get a rematch at the next PPV.
Predicted Grade: B+
Chris Jericho & Big Show vs. Cryme Tyme
Unified Tag Team title
The Story: Cryme Tyme appears to have gotten their act together and is now in position to challenge the daunting duo of Jericho and Big Show.
My Prediction: Why not a Cryme Tyme victory? WWE’s tendency to undervalue performers of color notwithstanding, it would make a great deal of sense to give JTH and Shad Gaspar. This outcome would free Big Show and Chris Jericho for singles action and propel CT into matches against the Hart Dynasty and Legacy. I’m not sure how this miracle will be accomplished, but it could be something like miscommunication between the champs that allows Cryme Tyme to win the match with superior teamwork.
Predicted Grade: B
DX vs. Legacy
The Story: When Rhodes and DiBiase attacked Triple H, he started to look for a partner to get some payback. He found the best one you can get in Shawn Michaels. DX rides again!
My Prediction: This is a trial of egos. Legacy should win, because they are an important team right now, whereas DX is just doing a one-shot appearance. The fact that they are appearing at all in these awkward and outmoded characters says all too much about the current state of WWE. The best booking might be to have Orton tip the scales in favor of Legacy, which would then score the win against HBK.
Predicted Grade: A-
CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy
World Heavyweight Championship
TLC Match
The Story: The feud continues as Punk tries to shame Jeff Hardy.
My Prediction: What we don’t know – the status of Jeff Hardy – may play a crucial role in deciding how WWE decides to book this match. A Punk win would create the basis for additional matches while protecting the company against a sudden decision by Jeff to retire. The win will be tainted, but it’ll be enough to gain the championship for CM Punk.
Predicted Grade: A-
Randy Orton vs. John Cena
WWE Championship
The Story: These two have battled each other for a long time. John Cena wants that title and he is going to put everything on the line to get it. Orton has a bag a tricks that seems to have no bottom, so Cena will have to bring his “A” game if he wants to regain the gold.
My Prediction: Randy Orton is running out of viable challengers, which is one reason that John Cena is back to fight him again. Another is that Cena is the most over babyface with the fans and WWE is straining every corporate muscle to prevent an economy-induced slide. John Cena winning the title won’t cure the problems, but at least it might usher in a different set of pairings. Well, after Orton gets one or two televised rematches.
Predicted Grade: A-
Predicted Grade for SummerSlam: B-+
That’s it for today. I’ll be back on Monday with another installment of the Internet’s fastest-rising daily wrestling column. I’ll have the recap and analysis of SummerSlam and you’ll be able to laugh at my predictions.
— Arnie Katz
Executive Editor
Crossfire4@cox.net
(8/22/09)