WWE SummerSlam 2012: Breaking Down Top Storylines Leading to Marquee PPV

The SummerSlam build hasn't been as intense as most years because the historic 1,000th episode of Raw cut in to the amount of time the WWE had to focus on one of the biggest pay-per-views on the schedule. Things have started to pick up in recent weeks, though.

Let's take a look at some of the top storylines that have developed leading up to SummerSlam. Since the show should have a major impact on the direction of angles moving forward, there should be significant progress on each of these fronts during the show.

CM Punk's Character Shift

The most intriguing part of Raw 1,000 came at the end when Punk laid a perfect clothesline on The Rock and stood tall to end the show. After months of sitting in the shadow of John Cena despite being the WWE champion, it allowed him to steal the spotlight.

Ever since that moment Punk has begun having more of an edge. It hasn't turned in to a full-fledged heel turn quite yet, but the WWE Universe should get a much better read on his direction after facing off with John Cena and Big Show.

While it would be a major surprise if Punk doesn't walk out of Los Angeles with the title, the important part will be how he wins and the aftermath. It seems like the perfect chance for him to emerge as a true heel and open up more possibilities for opponents.

Brock Lesnar's Return

After a couple months away from the WWE, Lesnar will make his in-ring return at SummerSlam in an anticipated clash with Triple H. He lost to John Cena back at Extreme Rules, which was curious booking considering the negative impact it had on his character.

So it will be interesting to see what happens against Triple H. The only two potential outcomes would appear to be a dominant victory for Lesnar or another loss that will send him off television for another period of time. Either way it should be an entertaining match.

If the WWE is going to get any type of return on investment for bringing Lesnar back, he has to start winning high-profile matches. Otherwise he won't become the elite draw Vince McMahon thought he was signing after WrestleMania.

Dolph Ziggler's Title Shot

Ziggler holds a Money in the Bank briefcase, giving him the ability to cash in for a title shot at any moment. It has led to endless speculation about when he'll utilize it and whether or not he'll be successful after Cena failed.

The "Show Off" has also been getting involved in a feud with Chris Jericho in recent weeks. A match against him at SummerSlam would help Ziggler build up his résumé by picking up a key victory on such a big show.

I would expect Ziggler to at least make it look like he's about to cash in at SummerSlam, just like he has a couple times since winning it. That said, the timing doesn't seem right for a World Heavyweight Championship change right now, so he'll probably hold on to it.