WWE SummerSlam 2012: How the Build-Up Was Botched

When the idea of the 2012 version of SummerSlam was talked about a few months ago, the excitement from the WWE Universe was through the roof.

Why wouldn’t it be? It’s the second biggest pay-per-view of the year for the company, after all.

Now, as we stand just a few days from the event, it is abundantly clear the WWE has royally dropped the ball as far as the build-up to SummerSlam. It put far more effort into RAW 1,000 than it did this show, and that lends even more credence to the notion that the company is mismanaged.

WWE must get its priorities in order and fast.

Let’s start with the “main event.” I use quotes because there is little doubt that there was serious discussion in the back about ending SummerSlam with Triple H and Brock Lesnar instead of CM Punk’s title defense against Big Show and John Cena.

Assuming that Punk does headline the show—something that is not guaranteed, especially after Triple H and Brock ended the go-home edition of RAW—the main event for the WWE title doesn’t have the appeal a huge SummerSlam match should.

Not only have we seen Punk vs. Cena too many times to count, the addition of Big Show has added nothing but a body to the mix. No one thinks he is going to win.

The only aspect of this title match that makes it interesting is the possibility of a full heel turn for Punk. While it likely won’t happen and he figures to dance on the fence of heel and face, Punk still has the chance to add to his already impressive title reign.

Too bad this match and ending won’t be SummerSlam worthy.

With Punk headlining, the co-main event of the evening is sure to be the hot matchup of Brock Lesnar and Triple H.

While I’m not taking anything away from what should be an amazing match, the inclusion of Shawn Michaels adds nothing to the story line and only distracts from the main focus; a great brawl between two of the toughest guys in the business.

Instead of a pure fight, fans will be fixated on HBK and his broken arm to see what—if any— influence he will have on the outcome of this match. With speculation running rampant that Michaels could cost Triple H the match, effectively setting up their matchup at WrestleMania 29, the ending of this match is destined to be a train wreck.

As if your co-main events of the evening weren’t bad enough, the WWE Universe has been led to believe that the World Heavyweight title match between Sheamus and Alberto del Rio has been called off. Yes, there is no better way to get people to care than by telling them it isn’t happening, only to reveal on a show that the majority of fans don’t watch (SmackDown) that it will take place anyway.

Well done there, WWE.

For as bad as this card is, we have to give the company credit for the match we do want to see: Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler. In this ultimate meeting of skilled in-ring workers and master mic-technicians, the WWE Universe should be treated to the show-stealing match of the night.

What better way to send Y2J off than in an amazing match against Zig-Zag?

Rising star Daniel Bryan has finally been given the chance to win at a PPV by facing the giant Kane. But something tells me they will allow Kane to win here with the help of RAW GM AJ. If the WWE allows Bryan to lose again, it will be the end of the main-event road for the star.

On the other hand, if Bryan wins, there is little doubt that he is still on an elite level. WWE has to be careful how they play this match.

As for the rest of the event, it will be highlighted by gems such as The Miz vs. Rey Mytsterio, Kofi Kingston and R-Truth vs. The Prime Time Players, and the YouTube pre-show of Santino Marella vs. Antonio Cesaro.

While there is bound to be a match for Ryback and the impromptu bout between Damien Sandow and Brodus Clay, this is the thinnest SummerSlam mid-card you could ever imagine.

There was a time when SummerSlam was too huge to try to pass this much garbage off as acceptable. But WWE’s priorities aren’t what they used to be.

It’s clear from this card that the company dropped the ball and we’re left to suffer.

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