WWE SummerSlam 2012: What Impact Will Shawn Michaels Have?

One thing is for sure: Shawn Michaels has been a boon for the much talked about Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H storyline at SummerSlam.

Let's face it, prior to Shawn's involvement, this angle was greatly struggling. While it may have been pushed heavily (and even now, it's still the main attraction for the pay-per-view), it simply wasn't catching on with fans.

Which was no surprise.

The so-called "dream match" between the COO and former UFC fighter degenerated into squabbles over minor contract details and lawsuits, with emphasis also being placed on the past bad blood between Paul Heyman and Hunter's wife, Stephanie.

Heck, so much attention was placed on this, I was starting to think these two were the ones having a match at SummerSlam, not Lesnar and Triple H.

Thankfully, this programme took a turn for the better after HBK showed up on Raw last week and announced he would be in best friend Triple H's corner at the pay-per-view. Of course, Lesnar didn't take too kindly to this, and menacingly told HBK he "would see him before the pay-per-view."

Sounds ominous, right?

Well, Lesnar made good on the promise on last night's Raw, coming out of nowhere in the parking lot as Shawn was leaving in his car, and viciously beating him up. The behemoth then dragged the WWE legend to the ring and hit him with an F5 before brutally breaking his arm with a Kimura.

Poor Hunter. The COO could only watch helplessly as his friend was destroyed. A gloating Lesnar and Heyman then scampered from the ring, as the distraught COO attended to his wounded pal.   

The easy highlight of the show, the booking here was perfect and helped rejuvenate the stagnant angle. 

But where does the angle go from here? And how will HBK factor into SummerSlam?

Of course, some would claim Michaels, due to his on-screen injury, will skip the show. This is a definite possibility, especially if WWE wants to get over how dangerous a move the Kimura is.

But I reckon we'll see him in some manner or another. He's been built up too much to be off the show entirely.

Indeed, how much emotion would it add to the match if the courageous HBK hobbled out to ringside before the opening bell to support his best friend? 

Triple H beating Lesnar clean in the middle of the ring, then sharing an embrace with his friend of 20 years would be a truly touching way to end the SummerSlam pay-per-view. 

A run-in isn't entirely out of the question either. How satisfying would it be to see HBK get physically involved and cost Lesnar the match as revenge for his broken arm?

Or, if WWE really doesn't think he should be at the show, he could easily film a video message (maybe even a tout) that should be shown before the bout, with him encouraging Triple H to defeat Lesnar from his hospital bed.

There are a few possibilities, but we'll have to wait and see. However, even if he isn't there in person or in video form, Shawn Michaels has indisputably already made his mark on the card with last night's incredibly powerful angle.

There's a reason the now-retired star is missed so much in wrestling.