WWE SummerSlam 2012: Biggest Keys to Success for Epic PPV

Even though Vince McMahon would like every WWE pay-per-view, especially a major one like SummerSlam, to play out perfectly, it just isn't possible in many circumstances. That's why it's important for every show to have a couple main goals.

If the event is able to accomplish the main objectives, it can be considered a success. With that in mind, let's take a look at the biggest areas of focus heading into Sunday night. These three things are what the WWE should be keying in on at SummerSlam.

Make Brock Lesnar Matter Again

A combination of poor booking, overexposure on the mic and a limited schedule has caused the aura around Lesnar to take a serious hit since he return. He's simply too important to the product for his downward trend to continue much longer.

Obviously beating Triple H would be a big positive, but the way he does it is actually more vital to him getting over with the fans again. Lesnar has to look and perform like the dominant beast that made him popular the first time around.

After bringing him in following WrestleMania, you have to figure there are big plans for Lesnar on the horizon. That means the WWE must make him a key figure again sooner rather than later.

Continue CM Punk's Momentum

Punk had become somewhat of a middling champion for awhile. Most of the focus was on John Cena and his various feuds, leaving Punk to play second fiddle. Things started to change after he attacked The Rock at Raw 1,000.

It was a sign that a renewed push was coming up for Punk. In the weeks that have followed, he's spent a lot of time talking about feeling disrespected because he isn't being treated like the WWE champion, which is actually a factual argument.

Even though Cena is still the top draw, that doesn't mean Punk can't land in the main event. Hopefully he's able to retain his title and start a dominant run, including top billing at PPVs, in the coming months.

Start Improving Mid-Card Action

Having Raw become a three-hour show was supposed to make the mid-card titles, and the feuds surrounding them, a key part of WWE programming again. It hasn't happened quite yet, but the builds for Raw 1,000 and SummerSlam played a role in that.

There are three mid-card belts up from grabs at SummerSlam: the United States Championship, Intercontinental Championship and Tag Team Championship. They shouldn't be treated as an afterthought like in past months.

Give all of those competitors in those matches a chance to shine. In order for the extended Raw telecasts to work, those belts have to mean something. SummerSlam is a perfect place to show a commitment to them.