WWE SummerSlam 2012 Results: Questions Answered and Lessons Learned

SummerSlam is the second-biggest pay-per-view of the year. It is expected to set fans up for the final storylines and feuds of the year.

This year's event answered a few questions, but it didn't do a whole lot to spark any added interest to current angles.

Though they weren't necessarily of high importance, there were a few questions heading into the August event.

What is the status of the United States Championship? Can CM Punk retain against the Big Show and John Cena? Who will win the Brock Lesnar versus Triple H showdown?

Post-SummerSlam, fans have their answers.

Will the United States Championship Remain a Joke?

It's too early to tell what state the United States Championship will continue in, but one thing is for sure: it's been given a bit of a boost.

Santino Marella was the champion for 167 days. Unfortunately, he didn't do anything with it.

As of SummerSlam, Antonio Cesaro is the new champion.

Cesaro has impressive physique, decent mic skills and Aksana on his shoulder. He's a legitimately powerful guy and slowly developing into a nasty heel.

Hopefully, he'll return the U.S. title to relevance.

Will Dolph Ziggler Finally Take Advantage of His Spotlight?

Dolph Ziggler was given an opportunity over a year ago to hold the World Heavyweight Championship. His reign was lackluster.

He then had multiple shots at the title this year. He never succeeded.

Ziggler is even the Money in the Bank contract holder for the World Heavyweight Championship. He hasn't cashed in yet.

Heading into SummerSlam, he found himself in a feud with Chris Jericho.

Would Dolph Ziggler shine against a legend of Jericho's status? Would he finally take the next step to getting over?

No.

Instead, Ziggler lost to Jericho. The answer to that question only brings about more questions.

When will Ziggler finally be pushed? What does this win mean for Jericho? What's next for both?

Will Kane Versus Daniel Bryan Be the Sleeper Match of the Night?

Simple answer: No.

Daniel Bryan versus Kane was a good match, but it wasn't great.

Many were confused over what the point of this match even was. You can argue that the result keeps Bryan winning and in focus. It also renews Kane's "inner demon on a path of destruction" shtick that was lost in the AJ romance months ago.

The result has an impact. The match didn't overwhelm.

Can The Miz and Rey Mysterio Put on a Good Match? What Are the Implications?

Rey Mysterio was unexpectedly thrust into a match for the Intercontinental Championship with The Miz. There was no explanation and no setup.

Did they put together a quality match?

Yes.

Does it have any future repercussions?

No.

This was simply a match—a good one, but there likely won't be any long-term feuds for these two.

Can Alberto Del Rio Pull Off the Upset?

This match really couldn't have won either way.

If Sheamus wins again, fans will make claims of staleness and repetition. If Alberto Del Rio wins, fans will be unhappy with a bland champion.

An upset could have sparked some interest, but fear not because it didn't happen.

In rather plain fashion, Sheamus retained his World Heavyweight title.

Even worse, Del Rio's unseen foot on the ropes likely will keep this feud going even longer.

Will Dolph Ziggler Cash in His Money in the Bank Contract?

The Sheamus versus Alberto Del Rio feud hasn't served either of these men any justice. If anything, giving this match one more shot could have benefited Dolph Ziggler.

Del Rio injures Sheamus and Ziggler cashes in.

Unfortunately, it didn't happen.

It would have been a monumental night for Ziggler to begin the night by knocking off the legend Chris Jericho, then capture the World Heavyweight Championship from Sheamus.

Instead, he lost to Jericho and made no attempt to cash in.

Will PTP Finally Get Over Kofi Kingston and R-Truth?

The Prime Time Players have been tangling with Kofi Kingston and R-Truth for as long as Alberto Del Rio has been attempting to beat Sheamus.

Neither have happened.

Did anything change at SummerSlam?

Just like Del Rio, PTP lost yet again. It would have been logical to assume PTP would finally win the Tag Team Championship—especially now that Abraham Washington has been fired because they need something.

I guess they can't get the job done without a manager.

Will Wade Barrett Make a Triumphant Return?

There was speculation that SummerSlam would be the perfect venue for Wade Barrett's return.

Would he pick up a feud with John Cena? Would he aid Dolph Ziggler against Sheamus? Would he somehow be involved in the Brock Lesnar and Triple H matchup?

The answer to all three questions is the same.

No.

Barrett made no appearance and now the WWE Universe will have to wait a bit longer.

Can CM Punk Retain the WWE Championship Until Royal Rumble?

So far the answer is yes.

CM Punk retained his WWE Championship against both The Big Show and John Cena.

The ending was actually pretty unique with Cena and Punk forcing Show to tap out and neither being declared the official winner.

The match restarted and Punk came out on top in fair fashion.

There were no other shenanigans, no cheating and no post-match retaliations. And no, The Rock did not make an appearance, either.

Who Will Win: Brock Lesnar or Triple H?

The big question of the night would be: Who will win the fight between Brock Lesnar and Triple H?

Many saw Lesnar's need to come out on top more important, but the question of Triple H's ego always interfered.

In the end, Lesnar defeated Triple H by submission.

More importantly, Lesnar won in a fair match.

Will There Be Any Interruptions in the Main Event?

I would guess about 90 percent of viewers thought Shawn Michaels would somehow interrupt the match between Triple H and Brock Lesnar.

Popular belief had Michaels super kicking Triple H in favor of Lesnar as retribution for last Monday's events.

It never happened.

Not only did Michaels no-show, there was no involvement from Paul Heyman, Stephanie McMahon or anyone else rumored to appear.

The match was fought between only two and won by a single man.

Will SummerSlam Deliver as the Second-Biggest Pay-Per-View of the Year?

There are high expectations for SummerSlam. SummerSlam is supposed to be the second-biggest PPV of the year.

WrestleMania delivers the highest notes of the year. The results should set angles and memories that will last until SummerSlam.

The August PPV, then, does the same—keeps interest and delivers another mind-blowing storyline or two fans can ride out until the new year.

So did SummerSlam deliver?

It wasn't really overwhelmingly dazzling.

Consider this: Kofi Kingston and R-Truth, The Miz, CM Punk and Sheamus retained. Brock Lesnar won as widely expected. Dolph Ziggler didn't do much of anything. There were no jaw-dropping developments. No superstars returned.

SummerSlam was above average to good, but it wasn't great or amazing like it should have been.