WWE SummerSlam 2012 Results: 7 Huge New Rivalries We Could See Going Forward

One thing is certain: WWE's SummerSlam pay-per-view was an action-packed event filled with thrilling matches, shocking swerves and great plot and character development. 

And as we emerge from the show, there looks to be numerous opportunities for fresh new rivalries, with several matters being up in the air. After retaining his title, what's next for Sheamus? Who is next on Brock Lesnar's list after crushing Triple H? What will John Cena do after once again being screwed out of the WWE Championship?

With all this in mind, here are our seven picks for the programs and feuds we can see going forward.

John Cena vs. CM Punk

After the controversial end of the triple threat match tonight—Cena hit the AA on The Big Show, only to be thrown out by CM Punk, who then stole the pin—it seems clear these two are set for a singles program in the future.

The increasingly-heelish Punk has been headed down the dark path for some time now, and while the still-babyface Cena has tried to duck the issue, he is going to have to confront the WWE Champion about his recent actions sooner or later.

Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker

After going over so strongly at SummerSlam in his match against COO Triple H, Lesnar (along with his evil manager Paul Heyman) will likely look to continue to find ways to tear down the WWE establishment.

With this in mind, a battle between Lesnar and the widely-respected WWE veteran The Undertaker could be on the cards, maybe even culminating in a match at next year's WrestleMania.

After all, what better way to rip apart the fabric of WWE than break the legendary winning streak?

Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus

With the boring Alberto Del Rio feud now (hopefully) behind him, World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus should start feuding with Dolph Ziggler next.

In fact, many predicted Ziggler would come out to cash in his Money in the Bank title shot after Sheamus defeated Del Rio. Curiously, the former Spirit Squad member chose not to do so, but we have no doubt he still has his eyes firmly on the popular babyface's belt.

The Miz vs. Zack Ryder

After retaining the prestigious IC Championship in a great match with Rey Mysterio—and clean to boot—The Miz could use a fresh contender for his title on Raw.

So, how about struggling mid-card act Zack Ryder? Hey, Ryder is popular, charismatic and decent in the ring and desperately needs a new high profile feud to rejuvenate his career. Heck, he wasn't even booked in a match on the show.

What's more, Ryder and Miz have never feuded with each other before, meaning it would be a fresh feud (at a time when most rivalries in WWE seem to be tired repeats of past programs, this is no minor thing).

WWE should give a Miz/Ryder storyline a go. These two could probably bring out the best in each other and make WWE's mid-card scene worth watching again.

Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio

After coming up short in their title matches, both Mysterio and Del Rio find themselves at loose ends after SummerSlam.

Could WWE's booking team pair the two of them together, once again? Knowing the company's struggle to come up with new feuds, it's certainly possible.  

Brock Lesnar vs. Shawn Michaels

After Lesnar brutally broke his arm on Raw—and defeated his best friend Triple H tonight—we reckon Shawn Michaels could potentially come out of retirement to go after the former UFC fighter to gain revenge.

It's a long shot, sure, but stranger things have happened.

Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan

After defeating Kane cleanly at SummerSlam, Bryan seems to have found himself at a loose end. Could another program—and run for the World Heavyweight Championship—with Sheamus be in the works?

The two do have great in-ring chemistry and are compelling enough personalities to make any potential promo segments between them great.

Granted, they faced each other earlier this year, and more than once, but we reckon the new unhinged and angry Daniel Bryan character could imbue any future Sheamus/Bryan program with any originality to make it feel fresh.