WWE SummerSlam 2012 Recap: Most Exciting Matches from Pay-Per-View Event

Although SummerSlam does not come with the fanfare of some of the other pay-per-views, the event had plenty of great matches to keep fans entertained throughout.

One title changed hands while a few were successfully defended, but sometimes it was the bouts with nothing on the line that proved to be the most thrilling.

Even if the overall performances did not live up to past SummerSlams, these matches were the most exciting and will be talked about for some time.

Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio

The battle for the World Heavyweight Championship ended in controversy, but it was still a solid match. Del Rio seemed to be in control for most of the bout, both in and out of the ring. Unfortunately, Sheamus was able to finish off his opponent with an Irish Curse Backbreaker.

Del Rio had his foot on the rope during the three-count, but the match was called regardless. This angered some fans in the arena and at home, but that will not change the fact that Sheamus keeps the prestigious title.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Chris Jericho

Few were expecting much out of this early match, but Chris Jericho and Dolph Ziggler left it all in the ring in an intense match from beginning to end.

With the main event disappointing fans, this match did its best to make up for it as neither rival wanted to back down.

Y2J was able to finish off his opponent with his signature Walls of Jericho, but almost every strike, grapple or jump in the bout was top notch.

CM Punk vs. Big Show vs. John Cena

It is difficult to retain a title in a Triple Threat match, but CM Punk was able to do just that as he took care of the Big Show and John Cena to keep the WWE Championship.

There was once again controversy as CM Punk and Cena each deserved credit for a submission on the Big Show, but the decision was that the match would be restarted.

After throwing Cena out of the ring, CM Punk was able to take the victory himself as he pinned the big man and kept his belt. The match might not have been very technically sound, but the three men kept the action going the whole time to keep fans at the edge of their seats.