Creating the Perfect SummerSlam Card Using Event's Past Matches

Armed with the ability to splice time together, a WWE fan could create a perfect SummerSlam.

Past editions of the summer's pay-per-view have been awesome but wouldn't compare to a single event teeming with the all-time best SummerSlam matches. A historic tag team match, one of the greatest battles for the Intercontinental title and a Street Fight between two icons would be among the highlights of this hypothetical night.

This is not a list of the greatest SummerSlam matches, but rather the ultimate SummerSlam card.

The differences are that we can't book multiple matches for the same title, and Superstars can't appear more than once. That means we have to choose between greatness. Both Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect and Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog can't happen, even with as much endurance as The Hitman had in his prime.

With those rules in mind, let's begin the perfect SummerSlam.

Opener: John Cena vs. Batista (2008)

When you have one of the company's biggest stars ever in the show's opener, you know you're in for a great show.

In 2008, John Cena and Batista were quickly becoming two of WWE's top stars. Their SummerSlam clashes showed off a compelling chemistry between them. Power battled power in a bout that Danny Cox of InsidePulse.com called "a WrestleMania-caliber match that is one for the ages."

The drama of Batista surviving Cena's STF and applying a pythonlike hold of his own built up to an intense climax.

Alundra Blayze against Bull Nakano from 1994 or Shane McMahon's Street Fight versus Test would have been good choices as well, but it's hard to argue with the star power of this match.

Second Match: Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio (2005)

Before we get into the championship battles, a clash between two longtime rivals helps amp up this SummerSlam card.

Following the clash of powerhouses in the opener with this match between high-flyers is a great way to change the pace of the show. The high stakes here, namely custody of Rey Mysterio's son, are as odd as they are intriguing, but they're an excuse to have these foes engage in a ladder match.

Sean Garmer of 411Mania.com called it "Eddie's last great match."

Stacked steel, stunning aerial moves and Vickie Guerrero pushing her husband off a ladder all played vital parts in this moving in-ring drama.

Intercontinental Championship: Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog (1992)

SummerSlam has had so many great matches for the Intercontinental Championship that it makes this category the toughest title to choose a match for.

Shawn Michaels' ladder match against Razor Ramon, The Hitman's work against Mr. Perfect and The Rock's classic battle against Triple H are all worthy choices. Michaels and Triple H have business later on the card, though.

Besides, some call this the best match in SummerSlam history.

The renowned technician Hart took on the powerful British Bulldog in front of a roaring London crowd. It was not only a beautifully worked match, but also one that drew from the drama of these two enemies being brothers-in-law, with Bulldog's wife Diana struggling to watch their fight.

When Ben Veal of CollarAndElbow.com called the match "a true masterpiece that demonstrated just how much of an art-form wrestling can be," it's hard to disagree with him.

Grudge Match: Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (2002)

Adding one Hall of Famer and a certain future inductee certainly improves the show, but showcasing their enthralling rivalry and one of the best encounters they have had together elevates it several levels.

Their non-sanctioned match was the perfect blend of violence and emotion.

Michaels made his return from a back injury that took him out of wrestling for years. It was as if he'd never left. He and Triple H put on a show, telling the story of a friendship morphing into hatred.

Nolan Howell of CagesideSeats.com called it "a brilliant piece of work between two of the arguably greatest performers ever to grace a WWE ring." That sounds like a must-have for the ultimate SummerSlam card.

Tag Team Championship: Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match (2000)

It'd be great to have Randy Orton vs. Christian from 2011 or Edge against The Undertaker from 2008 on the card, but that would mean leaving off one of the most thrilling, most unforgettable matches in SummerSlam history.

Edge, Christian, the Hardy Boyz and the Dudleys have put on a number of bouts brimming with jaw-dropping spots, bent steel and broken tables. This is one of the best of that series.

John Powell of Slam! Sports gave this match a score of 10 out of 10.

While one may argue with that rating, it's hard to argue about this human demolition derby being a part of the perfect SummerSlam card.

World Heavyweight Championship: Randy Orton vs. Chris Benoit (2004)

The world title doesn't have as storied of a history at SummerSlam like the WWE Championship does. Neither that fact nor Edge and Christian being out of the running keeps this all-time SummerSlam event from having a classic battle for that title.

Orton's win over Chris Benoit was a phenomenal display of intensity, skill and emotion.

Orton became the youngest world champ after hitting Benoit with an RKO. That memorable moment followed a match built on hard-hitting action and good chemistry between these foes.

Mark Neeley of InsidePulse.com summed it up when he called this "a hell of a great match."

Both Benoit and Orton gave great performances and would make welcome additions to this SummerSlam card, providing a fantastic clash before the night's main event.

WWE Championship: Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar (2003)

Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar's series of matches featured the perfect blend of wrestling, storytelling and showmanship. Their 2003 SummerSlam bout was no different: a stunning showcase of these two great talents and their all-time great chemistry together.

Angle and Lesnar tore the place apart as they brawled outside the ring and captured the audience's attention for their duration of their WWE title match.

It's not the best SummerSlam match of all time, but it's the best remaining WWE Championship match available. Their star power is perfect for headlining this or any WWE pay-per-view.

Brett Mix of WrestlingDVDNews.com wrote of this bout, "What a match! A Classic for sure!"

Were this beautifully worked battle to follow all the classics on the card, the audience would be drained, stunned and forever appreciative. SummerSlam 2013 looks to be mighty good, but it can't touch this time-defying supercard.