Latest on Possible SummerSlam Opponent for RVD

Since his return at Money in the Bank, Rob Van Dam has done nearly a complete 180 from his dismal days in TNA. Not only has he noticeably gotten back in shape, but his in-ring work looks substantially less lethargic. In stark contrast to TNA, the WWE Universe can tell that he is happy with wrestling again.

Since MITB, RVD has continued to impress the WWE audience, competing in show-stealing matches such as his bout with Chris Jericho and triple-threat No. 1 contender's match against Randy Orton and Christian. Many believed that RVD should have received the nod to face Alberto Del Rio at SummerSlam, but he did not get the victory.

As a result, the question people are wondering is—how is RVD going to be utilized at SummerSlam?

Well, as of now, this is the answer.

According to F4WOnline (via WrestlingInc.), Van Dam may be relegated to the pre-show. His opponent? Pre-show mainstay Antonio Cesaro.

There are pros and cons about this decision. The majority would believe that RVD deserves better, and putting him on the pre-show match is a demotion from where he seemingly was headed before losing on last week's SmackDown.

However, one must look at it more rationally. What was RVD brought back to do in the first place? To have a schedule similar to Chris Jericho without having much limelight but putting on impressive matches. So in essence, we should not ask for more than what was originally discussed.

Yes, RVD has given us some good matches so far, and that trend is virtually guaranteed to continue. However, we can not expect RVD to be in any title picture if it is not even a lock that he will stick around for long enough.

One thing I do know—we may be in store for one of the best pre-show matches to date.

Sound off (civilly) with your thoughts on this potential match.

Chris Featherstone is a writer for WrestlingInc.com. Follow on Twitter and Facebook, and check out recently released TNA star Crimson on next week's (08/13) PandPWrestling Show on BTR at 11 p.m. ET.