WWE SummerSlam 2015: Most Intriguing Storylines to Track on Road to PPV

For years, SummerSlam was one of WWE's four biggest pay-per-views—and with the announcement that this year's event is set to run four hours, it certainly seems like the company is attempting to reiterate the importance of the biggest show of the summer.

While the card is still up in the air, we're seeing some terrific matches come together. It's clear that the intention is to put together a truly blockbuster pay-per-view, and if the bouts being assembled can live up to the hype, we might be looking at a particularly good SummerSlam showing.

As this year's edition of the long-running pay-per-view starts to take shape, these are the storylines that most deserve your attention over the coming weeks.

The Beast That Beat Me

Credit: WWE.com

It was disappointing to see the much-anticipated showdown between Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar end in a DQ at Battleground, but the prospect of another Undertaker vs. Lesnar match might just make up for it.

The Beast and The Phenom's encounter at WrestleMania 30 is remembered for its outcome, but The Undertaker's concussion impeded the bout itself. If you weren't around for Lesnar's first WWE run, it's well worth revisiting his initial feud with The Deadman to see why this pairing is so highly esteemed.

The pair's meeting inside Hell in a Cell at No Mercy 2002 was perhaps the highlight of a very good feud. Last week's brawl on Raw—particularly the on-point trash talk from both men—demonstrated that the fire both men displayed in that earlier bout is still alive and well.

The SummerSlam match has a lot of potential in itself, but the presentation of The Undertaker is what makes this storyline so interesting. Having made his return at Battleground with a swift kick to Lesnar's groin, a lengthy in-ring segment the following night saw Big Evil complain about Lesnar and Heyman's constant references to The Streak being broken.

For the first time in years, it seems like Undertaker is being wheeled out as a villain, which is a very promising direction for a run through to WrestleMania. In the early 2000s, his work as the embittered veteran was some of the best of his career.

It's too early to say whether this is really the direction the storyline is headed, but enough seeds have been sown to prompt some doubts about Undertaker's intentions. This is certainly the biggest ongoing plot line in WWE at present.

There's No Such Thing As a Nonviolent Revolution

Credit: WWE.com

A necessary injection of NXT talent has redefined women's wrestling on the main roster in recent weeks. Often derided as little more than a bathroom break, the division has quickly become one of the most compelling elements of WWE television.

However, it's not just the in-ring acumen of fresh faces like Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks that has brought this sea change about—it's the sense of purpose that each woman in the division possesses.

The three trios currently co-feuding all want to stake their claims to be the dominant unit in WWE. Wins are earned, and they're celebrated. Competition is ongoing, as every win and loss subtly changes the landscape of which trio is on top and which is falling behind.

Compare this to the outdated set of storylines that weighed the women's division down up until very recently. It took too long for the change to be made, but it's difficult to complain all too much when the current state of affairs is so much better than what we had become used to.

At present, the focus is on three talented teams—and the many matches that can be made from any combination of the athletes that comprise them. However, there's some subtle groundwork being laid even now to make sure that there's a host of possibilities to carry the division through the foreseeable future.

Last night on Raw, Paige's comment about her status as the first NXT women's champion eclipsing Sasha Banks' current reign prompted an easily missed reaction from former champion and teammate Charlotte. The women's division is finally getting what it needs: top-notch talent, some real depth and a resolute focus on competition.

Embrace the Strange

Credit: WWE.com

It seems that at long last, Stardust is ready to reach his full potential. We missed out on his prospective WrestleMania feud with Goldust, but something even bigger and more bizarre seems to be in the works for SummerSlam.

If you weren't clued in by the numerous references to Dusty Rhodes made in Stardust's promos, the character has some deep ties to The American Dream. It seems that the current resurgence of The Prince of Dark Matter might be something of a tribute to Rhodes.

However, this isn't just about one of the greats of yesteryear—it's about one of the most talented men on the WWE roster finally realizing his potential. The comic-book-tinged Stardust is clearly a labour of love.

Neville is a great foil for Stardust between the ropes, but his aerial abilities make him an appropriately super-powered opponent in the storyline, too. The novel match graphics that have been produced for their feud are another neat touch.

That being said, The Man That Gravity Forgot doesn't seem to be Stardust's archnemesis. The Red Arrow is taking up most of his time at present, but all signs point to a Green Arrow being in his sights when SummerSlam rolls round next month.

A spotlight match at one of the biggest events of the year is certainly no less than Stardust deserves. In the ring and out of it, he's a remarkable prospect—and after a string of near misses, a lot of fans are eager to see him take the spot on the card that he deserves.

What do you think is the most intriguing storyline on the road to SummerSlam? Let us know in the comments section below.