WWE SummerSlam 2016: Matches with Biggest Historical Implications

WWE SummerSlam has rarely disappointed in terms of drama and entertainment, but this year, with the stakes higher than ever, history will be made at many turns.

As the final pay-per-view before WWE begins having brand-exclusive PPV events, this Sunday will be a night that has huge historical implications for the present and future of WWE.

Whether it's Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton's star-studded match or the bouts that will determine who the two major champions—and their next challengers—will be, there is much to be excited about.

Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte

If WWE lets these two incredible athletes wrestle for a significant period of time, fans are in for a real treat at SummerSlam.

This could be one of the greatest matches involving female wrestlers in years—with Banks' first proper defense of the WWE Women's Championship coming on one of the biggest stages in professional wrestling. 

How will this match have historical implications for the future of WWE? It should be the bout to help WWE move conclusively and decisively into the New Era for women's wrestling in the company.

With Bayley set to join the the main roster in the coming months and the prospect of more talent from NXT stepping up, this represents the beginning of the supposed "revolution" WWE never delivered upon last year.

And it all starts from the top. If the competitors at the head of the pack are at their bests, it will have a trickle-down effect for everyone below them.

Expect Banks to retain, but more importantly, expect it to be a significant night for wrestling as a whole.

John Cena vs. AJ Styles

As the dust begins to settle following WWE's brand split, many of SmackDown's top stars are still trying to find their roles on the show.

However, the standings will become a lot clearer following this week and SummerSlam—and if the result of the match between John Cena and AJ Styles goes in favor of the latter, it will have major implications for the future of the blue brand.

With Dolph Ziggler currently occupying the role of main challenger to Dean Ambrose, it's safe to assume there is an opening or two near the top end of the card on SmackDown.

So if Styles can not only win against Cena, but also beat him cleanly, it will elevate his standing to such a point that he becomes a major player in the WWE World Championship scene.

What happens to Cena is not yet clear, but if Styles wins, it should be the springboard for him to set his sights on his first world title run in WWE.

He's talented enough, and if WWE decides it wants to trust him, he will deliver. 

Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor

It's hard not to see this contest—the first-ever WWE Universal Championship match—as one with major implications for WWE's future.

If Finn Balor gets the nod and the victory—whether cleanly or controversially—it will immediately make him one of WWE's biggest stars on the company's flagship show.

Defeat would hardly be terminal for Balor, as a rivalry with Seth Rollins on the grand stage of SummerSlam is a great starting point. But if he wins, it will show that WWE is serious about pushing Balor as an immediate top star rather than one being groomed for the future.

Both men would be brilliant custodians of the WWE Universal Championship, though, and both will likely hold it before the year is over. 

But if it's Balor's time this weekend, it will send huge shock waves throughout WWE in the short term.