WWE SummerSlam 2016: Feuds That'll Continue Through Backlash, Clash of Champions

WWE SummerSlam 2016 was a night with historical implications, from the first pay-per-view meeting between Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton to the crowning of the inaugural WWE universal champion.

But as monumental of an evening as it was, it merely marked the beginning of WWE's New Era, and the stage has been set for the Backlash and Clash of Champions pay-per-views in the coming months. Both events are likely to feature the fallout from the biggest party of the summer this past Sunday.

Several storylines culminated at SummerSlam, but there are a handful of others that have yet to reach their breaking points. These are the rivalries you can expect to continue through Backlash and Clash of Champions.

The New Day vs. The Club

Credit: WWE.com

The Club appeared to be primed to unseat New Day as WWE tag team champions at SummerSlam, especially with Big E out of the picture. However, once Big E resurfaced and took the fight to Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, the match was thrown out.

As a result of the disqualification, The Club won the match but not the titles. Regardless, they own a victory over the current reigning champs and reiterated that fact the following night on Raw.

Although Anderson fell short of victory over Big E on Monday night, The Club should remain in contention for the twin titles through Clash of Champions. They are owed a rematch, and there isn't a more fitting stage for it to occur than at the pending pay-per-view.

The Club regained a semblance of their heat later in the night by decimating The Dudley Boyz during their final farewell, so that alone should earn them another shot at the straps. And it should be at Clash of Champions that they finally become the new tag team champions of the world.

It is entirely possible that Jeri-KO, who are fresh off a victory against Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady at SummerSlam, are slotted in that position instead, but The Club have unfinished business with New Day.

The Miz vs. Apollo Crews

Credit: WWE.com

Since becoming a five-time intercontinental champion the night after WrestleMania 32, The Miz has been doing the absolute best work of his career. With Maryse by his side, he has shined as an on-air personality and comes across as more motivated than ever before.

Miz's latest title defense came at SummerSlam, where he put the gold up for grabs in a match against Apollo Crews. Crews was considered the fan favorite to win given his recent momentum, and he came close to taking the title on a few different occasions.

Despite a strong effort, Crews was unsuccessful in his pursuit of the prestigious prize on Sunday. Miz outsmarted him by sending him face first into the turnbuckle post before capitalizing with a Skull Crushing Finale for the win.

Although Crews came up short in his bid for the IC title, that does not mean he can't go back after the strap at Backlash next month.

It is more a matter of when and not if Crews will have that title around his waist, so look for him to earn another championship opportunity at the event. Hopefully he will have better luck the second time around.

Roman Reigns vs. Rusev

Credit: WWE.com

One of the biggest criticisms among fans at SummerSlam was the lack of match between Roman Reigns and United States champion Rusev. They contested a lengthy match the week prior on Raw that concluded with Reigns beating the Bulgarian brute.

Before the bell could ring on Sunday night, Reigns and Rusev were relentless in ambushing each other. Referees were called down to ringside to break up the brawl. They would eventually send Reigns to the back, but not before he resurfaced and speared Rusev right out of his boots.

They didn't cross paths on Monday's Raw, but as one could tell during Rusev's match with Big Cass, he was still suffering from the wounds of the war. And vengeance is undoubtedly on the champion's mind.

Moreover, while Rusev's adversary now finds himself in next week's Fatal 4-Way match for the vacant WWE Universal Championship, Rusev doesn't. Of course, that could mean he interferes and costs Reigns the shot at the championship to move their feud along.

While Reigns may have his eye on a bigger prize at the moment, don't think for a second the bad blood between them has simmered at all. The ruthless rivals remain at odds and are bound to clash with the U.S. title on the line sooner rater than later.

Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, is a Digital Journalism major at Endicott College. Visit his website, Next Era Wrestling, and "like" his official Facebook page to continue the conversation on all things wrestling.

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