WWE Battleground 2017: Results That Will Have Biggest Impact on SummerSlam

While WWE Battleground 2017 may have left fans with a sense of disappointment over the show's overall quality, the picture for SummerSlam, from SmackDown Live's perspective at least, became a lot clearer. 

The blue brand certainly had what would be regarded as an off-night on Sunday with a barrage of below-par bouts, but fans will know a lot more about who should be competing for which titles at August 20's SummerSlam moving forward.

With new contenders rising to the main event scene and new champions being crowned on the night, there were plenty of bouts that will leave a lasting impact for SummerSlam and beyond.

Here's the pick of those matches.

Natalya Defeats Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Tamina and Lana

It was perhaps the biggest surprise of the entire night.

Sure, there were a couple of other contenders in the women's match at Battleground who were less likely to win than Natalya, but the Canadian's success on Sunday was a pretty big shock.

It was probably expected that Charlotte Flair or Becky Lynch stood a better chance of victory and progression to fight Naomi at SummerSlam, but it is Natalya who has got the shot.

Of course, there's every possibility that Natalya getting the shot could change in the coming weeks.

But the result of this match has huge implications for SummerSlam as things stand.

The New Day Defeats The Usos

SmackDown Live's tag division is somewhat bare as things stand.

American Alpha have been split up, and the other team with some form of momentum, Breezango, are in a feud with some mystery attackers as things stand.

And that means that following The New Day's victory over The Usos on Sunday night, the only real option for the division at SummerSlam when it comes to the titles is another meeting of the two teams.

Had The Usos retained the belts, then it could have been possible for them to look elsewhere for challengers at SummerSlam.

But Jimmy and Jey are owed a rematch. Bank on them getting it at SummerSlam.

Jinder Mahal Defeats Randy Orton

With an assist from The Great Khali, Jinder Mahal escaped Battleground with the WWE Championship still in his clutches.

And with this widely assumed to be the final meeting between Mahal and Randy Orton, the impact of this result means both will move on and face fresh challenges at SummerSlam.

For Orton, it remains to be seen what is next for The Viper. Perhaps Khali could be in his sights: Tuesday's edition of SmackDown Live will tell fans more.

But Mahal is likely to be challenged by none other than John Cena for the WWE Championship, especially given Cena's victory against Rusev on Sunday night.

It's time for the WWE Championship to take another step forward, and the finish to the match on Sunday means it is Mahal who will take on a fresh foe.