WWE SummerSlam 2011: Odds on Each Match/Pecking Order

We all know about the matches set for the SummerSlam PPV. Today, I am going to look at what and where each match will be featured and why.

There is no secret that every company has a "pecking order" to which they must apply their talent to. Just like every other company, some things are much more important than others.

Let's not waste any more time, and let's get right down to SummerSlam and break down the opener, the promos—all the way to the main event.

Opening Match: Wade vs. Bryan

As we all saw last month, Bryan is now the holder of the SmackDown Money in the Bank briefcase. He had the greatest moment of his career, but the best is yet to come for the man.

Sadly, we are still months away from WrestleMania 28, so for the time being he will be in the mid-card and/or upper mid-card.

Of all the bouts, Wade versus Bryan is the only one I can see opening the show, so when all the pyro and fancy music ends, expect either Wade or Bryan to be walking out.

Music Performance

We all know Cee Lo Green will be performing. We all know most are going to complain about it no matter what come Monday morning.

Honestly, I do not really mind. WWE and music have gone together since the beginning of time, so why not continue for SummerSlam?

Put the little performance here, after a great opener. Let the crowd cool down a little bit, and then give the music song(s) 10 minutes or so. No harm done. No reason to go on big rants or anything...

Sheamus vs. Mark Henry

This one will be next. It is probably best that it is pretty early on in the show on the off chance it does end up stinking big time.

I trust these two, but the big man clashes can always go either way. After the musical songs, the audience will be down for a nice, big brawl.

No problem on my end. Nothing at all wrong with these two tearing each other apart within the first hour of the PPV. If it goes bad, people will forget about it. If it goes well, good for them!

Randy vs. Christian

It is going to be an early night for SmackDown talent. I see this match being placed right in the middle (where their other matches were too), and just going crazy with no rules or any restrictions on what they can/can't do.

Another reason I put this match on before the other main events is Christian's little tease at the end of SmackDown. It "reeks of awesomeness" but you never know how an Edge appearance will play out.

Boos? Cheers? Help Christian? Hug him, then turn around and spear him? I don't know where this is headed, but I do feel confident this match will not be given the final slot.

Kelly vs. Beth

These two have had many matches before, and it will likely not last too long. That is fine with me.

No matter who wins, a quick match is all that is needed. Another reason for this match being so late is that every PPV could use a "buffer match." Basically, that means a match to let the crowd breathe in between the big main-event-level matches.

The Divas will do their jobs here and have a five-minute little bout. No harm done...

The Miz/Rey Mysterio Segment

Nothing is official, but The Miz is making the media rounds (again) and is teasing something with Rey here. I have no doubts that they will interact in some way, but I also do not think it is wise to just throw this match on the card.

Have Miz come out. Blabber for awhile on the L.A. crowd! Rey can come out, give him a 619, and salute the crowd. Maybe give a little speech about his hometown WWE title match the next night on Raw and walk out...

Lots of people are forgetting about Mysterio's WWE title bout on Monday night. I have not forgotten and, in fact, it is a big reason why I picked the WWE title main event to go down how I predicted (see other column for that).

Main Event: John Cena/CM Punk

No doubt this closes the show. Cena is there. Punk is there. Triple H will be involved, as referee.

It all adds up to a memorable ending to SummerSlam, if you ask me. Both (all three?) men will show up here, and put on a great match. The challenge is certainly out there for them to top Money in the Bank, and what better place than SummerSlam?

I expect another 40-45 minutes given to them (like last month) and an amazing crowd. I have tried to stay with from my predictions, as I wrote about that earlier today, but let me just say that neither Punk nor Cena will leave as WWE champion...