WWE SummerSlam 2011 Results: 10 Matches We Need To Get at Night of Champions

At last night's eventful SummerSlam pay-per-view, exceptions for the annual event were certainly exceeded, as WWE proved once again how to surprise an audience. Not only was the show newsworthy, but the numerous title changes, returns, and memorable match-ups is up there with last month's Money in the Bank as Pay-Per-View of the Year.

Although not every member of the WWE Universe may be pleased with the outcome of last night's show, there is no doubt that everyone involved went above and beyond in making this SummerSlam unpredictable and worth watching. Numerous speculators, myself included, came up on the losing end of most predictions made for the scheduled matches, subsequently being proven wrong by the WWE yet again.

In a mere five weeks, WWE presents its fourth annual Night of Champions pay-per-view, where every existent championship in the company is forced to be defended. Last year, we were treated with four title changes, meaning anything is possible at September's annual event.

Given SummerSlam's results, I'll attempt to predict a possible card for next month's show, although not every main event player will make the card due to it being limited to champions and challengers only. Hopefully, Creative can find a way to include most Superstars in the card much like they did last year, even if it meant adding a "Special Attraction" bout similar to last year's CM Punk vs. Big Show.

Randy Orton vs. Christian (World Heavyweight Championship)

Prior to last night's World Heavyweight Championship match, Christian teased he had "the best thing going" to aid him in retaining his World Championship against opponent Randy Orton.

When Christian's accomplice proved to be none other than his best friend Edge, the Rated-R Superstar would want nothing to do in helping Christian in any fashion following his shady tactics over the past few weeks.

Although many speculated Edge to return later in the contest to surprise the audience in aiding his long-time buddy, it was not meant to be, as Orton would go on to solidify his third reign as World Heavyweight Champion following a vicious RKO on the steel steps.

Despite the fourth consecutive pay-per-view bout being billed as the "final confrontation," there has been much speculation that there will be yet another rematch between the two SmackDown starts next month at Night of Champions.

Sure, they can produce awesome matches much like we saw last night, but I'm more than sure that the rivalry has overrun its course, and it's time to move on to a fresh start.

Admittedly, I was disappointed that the Viper once again emerged as World Champion seeing that they have really dropped the ball on Christian as a heel. However, knowing that Captain Charisma is indeed a complainer, I see him cashing in his rematch clause at the annual event.

By the way, wasn't the point, of this entire feud, to prove that Christian can beat Orton one-on-one? 

John Morrison vs. R-Truth

Last week on Monday Night Raw, John Morrison fought R-Truth in an impromptu battle following their many months of feuding since April. Even though I expected a dusty finish in order to continue the rivalry, Truth ended up pinning Morrison clean in what was only a four-minute match.

Now, I'm not entirely positive as to why Morrison has been jobbing as of late, but all signs point to it being due to Melina's recent departure and the issues revolving around her. Some reports have even speculated that the Monday Night Delight may be on his way out of the company, but I wouldn't take it that far.

Nonetheless, the two delivered a solid bout on the previous episode of Raw and a rematch should certainly scheduled. Truth and Morrison have the potential to go a lot longer than what they've been given, so hopefully, we can eventually see Morrison be elevated some time in the near future. 

Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase (Intercontinental Championship)

Since defeating Ezekiel Jackson in a one-on-one, non-title match two months ago, Cody Rhodes and his associate Ted DiBiase have gotten the better of the Guyanese Goliath at every turn.

Three nights ago on SmackDown, Rhodes took the next step in super stardom by defeating Jackson once against to win the prestigious Intercontinental Championship—his first singles title won in the WWE.

Hopefully, Big Zeke can redeem his rematch clause, if at all, before Night of Champions as the two can't produce a great match and the rivalry has run its course. Over the next five weeks, I'd love to see DiBiase finally break away from Rhodes, complete his inevitable face turn and challenge the masked man to a championship match at the annual event.

The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio

Tonight on Raw, Rey Mysterio seeks to regain the WWE Championship he lost a number of weeks ago against Alberto Del Rio in his hometown of San Diego, California. Let's not forget who defeated in the finals of that tournament to win the belt in the first place—none other than the former WWE Champion in his own right, the Miz.

Over the past few weeks, the two have been involved in the same matches, with the rivalry taking a personal turn on last week's broadcast of Raw where we witnessed Miz brutally Mysterio on the stage before their scheduled match could take place.

Since their confrontation at Money in the Bank last month, I've been pushing for these two excellent workers to engage themselves in a feud with each other seeing they have great chemistry in the ring. A rematch was scheduled to take place last night at SummerSlam, but due to Mysterio's nagging knee injury, the two competed against each other in an All-Star, six-man tag team match instead.

Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix (Divas Championship)

Following her No. 1 contender-ship win in the jam-packed battle royal a few weeks ago on Raw, Beth Phoenix subsequently turned heel to prove her dominance against the "perky bimbo" Divas across the division.

Since then, Phoenix has done just that, even recruiting Natalya in the rebellion in what they call themselves the Divas of Doom.

Although the Glamazon did come up short against Divas Champion Kelly Kelly last night at SummerSlam, you can't help but realize that her win is at least developing a real story between the two—something the division has been lacking for quite some time now.

A rematch is certainly in their futures, with Phoenix eventually capturing the gold and reigning supreme.

Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett (Money in the Bank Briefcase)

For months, I've been pushing for Daniel Bryan and Wade Barrett to engage in a rivalry, given their long history in WWE NXT and Nexus. Following the events that transpired at Money in the Bank, the feud has finally come to fruition and giving both Superstars a chance to shine.

At last night's SummerSlam event, Wade Barrett soundly defeated Bryan without shenanigans in what was a solid matchup. Believe it or not, this win marks Barrett's first victory on pay-per-view in 2011—something that has been long overdue for quite some time.

With this surprising upset, it's only fair to give Barrett his fair shot at Bryan's Money in the Bank briefcase, following numerous claims that he should be the rightful owner, not the American Dragon. The two have excellent chemistry, and I'm highly anticipating future rematches.

David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty vs. the Usos (WWE Tag Team Championship)

Honestly, I doubt anyone really cares whether the WWE Tag Team Champions David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty defend their titles or not, come Night of Champions. Since winning the belts back in May, they've only managed to retain them once. Whatever happened to the 30-day defense clause?

Coincidently, they are only two present tag teams in the WWE right now, the other being the Usos. It surprises me as to why the belts aren't already on the two rising stars, as the Usos have really exhibited their amazing ability since turning face a few months back.

The same can be said for last year's event, where WWE didn't even bother to announce a WWE Tag Team Championship match and threw together a tag team gauntlet at the last minute. The unlikely duo of Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre emerged as the victors of that specific bout, so hopefully, history repeats itself and another fresh stable can be added into the mix.

Sheamus vs. Mark Henry

Since turning his back on the WWE Universe at the 2011 WWE draft, Mark Henry has arguably become the hottest heel in all of the WWE. Picking up numerous victories and sidelining the likes of Big Show, Kane and Vladimir Kozlov have made him the most feared man in the company, much less on the SmackDown roster.

However, the newly turned Sheamus has since stood up to Henry and challenged him to countless brawls on recent episodes of SmackDown. When the time finally came to prove his dominance, the Sheamus became another causality at the hands of the World's Strongest Man following a brutal beat down through the barricade at last night's SummerSlam event.

In my opinion, the two delivered a good contest but seemed to be holding back due to potential future rematches. Henry's count-out victory allows the rivalry to continue while also keeping Sheamus credible, which could make for a very good atmosphere at Night of Champions.  

Dolph Ziggler vs. Alex Riley (United States Championship)

Also last week on Monday Night Raw, Alex Riley challenged the arrogant United States Champion Dolph Ziggler to match following their exchange of heated words the week prior. In what was only a minute contest, Vickie Guerrero made her presence known by slapping Riley in the ring, causing the bleached blonde Superstar to lose by disqualification.

Although the falling-out between Ziggler and Guerrero is still in question, there is no doubt that Riley rightfully earns a championship rematch come Night of Champions following his victory.

The two also worked a dark match at last night's SummerSlam event, with Ziggler emerging victorious following a Zig-Zag. 

Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk vs. John Cena (WWE Championship)

Following a series of solid matches throughout last night's SummerSlam broadcast, the best was yet to come, as CM Punk clashed with John Cena in a battle of the WWE Champions with the COO of the WWE, Triple H, serving as the special guest referee. My expectations were certainly blown out of the water, as Punk and Cena delivered yet another blockbuster main event caliber match that is another running candidate for Match of the Year.

Although Triple H didn't turn heel, I'm glad to be proven wrong, as the missed call to declare CM Punk the winner was enough to explain his role as referee. However, no one saw the surprise ambush from the returning Kevin Nash coming, who inadvertently set up the eventual Money in the Bank cash-in from Alberto Del Rio.

With this WWE Championship win, Del Rio can now claim that his destiny has finally been fulfilled. I surely hope the on-going saga between Punk and Cena doesn't end here, and due to their rematch championship clauses, can receive their respective rematches apart of an anticipated Triple Threat at Night of Champions.

Leaving us with more questions than answers, WWE has once again succeeded in making Raw a must-see program. The WWE Championship has impossibly heated up to a degree that you can't help but anticipate what's going to happen next.

Thanks for reading, Bleachers, and make sure to drop a comment below on what matches you believe should transpire come the Night of Champions pay-per-view. But hey, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

Visit my web site at Next Era Wrestling and my WrestleRant video blog for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps and more. Follow me on Twitter @SAVE_US_GSM.