With each and every go home episode of WWE programming in the books, the SummerSlam pay-per-view (PPV) match card and line-up is now official for the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on Sun., Aug. 18, 2013.
Here's how it looks:
- John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan (WWE championship)
Bryan will get his shot at the big time with Cena facing time off for elbow surgery in the near future. Triple H was inserted as special guest referee at the last minute and Randy Orton looms large with his Money in the Bank briefcase.
- CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar
The issues between Punk and Paul Heyman have made for great television but the brawls between Punk and Lesnar have been a mixed bag. Still, the potential for a "Match of the Year" candidate is there.
- Alberto Del Rio vs. Christian (World heavyweight championship)
The "one more match" gimmick is back -- kind of -- and Christian owns multiple clean pinfall victories over Del Rio in recent weeks, which is the main talking point headed into this one. A title change could be on the books, if only because no matter how hard the powers that be want him to, "ADR" is just not getting over.
- Kane vs. Bray Wyatt
Our introduction to Wyatt in an actual singles match on the main roster comes with an added gimmick: a "ring of fire". This could also mark the last time we see Kane for a while thanks to his reprising his role as Jacob Goodnight in the upcoming See No Evil sequel.
- Damien Sandow vs. Cody Rhodes
The ultimate grudge match that has suffered greatly from Rhodes coming off less like a babyface with a real axe to grind and more like a whine tit who is just upset he didn't get his way. Sandow's overacting and inability to swim have been highlights of the program.
- Dolph Ziggler & Kaitlyn vs. Big E. Langston & AJ Lee
The natural progression of two separate feuds and one somewhat creepy but oftentimes hilarious Twitter romance. Despite some awful segments on Raw and SmackDown of late, this match has real potential.
- Natatya vs. Brie Bella
Not much more than a thrown together match for the sake of promoting the surprisingly successful Total Divas reality show on E! Might actually be more of a clusterfuck than the main event but with much worse wrestling.
- Dean Ambrose vs. Rob Van Dam (U.S. championship)
Not much build, as Van Dam won a 20-man battle royal on the go home Raw show, but it's the pre-show match that should get the crowd nice and hot for the main program and maybe hype a few folks into buying the PPV.
That's the entire event, Cagesiders. Are you ready?