One of the best built programs on the SummerSlam card was the celebrity-focused match between Arrow star Stephen Amell & Neville against his nemesis Stardust and new ally "Cosmic" King Barrett. It wasn't high drama, but is well constructed camp that all of the participants committed to, especially the Canadian actor and long-time wrestling fan.
After a slick, comic book inspired recap video, the villains made the first, and flashier entrance. The high flying Brit stuggled with his cap, and Amell's walkout was actually pretty no nonsense, although he did have on the hooded tunic and boots he wears as the Emeral Archer on The CW.
Neville and Barrett started as commentary played up their King of the Ring rivalry. But this was not going to be a match where the guest star was hidden. Shortly after Stardust became legal, he demanded Amell...and got what he wanted.
The athletic thespian springboarded over the ropes and got directly in The Strange One's face. The full-time wrestler shoved him to the ground, but Amell kipped up and connected with a big front kick that caused Cody to regroup in corner.
Outside of a big hip toss and arrow shooting gesture, that was it for his offense. But Amell actually worked as the face-in-peril for the bulk of the match, with Barrett and 'Dust working him over. He oversold a lot of things, but that was the story of the match. After a big delayed front suplex, an enziguri shocks Cody Rhodes' alter ego and Neville gets in as the house afire.
"Quick as the Flash," per Jerry Lawler, he dumps both men. Before The Man That Gravity Forget can leap over the ropes, Amell stops him and crossbodies them on the floor from the ringpost.
Plancha from @amellywood!! #SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/1eJ7m67l4E
— LARIATOOOOO!!! (@SenorLARIATO) August 24, 2015
He rolls Barrett in, Red Arrow and the good guys win!
There wasn't much in the way of a post-match angle, with a vexed looking Stardust scooting back up the ramp in defeat.
But it was a fun match with a lot more work from the celebrity guest star than you'd usual get from someone in that spot.
What did you think, True Believers?