SummerSlam 2006 Thoughts

Now I had said I didn’t want to pay for SummerSlam 2006 because the card didn’t seem too great. But then I got caught up in the SummerSlam hype. I actually attended the first SummerSlam with the MegaPowers vs. the Megabucks – so I’m a SummerSlam fan.

They got me to pay up the 40 bucks and I watched the show. Here’s my opinion on it: It was a decent show that was quite fun and set up storylines for a while. Did anyone else notice that every match (except the DX one) had the loser enter the ring first?

The night opened up with Rey vs. Chavo because no other match could open. I enjoyed the match and the two have very good chemistry. Chavo selling of Rey’s offense is believable and the two did not disappoint. I think their No Way Out match was better and no Vicki Guerrero interference would be nice, but all in all a good opener with some nice highspots.

Hogan/Orton was what I expected except for the finish of Hogan going over. It’s not like he needs to protect his spot so I don’t understand why he didn’t job to Orton. Hogan played the crowd excellently and he’s the smartest man in wrestling – I wonder how he would do as a booker (assuming he was no longer an on-air talent).

Show vs. Sabu was alright. I was surprised there was no interference by Paul Heyman or RVD or someone. The two didn’t work together that well and the match was sloppy in parts.

The I Quit match was more hardcore than the ECW match. Some crazy bumps had me cringing for both wrestlers. The match ended abruptly with Mick quitting to save Melina and quite possibly means that the feud will continue.

DX vs. The McMahons (+10): I enjoyed seeing Ken Kennedy getting such offense on DX. It would be nice to see a Kennedy vs. HBK feud since the two can be loudmouths very well. Since Kennedy is such a star on SmackDown! it’s only a matter of time before he is sent to Raw. Anyway, the match portion was weak, but I enjoyed seeing the McMahons using tag-team finishers from the past. I was disappointed they did not use the Midnight Express’ finisher. It also set up a Kane-Umaga feud to give both men direction.

King Bookah vs. Batista: Batista needs some conditioning work since he nearly botched the Batista Bomb. Bookah retains and the feud will continue. That’s good for SmackDown!

Edge vs. John Cena: Cena loses in front of his home crowd so Edge will do the job at Unforgiven in Toronto. I’m glad Edge successfully defended the WWE championship at such a major PPV. It was a good match and I still think that Edge is a great champion. He seems like he could lose any match to any opponent (take a look at his ladder match against Ric Flair or his recent match against Carlito). He draws good heel heat and fans want to see him get his butt kicked in the ring.

BTW: I also liked the interaction between the champions. It makes the two shows really seem like two different promotions.

SummerSlam 2006

SummerSlam is upon us and I really have no interest in paying for this pay-per-view.

As I was driving my car listening to Metalingus by Alter Bridge (Edge’s theme), I realized I want to see a couple of the matches on the card. I don’t care about the Rey/Chavo storyline. I’m sure the two will put on an excellent match, but I can always watch their No Way Out Cruiserweight Championship Match (the same No Way Out where Eddie become WWE Champion) if I want to see them wrestle.

DX vs. The McMahons – I’ve got some words for you: I don’t care. I understand that “Mr. McMahon” is a character and will have feuds from time to time, but I have no interest in watching Vince wrestle. I would rather Vince act as a manager of sorts where he sends out wrestlers to take on other wrestlers.

Hogan vs. Orton: The Second Legend vs. Legend Killer match for SummerSlam (last year was Taker vs. Randy). Orton had a decent match against Taker and had a great match against Chris Benoit (but then again, Benoit could wrestle a broom) but I don’t think he can get a good match out of Hogan. It will be a punch, kick, rest-hold-fest that I don’t want to watch. I expect Orton to prevail since he’s got a 2 SummerSlam win-streak and I also expect Hogan is willing to do the job for the promotion of his daughter.

The “I Quit” match, bleh. I know these guys can go and have a brutal match, but once again, my interest is low. Foley’s promos have been excellent – but once again, these guys are old enough to start their own stables. These stables could fight. Foley’s Stuntmen vs. Flair’s Non-horsemen.

I’m only interested in the championship matches considering it determines the main storylines on the shows. I’ve been enjoying seeing Edge as WWE Champion and I think Cena is doing well as the babyface challenger chasing the heel champion. (BTW, I think Edge should retain because that guy is getting great heel heat and looks like he could lose to any challenger. Once again, he reminds me of Ric Flair as a mouthy, chicken, heel.) Since SummerSlam is in MA and Cena’s the hometown boy (plus he’s the WWE’s golden boy) I expect Cena to win his 3rd WWE Championship.

I’ve enjoyed King Booker’s reign as well. He had me cracking up when he was on commentary duty last week and I hope he keeps the king character for a bit longer. The King’s Court is a good loose heel stable which gives purpose to matches. (Such as if someone has a problem with Booker, they go through his court first. It separates the challenger from the champion).

Show vs. Sabu can be pretty good – and I’m sure I’ll get my fill through free recaps on ECW.

So that’s my look at SummerSlam 2006.