WWE’s first two-day SummerSlam was a miniature WrestleMania, highlighted by huge surprises and vital moments. The aftermath leaves breadcrumbs for WWE’s inventive path via to Survivor Collection.
Cody Rhodes reclaimed the undisputed WWE championship, Brock Lesnar squashed John Cena and Seth Rollins claimed one other world championship on the expense of longtime rival CM Punk. Whereas WrestleMania is usually a non secular season finale, SummerSlam offered a clearer path for the approaching months.
Within the aftermath of SummerSlam, let’s map out instructions for 3 of WWE’s high stars via Survivor Collection.
‘Tremendous’ Cena revisits legendary rivalries on his retirement tour
WWE has firmly deserted Cena’s villainous run. His subsequent cease is evident: a feud with Brock Lesnar. “The Beast Incarnate” made a stunning and controversial return at SummerSlam, attacking Cena in a fashion mirroring Lesnar’s 2012 return. If WWE leans closely into nostalgia, they’re going to guide an Excessive Guidelines match between the longtime rivals. Cena will not have many openings left if WWE stretches this program previous August. The 17-time world champion has checked off most gadgets on his farewell record: CM Punk, Randy Orton and Rhodes. There are a number of names Cena nonetheless ought to go to earlier than the 12 months’s finish. A Roman Reigns match appears unavoidable. Revisiting his surprising, acclaimed 2016 feud with AJ Kinds can be a deal with. A trilogy with The Rock is the most important blockbuster potential, however that is depending on Dwayne Johnson’s availability. After Survivor Collection, it is time to go the torch.
Cody Rhodes’ muddled highway
Rhodes’ path via Survivor Collection is probably the most unclear. His first undisputed WWE title reign was that of a workhorse, emphasised by nice matches over memorable tales. WWE would profit from planning his journey extra fastidiously, however his most compelling challengers are preoccupied. Cena has Lesnar to take care of; in the meantime, Rollins has quite a few high stars distracted. Drew McIntyre is a strong wager for Conflict in Paris, probably with involvement from Logan Paul. If Aleister Black overcomes Damian Priest, he’d be a recent challenger for Rhodes, one able to producing a improbable match. A 3rd match between Rhodes and Cena appears unlikely, except WWE closes out the 12 months with a passing-of-the-torch second, however that will not be one thing WWE revisits earlier than Survivor Collection. Rhodes’ solely huge ticket choices contain weaving him into different storylines or pulling somebody at present busy.
Seth Rollins’ crew types unlikely alliances
WWE’s high faction is tailored for Survivor Collection. Rollins and Firm have agency management of Monday nights after stealing the world heavyweight championship. They’ve made many enemies since WrestleMania, a press release that ought to maintain within the winter. WWE has deserted the “WarGames” suffix hooked up to Survivor Collection in latest years, suggesting they’re going to revert to conventional Survivor Collection matches. These matches usually function groups of 4 or 5, that means Rollins and buddies might want to forge alliances of their very own. Rollins’ dominance will spur an uneasy alliance between WWE’s high stars. Punk, Reigns, LA Knight and Jey Uso are at present feuding with the faction. If WWE is ready for a blockbuster, top-heavy most important occasion, they may rope within the lately returned Lesnar — leaning on his historical past with Paul Heyman — and add Cena and/or Rhodes to the opposing aspect. Till then, anticipate Rollins to make use of each instrument at his disposal to maintain the world title towards his rivals.