WWE’s first two-day SummerSlam was a miniature WrestleMania, highlighted by huge surprises and important moments. The aftermath leaves breadcrumbs for WWE’s inventive path by means of 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 introduced a clearer path for the approaching months.
Within the aftermath of SummerSlam, let’s map out instructions for 3 of WWE’s high stars by means of Survivor Collection.
‘Tremendous’ Cena revisits legendary rivalries on his retirement tour
WWE has firmly deserted Cena’s villainous run. His subsequent cease is obvious: a feud with Brock Lesnar. “The Beast Incarnate” made a shocking and controversial return at SummerSlam, attacking Cena in a way mirroring Lesnar’s 2012 return. If WWE leans closely into nostalgia, they’re going to e book 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 objects on his farewell listing: CM Punk, Randy Orton and Rhodes. There are a couple of names Cena nonetheless ought to go to earlier than the yr’s finish. A Roman Reigns match appears unavoidable. Revisiting his sudden, acclaimed 2016 feud with AJ Types could be a deal with. A trilogy with The Rock is the most important blockbuster attainable, however that is depending on Dwayne Johnson’s availability. After Survivor Collection, it is time to cross the torch.
Cody Rhodes’ muddled highway
Rhodes’ path by means of Survivor Collection is essentially 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 rigorously, however his most compelling challengers are preoccupied. Cena has Lesnar to deal with; in the meantime, Rollins has quite a few high stars distracted. Drew McIntyre is a strong guess for Conflict in Paris, probably with involvement from Logan Paul. If Aleister Black overcomes Damian Priest, he’d be a contemporary challenger for Rhodes, one able to producing a implausible match. A 3rd match between Rhodes and Cena appears unlikely, until WWE closes out the yr 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 presently busy.
Seth Rollins’ crew kinds 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, an announcement that ought to maintain within the winter. WWE has deserted the “WarGames” suffix hooked up to Survivor Collection in current 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 presently feuding with the faction. If WWE is ready for a blockbuster, top-heavy predominant occasion, they might rope within the just lately returned Lesnar — leaning on his historical past with Paul Heyman — and add Cena and/or Rhodes to the opposing facet. Till then, count on Rollins to make use of each device at his disposal to maintain the world title in opposition to his rivals.