By Scott Bowden
August 18, 2005
Grand Slam? Scott Bowden explains why SUMMERSLAM is shaping up to be a blockbuster—despite a shaky buildup for the undercard.
Since its inception in 1988, Vince McMahon’s annual attempt to create his own version of the summer blockbuster has been as hit-and-miss as a John Woo film nowadays. (Don’t get any ideas, WWE Uncreative: I’m not suggesting that doves or pigeons should be released during The Undertaker’s entrance or some such nonsense.)
Actually for years, SUMMERSLAM was more Michael Bay and Jerry Bruckheimer than anything: solid action at times with very little substance or basis in reality; i.e., fodder for the masses. (Speaking of misses, did anyone see Bay’s THE ISLAND?) The company was in the prime of its cartoon run at the inaugural SUMMERSLAM card, which featured a main event of Ted DiBiase and Andre the Giant vs. Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage, with the late Miss Elizabeth in their corner. (A big selling point of the ’88 show was the pre-advertised finish of Elizabeth dropping her skirt to reveal a bikini bottom designed to distract the heels at a crucial moment. It worked, though in hindsight, it’s a wonder Hogan wasn’t caught with his pants down as well…so to speak.)
For many years on subsequent SUMMERSLAM cards, for every great match, there’s usually been three or four awful bouts, offsetting any notion of a particular Slam being remembered as exceptional from top to bottom. (Hence the term “SummerScam” coined by some smart fans and Dave Meltzer’s WRESTLING OBSERVER in the late ’80s and early ’90s.) Mr. Perfect dropping the IC title to Bret Hart in a preliminary bout during the ’91 SUMMERSLAM that featured Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior defeating Sgt. Slaughter, Col. Mustafa (Iron Sheik) and General Adnan comes to mind, as well as an HBK vs. Razor Ramon ladder match underneath a Diesel vs. Mabel main event in ’95.
The company began to turn the corner in the late ’90s, with, at the very least, only the strongest talent (the emerging Triple H, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Rock and Mankind, along with mainstay The Undertaker) in the top two or three matches on the card. At that point, however, the undercard was usually watered down, as WWE was still in the process of creating new stars after WCW picked off a lot of their aging talent. Still, the new attitude of the ’98, ’99 and 2000 SUMMERSLAM cards proved Vince still could still put on one hell of a show.
After the botched WCW Invasion angle led to a disappointing 2001 SUMMERSLAM card (Rock winning the WCW championship from Booker T), WWE bounced back with a strong 2002 effort, which was designed to usher in the Brock Lesnar era with a WWE title win over The Rock. The 2002 card also featured a strong undercard of Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio, Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero, Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H.
This year’s SUMMERSLAM, on paper, anyway, appears as loaded as the Grappler’s right boot (hey, it’s been a while since I’ve puzzled most of you newbies with an old-school reference)…at least on paper, anyway. Let’s take a look at some of the perceived highlights:
Hulk Hogan vs. Shawn Michaels: In addition to the ’80s nostalgia factor (which seems to fade considerably when Hogan appears on two consecutive editions of RAW) of having the Hulkster on the bill, we get ol’ Thunderlips paired off against a heel HBK. (How novel nowadays…one of the boys actually turns heel during a feud.) While the maestro of sweet chin music hasn’t missed a beat workwise since returning to the ring, HBK’s character has been stuck in idle since his returning feud with Triple H over the World title three years ago.
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After turning on Hogan on RAW, HBK’s got a new lease on life, again displaying the natural smugness that was his trademark during his post-Rockers IC title runs and, later, as the centerpiece of the heel faction DX as WWF champion. At times recently, you could see the HBK of old shining through during babyface vs. babyface matches with, say, Chris Benoit; it was almost as if Michaels was working to suppress the heel mannerisms that defined his career in the late ’90s. But at SUMMERSLAM, it’s the ’80s cartoon that Hogan represents vs. the ’90s rock video that defined the Michaels era.
Some have questioned just how many PPV buys will result from Michaels’ impersonation of Hogan on the phony LARRY KING LIVE set. Dunno. However, it was damn entertaining, and it clearly defined that Michaels was heading into this match as a clear-cut heel, something that was sorely needed to sell this bout.
All too often fans nowadays are force-fed a match between two top stars who are merely having “issues” with one another. Not this time.
Sure, Michaels brings up interesting points in his promos regarding Hogan, but he’s grown increasingly desperate, more unreasonable—more vile—with each passing week. (I admit I was concerned after Michaels didn’t divulge much to Roddy Piper—other than a superkick—the week after turning on Hogan.) HBK’s turn peaked this past week on RAW in front of a Montreal mob who still wanted to string him up for helping screw Bret Hart out of the WWF title in 1997. Given the nature of HBK’s promo, in which he goaded the fans with comments questioning Bret Hart’s manhood, it was almost as if a DVD project wasn’t the only thing the Hitman recently discussed with McMahon at WWE headquarters. While logic—not to mention logistics (Hart’s appearing the afternoon of SUMMERSLAM at a Q&A as part of Sunday’s NWA Legends Fan Fest in Charlotte)—would seemingly prevent the Hitman from appearing at WWE’s PPV show…well…never say never in the World Wrestling Fed…er…uh, Entertainment.
A little more than a week ago, Bret apparently decided to work with McMahon on the upcoming DVD project (slated for release Nov. 1) to properly preserve his legacy, i.e., to prevent the Montreal incident from defining his career in the eyes of WWE fans. (Tentative title of the WWE-produced DVD before Hart agreed to participate: SCREWED—The Bret Hart Story.) And with Hart’s lengthy, reportedly three-volume biography due at some point in the next year or so, use of WWE photos and the McMahon publicity machine will only help those efforts.
All that being said, Hart has in the past remained adamant that he has no desire to appear in WWE storylines again as a character—especially in regards to Montreal. Perhaps he’s mellowed on the idea. I don’t necessarily expect Hart to get involved Sunday (as Meltzer points out, Hart could make the show via a jet following his NWA Legends commitment), but at least now it’s certainly feasible. And you have to admit—even the possibility makes things just a little more interesting, doesn’t it? Besides, what better way to make Montreal seem like a trivial blip on Hart’s career (compared to the rest of his body of work) than by Hart not taking it so seriously himself, and having the “angle” come full circle at SUMMERSLAM? (Or as Bret used to call it back in the day, “THE” SUMMERSLAM.)
The bout itself will be just fine, though even Michaels can’t be expected to work miracles. Still, if Rock can get a solid bout out of Hogan (I know, I know, that was three years ago…a lifetime in the business), I’m confident HBK can get that much more out of the Hulkster, who needs to look strong as he reportedly heads into his last huge payday: the rumored bout with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at next year’s WrestleMania.
Edge vs. Matt Hardy: You have to give Edge credit helping to salvage what should have been a money-in-the-bank (ahem) angle with Matt Hardy, whose return was marred by a lame, almost whiny promo (which followed a handshake with McMahon, who in some fans’ eyes fired him unjustly). Then there was Hardy’s bout with Gene Snitsky on RAW—there’s no way Hardy should have appeared in the ring prior to SUMMERSLAM, appearing already as if he’s just one of the WWE boys.
Edge’s promo two weeks ago cut to the bone, re-energizing what could still be a hot feud. I’d say Edge has got to come out on top here (cough), keeping the feud hot for a few more months or until Creative completely drops the ball. Knowing WWE, the finish will involve something as farfetched as Kane reappearing to dispute Hardy’s claims that the Big Red Machine and the Slim Redhead were only married as part of a TV storyline. As Meltzer writes, directed toward anyone who still believes the angle was an elaborate hoax concocted by WWE writers: “Boy, if anybody thought the original deal was a storyline, there is no way the people who wrote the past two weeks of television, destroying a handed-on-a-platter angle, could have been even close to smart enough to run that elaborate of a hoax.” That’s essentially what a lot of us have been saying all along.
John Cena vs. Chris Jericho: Sure, Cena’s loaded with charisma and star potential, but this bout for the WWE title adds nothing to the lineup, other than providing welcome depth to the undercard. Fans have yet to be re-educated that Jericho is a viable title contender. Those handicap losses to Cena at WWE VENGEANCE (OK, that was a Triple Threat bout with Christian, but still) and on Monday’s RAW (teamed with Carlito) haven’t done much to change that.
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Still, it’s hard to complain about a scenario that involves a heel Jericho, who prior to his turn, like Michaels, was stale. But thanks to Jericho appearing rather lame in action against Cena—Monday’s stiff chair shot notwithstanding—the only intrigue that remains for this bout is just how well the two will work together. My guess is Jericho will carry the Champ to an above-average match, provided Cena’s offense doesn’t show too much light—a consistent problem. (Funny: Triple H accused Jericho of the same thing upon Y2J’s arrival in the former Fed, i.e., that Jericho’s offense looked lame.)
The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton: I don’t object to moving Orton to SMACKDOWN! to help balance the talent of the “two brands” while at the same time continuing the program established between the two in the buildup for WrestleMania XXI. Problem is, WWE has done little to progress the feud with anything remotely innovative as we head into what should be a money rematch between Orton and ‘Taker. Orton interfering to cost ‘Taker a match? ‘Taker responding with special effects that nonsensically frighten the guy who beat Chris Benoit for the World title at last year’s SUMMERSLAM? Yawn.
Orton’s true potential could be realized next year in a program with Batista, as the former Evolution members feud over the World title. But I wonder just how strong Orton will look coming out of a feud with ‘Taker as he eventually heads into a program with the Animal. But if it’s as good as their match at WrestleMania, odds are we won’t recall the shoddy buildup.
Kurt Angle vs. Eugene: On that note, barring a change in direction (always a likely case in today’s WWE), Angle is currently slotted to be Cena’s next challenger for the WWE championship. Ordinarily, having Angle in the title picture would give a shot of instant credibility. Ah, but that was before Angle, fresh out of a feud with Booker T (highlighted by the immortal quotes of “I wanna have sex with your wife!” and “…beastiality sex!”), became mired in a feud with Eugene within a month of returning to RAW. Common sense dictates Angle will destroy Eugene—but then we’re dealing with WWE writers, who may see comedic gold in extending this program.
Things look promising, however, since WWE commentators were putting over Angle’s intensity this week, so perhaps this short feud with Eugene will the be the catalyst for Angle’s long-awaited attitude adjustment (i.e., losing some of the goofy persona), enabling fans to take the former Olympic gold medalist seriously again. This bout won’t sell one PPV, but hopefully this is the extent of would-be comic relief on the undercard, although something tells me we won’t get that lucky, as you have to figure that Ashley will be humiliated in some fashion as an induction of sorts into Divadom…perhaps a three-way with Viscera and Mae Young?
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio (Ladder Match) : The majority of hardcore fans are dismayed at the direction this feud has taken, with the two fighting over custody of Rey’s child, despite the fact that Guerrero has been spot-on dastardly in his new heel role. Making this a ladder match is a step in the right direction, as I’m damn curious to see how Eddie and Rey can top previous incarnations. Could be a show-stealer…but we were expecting that at WrestleMania XXI…and the two fell short. (Note to Rey: Please don’t don a new mask for this encounter. Go with an old standby…one that fits your skull like a Ted DiBiase black glove (OK, I’ll stop now).)
Batista vs. JBL: While I understand WWE’s need to have Batista dispose of JBL to claim his position as the top dog on the SMACKDOWN! side (likewise, Cena needs a win over Trips for that spinning piece of metal to actually mean something), I can’t quite follow the company’s decision to drag out a feud between the two. I mean, really, Vince, haven’t we all (Internet fans and media alike) suffered our comeuppance for doubting that JBL could ever get over as World championship material? (Don’t get me wrong, none of us still buy him on top, the but the JBL gimmick really suits the former Acolyte.) The DQ finish at the Great American Bash didn’t keep JBL strong—it only hurt Batista, who should have steamrolled the former WWE champ to show the fans who still care to think of RAW and SMACKDOWN as separate companies that the World champion has arrived on the scene. Instead, Batista is foiled like all the others before him, losing his cool and then the match via JBL. Batista should win clean in 10 minutes at SUMMERSLAM…so expect a 20-minute bloodbath.
Overall: SUMMERSLAM 2005 is the most loaded show in a while—even without Triple H in the mix. However, with the exception of the main event (undoubtedly Hogan vs. Michaels will close the show), the buildup for the undercard has been shaky. I’m thinking the boys rise to the occasion and put on a helluva show. And with NWA:TNA making a lot of noise of late with their PPV efforts, WWE could use a homerun…a grand Slam, if you will. (More on Dusty in a moment.)
On that Note: Next week, I’ll analyze how well SUMMERSLAM stacked up against NWA:TNA’s most recent PPV, SACRIFICE.
I watched a tape of the show Tuesday night and was blown away by Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles as well as the Sean Waltman/Jerry Lynn bout, the latter of which told an excellent story in the ring, with announcers Mike Tenay and Don West coming along for the ride. (Yeah, West can still be annoying, but the guy’s come a long way since my very first column, a review of TNA’s first PPV.) The show closed with a classic Memphis- /ECW-style tag-team brawl with Raven and Sabu (whose performance was a bit off in the early going but closed strong) losing to Jeff Jarrett and Rhino, a great bout that logically set up Rhino as the next challenger for Raven’s NWA World title.
Those who have requested more TNA coverage, stay tuned. The group has demanded attention from the wrestling world, and I’d say they’ve earned it, especially with a timeslot on Spike TV forthcoming.
The Crown Jewels: Longtime fans/geeks (like myself) have to be thrilled with the recent line of WWE Classic Superstars action figures. Featuring both ’80s era and NWO versions of Hulk Hogan, along with Superstar Graham, Jimmy Hart and now Bruiser Brody and a Memphis-style Jerry “the King” Lawler, the Classics line is appealing to those marks who have grown up with their heroes and now have disposable income.
Yep, with old-school action figures, DVDs and 24/7, I’m going to enjoy WWE’s Legends program immensely… as long as they keep recent Legends signee Dusty Rhodes as far away from WWE Creative as possible.
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