On a weekly basis, PWTorch staffers James Caldwell and Greg Parks have a Lounge-style chat reviewing the week in TV wrestling and looking ahead to what's next for key storylines, matches, and future events. An occasional "Seinfeld" or "The Office" reference is also mixed in for good measure.

James Caldwell: This is PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell joined by PWTorch columnist Greg Parks discussing the week in TV wrestling. Greg, I'm going to start this week by putting you on the spot. Book the finish of Cena-Punk with Triple H as special referee at Summerslam. And, go!

Greg Parks: Noooo!! Punk retains, Triple H grudgingly counts three, it's back to the drawing board for Hunter and Cena (separately) looking to get the title off of Punk for their own reasons. How I'd guess it'll go down: Punk retains (conceivably, Cena could win and this could still happen), but Del Rio cashes in the MITB and wins. I think that'd probably be more in line with what actually happens than my first guess.

Caldwell: Interesting proposals. I have a basic scenario and an elaborate plot. Basic scenario: Punk wins after Hunter begrudgingly counts, then Del Rio cashes in per Hunter's orders. So, it sets up Cena-Del Rio and Hunter-Punk feuds. My elaborate scenario includes McMahon returning, Stephanie involved, and The Rock mixed in with Cena. It all leads to a dreaded McMahon Family Power Struggle on TV. I didn't say I'm in favor of this scenario, but if WWE wants to blow this open leading to the fall, I could see them considering it. At the end of the day, I think the two top feuds will be Hunter-Punk and Cena-Del Rio. Greg, let's talk about Monday's Raw specifically. What was your take on the final sales pitch for Summerslam?

Parks: As for your scenario, I agree that ultimately, those will be the two feuds that develop out of this, whether it's sooner or later. I wasn't overly impressed with the Summerslam sales pitch, other than Punk vs. Cena. I didn't think Del Rio looked much like a title contender in his match against Punk, Morrison lost again in bizarre fashion in a match that probably (a) should've gotten more time and (b) happened at Summerslam. Only four matches announced so far for the so-called second biggest show of the year. If there was ever a question of whether WWE thinks only the main event matches sell the PPV, I believe this answers it.

Caldwell: It was apparent WWE spent about 90 percent of their effort on the contract signing segment and 10 percent on the rest of the show, as most of that show didn't make a lot of sense to me. I'm thinking of what you said with the Del Rio and Morrison booking, giving away potential Summerslam matches, and no additional PPV matches added. It certainly is one of those PPVs where WWE is completely dependent on one match. And, with all of the TV time invested in that one match, I can see why that's their thinking. Focusing on the contract signing, what stood out to you the most from that?

Parks: C.M. Punk's performance continues to be A+. I'm not saying necessarily the material, though it's often good, but just how confident he sounds, the way he carries himself, it's all indicative of someone who is a star, someone who has that star quality, that intangible quality WWE often talks about. That, and the physicality that took place with Triple H getting involved. I'm surprised they went that route so early as far as Hunter getting physically involved.

Caldwell: Interesting point. That's the first time I've thought of that aspect with WWE giving away some physical contact involving Triple H, as the segment was so dominated by the verbal that I didn't consider the physical. I agree Punk handles himself like a huge star when put in that position. Then, there are times when he's presented as just another heel on the roster e.g. the backstage promo with Mathews and basic, back-and-forth match with Del Rio, which should have been built up as a bigger deal. I didn't like a lot of the material in the promo, but, at the end of the day, I thought they sold Summerslam as best they could with a rushed situation following Punk's return. They could have done better, though, as it still felt like the Triple H Show too much.

Parks: Yeah, the whole thing is messed up because of how soon Punk returned. It seemed clear that WWE was banking on this being a long, drawn out process, but then when he re-signed, they had to do a lot of adjusting on the fly to do with the story they were telling.

Caldwell: And, we ultimately get to my argument on the Livecast the past two weeks that I thought Cena-Rey could have been the Summerslam main event and doing equal business, and they could have stretched out the Cena-Punk re-match to another PPV. Alas, perhaps it worked out for the best with Rey injured! Now, it seems like WWE has to come up with some big angle coming out of Summerslam to make up for already cashing in on Punk's return. It should be interesting. What did you make of Cena's aspect of the contract signing? It felt like he was trying to be cool like Punk "shooting" on work rate, heel persona, etc., then he just got back to the basics of the Cena character at the end. How do you think it all sorted out?

Parks: Yeah, can you imagine if they had Cena vs. Rey booked then had to bring back Punk early to replace Rey? That could've turned out even worse. Everything Cena talked about...as a fan, it was fun, but it felt like WWE was desperately trying to get Cena over to the 20-something male fans who all hate him. They figure that if he acknowledges his shortcomings and riffs on the stuff that makes him uncool then therefore, it makes him cool. Well, it doesn't. It's just confusing.

Caldwell: That was my problem with it, too. The ship has sailed on making Cena seem "cool" to that demographic, and him "acknowledging the issues people have with him" doesn't build up fanfare with that segment of the audience, it just makes them resent him more. Overall, I feel like it's damaging Cena's connection with the overall audience, as they're hearing a lot of criticism or thinking about things they probably were never aware of or never really thought about it. It would have been slightly okay if Punk were the one doing it, as it would make Punk seem like a jealous heel who's making up lies, but when Cena is doing it, I think it takes away some of the mystique and connection he has with that segment of the audience. And, like you said, it's all quite confusing at the end of the day. ... Anything else on the contract signing aspect? It seems like we need to see how it plays out at Summerslam to dissect it more.

Parks: Yeah, I think we've hit all the high notes of the contract signing.

Caldwell: How about The Miz? I felt like he had a very strong night with organic intensity that didn't seem put-on or forced. How do you think he "crashes the party" at Summerslam?

Parks: We've already set Cena vs. Del Rio and Triple H vs. Punk, but does Miz usurp Del Rio's spot and re-ignite his Cena feud for a month or two? Del Rio has been in line to get a title shot for a while, so it would be no surprise if it was put off once again. Miz is done with Riley and his other natural foe, Rey, is injured, so what is he to do? I think getting him involved with Punk could be entertaining if WWE wanted to hold Hunter vs. Punk off 'til WrestleMania time.

Caldwell: Yeah, I continue to sense Miz (and R-Truth) with their "conspiracy theory" storyline will lead to something at Summerslam. Perhaps Miz does get involved or brings in one of the McMahons to "right some wrongs" in his eyes. WWE is going to have a lot of time to fill on that PPV, even if Cena-Punk fills up the entire third hour, so I could Miz having a strong presence. Miz had one of those turning-point nights on Raw, and I agree with you he could fit in nicely with Punk and/or Cena. There could be something there. You mentioned Rey, who is scheduled for a title match the next night on Raw. Where do you think he fits in all of this or does that depend on the injury?

Parks: Probably depends on his injury. Problem with getting Miz (or Truth) involved in the main event is that it muddies the story even more than it already is. Keeping track of Punk, Cena and Triple H and their feelings on things is confusing enough because of Punk's early return, but mixing in Miz and Truth I have a feeling would give it a TNA-level of confusion.

Caldwell: I was mid-way through your paragraph when I started thinking about TNA's main event situation, then saw your final phrase and saw we were on the same page! WWE has kept it pretty simple with Cena, Punk, and Hunter as the focus of the main event angle on Raw. (Hunter over-riding both at times has been an issue, though.) So, yeah, WWE will have to keep this as organized as possible because they are dangerously close to that "why does this guy not like this guy?" and "who's on whose side?" confusion that isn't good for business (to use a Hunterism). I felt that way when Punk introduced Rock's promo to knock Cena, then called Rock a phony. It was confusing for the first-half of that contract signing and they have to be careful about that going forward. Greg, what else jumped out at you from Raw?

Parks: Morrison losing cleanly again. I wrote a blog post about it a few days ago, and I just don't understand him jobbing so much upon his return. What's your take on it James?

Caldwell: I think they've completely botched his character. They took him off TV for the injury, randomly brought him back to be "re-injured" by Truth, aired a video package, randomly had Triple H say he "re-signed" Morrison, put him back in the shuffle last week, and had him lose this week. You can't make stars with that sort of up-down treatment. Plus, throw in the Melina Effect and I think he's in line for a tough month or two before WWE perhaps figures out what to do with him. There's also Morrison, himself. He still carries himself like the TNA version of RVD too much. Too casual, put-on intensity, and nice-looking moves, but nothing that says "I'm ready to be a main eventer." I think it's a combination of WWE's weird booking and Morrison's uninspired effort.

Parks: Yeah, to me, heavy on WWE's weird booking. I agree that the Melina situation probably has something to do with it, and that's a shame to be held back because of that. Morrison has issues, like you said, but he also adds a healthy dose of athleticism that is sorely lacking on WWE's shows; even Kidd vs. Gabriel on NXT, while a good match, was worked more of a main event style and we didn't see even 50 percent of what these guys could do if let loose - that kind of athleticism is what Morrison is "allowed" to bring.

Caldwell: I compare Morrison and Kingston often-times. I believe Kofi has improved in the area of needing to make his offense smoother, and allowing his personality to stand out to where he doesn't have to do high-flying moves one after another, which makes his high-flying stand out more. Morrison, I believe, is too dependent on the high-flying and hasn't improved as much as Kofi in terms of showing a personality in the ring. I think Morrison has to find a fire that carries into the ring. Speaking of NXT, you mentioned Kidd vs. Gabriel this week. I think you nailed it that it was about 50 percent of what they're capable of. But, I think it made sense since it was NXT (as opposed to a bigger stage) and they have to protect their bodies being on the road 52 weeks out of the year. I think WWE could show highlights of that match, then let them loose on Smackdown to have an even stronger match being able to go 100 percent. Of course, it's WWE, and that's idealistic!

Parks: Sure is, especially when WWE really has no plans for either of them: in their mind, what's the point of giving them 10 minutes to wrestle on Smackdown when neither are in for a big push anytime soon?

Caldwell: And that's the problem with their talent pushes: if they're on the roster, why not feature them? As HBK said about C.M. Punk five years ago, if there's an issue preventing them from a larger opportunity, then why not work with them to address it? It's part of some really bad habits in WWE and unfortunate when they have so many wrestlers capable of more than what they're being given to work with. Greg, also on NXT, Matt Striker returned to the ring and they continue to inch closer to the 25-week over/under line. What was your take on this week's show, overall?

Parks: Eh. It was just "there." They've added the Matt Striker storyline the past few weeks and I guess they feel they have so few guys on the NXT roster at this point that they have to turn Striker back into a wrestler to add someone else into the mix.

Caldwell: We've talked about this recently how WWE seemingly wrapped up all of their NXT storylines around Week 15, and now they're short two Pros via departure, so it's almost forced Striker into service. I wouldn't be surprised if they drag Regal back into the ring or just keep parading "alumni" like Gabriel or Ryder on the show. It's not like the switch is going to flip for the Rookies anytime soon. But, looking at Derrick Bateman, what's your take on his mini-development with Daniel Bryan?

Parks: I don't see Bateman and Bryan meaning a whole lot at this point; I don't see WWE carrying anything over from NXT to the main roster, even if Bateman were to go on Smackdown, the same show Bryan is on. And I agree, Regal has been having a war of words with JTG (or "Jimmy The Gimmick") for a while, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him pressed into duty.

Caldwell: I would say WWE could bring back some of the eliminated Rookies, but Novak and Cannon have been completely cut from the roster, so they're a bit short in that department. It's a show going nowhere. Greg, let's move on to Smackdown. It feels like the same show with Orton, Christian, Sheamus, and Henry the focal points for seemingly the past four months, but what's your take on the latest build-up to Summerslam?

Parks: They've done a relatively good job continuing to string out Orton vs. Christian. They prepped Sheamus for fighting Henry at the PPV by giving him Khali on Smackdown so fans could see Sheamus get through a giant - too bad the announcing was too all-over-the-place to acknowledge the comparison. I thought giving Christian the pinfall win over Orton was smart, because despite being champion, I don't know that many fans take him seriously against a perennial main-eventer like Orton.

Caldwell: I agree that was the way to go to enhance Christian without taking too much away from Orton. Do you think it also points to Orton re-taking the World Title at Summerslam? And, regardless of the result, do you see this feud extending beyond Summerslam?

Parks: We'll see who gets the better of who on Smackdown Friday night before I'm ready to declare Orton over Christian at SS. I figured this feud would have to end here, but with Henry and Sheamus just beginning their feud, I don't know who either Christian or Orton would move on to (depending on who comes out as champion).

Caldwell: Something we've talked about for a while is the possibility of a three or four-way title scenario at an upcoming PPV. Do you think WWE could stretch out Christian-Orton another month or two all the way to Hell in a Cell for an ultimate blow-off by having a three or four-way match incorporating Sheamus and Henry at Night of Champions?

Parks: That could be; remember, at N.O.C. last year we saw many multi-man matches, because all had to be title matches, so you didn't want main eventers and upper carders left off the card by virtue of not having a title to fight for or defend, so they were stuck in multi-man matches. Wouldn't be surprised to see it happen again this year.

Caldwell: Very good point. I think it could help stretch out Christian-Orton to the start of the fall season, then spent the first month of fall building to the blow-off at Hell in a Cell, then get into a newer, fresher feud at the top of Smackdown. Looking at the mid-card, what has stood out to you lately?

Parks: Well, we've got renewed interest in the Usos. I think they're tribal dance prior to their match is a nice addition to their arsenal. Nattie just turned heel on A.J. in another rush-job (since she had been mentoring A.J. and Kaitlyn), but at least it's SOMETHING. And Johnny Curtis finally debuts - no more stupid vignettes!

Caldwell: I think the key to the Divas deal is at least it's something! But, agreed on them rushing right into it. Plus, this week on Superstars, Alicia Fox was suddenly a face opposite heel Tamina. There's just no consistency. What's your take on Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase? A bit in the background, but Cody is still being positioned as relevant on Smackdown.

Parks: Yeah, it's more in the background now than before, which worries me a bit. I don't really know where they're going with Zeke-Bryan vs. Cody-Ted or the Cody/Ted relationship. I feel like it's something that's on its way to dissolving and just disappearing

Caldwell: It certainly feels that way. We shall see this week. Greg, looking at some potential match candidates to be added to the Summerslam line-up, Daniel Bryan has been lobbying for a match against Wade Barrett. Is there anything else from Smackdown you see as PPV worthy?

Parks: It sure doesn't seem like. Not a whole lot going on in the mid-card, unless they wanted to do Cody vs. Zeke for the IC Title.

Caldwell: There ya go. I don't think we'll be seeing ol' Jinder Mahal in a PPV match right now. Greg, I haven't seen Impact yet here on a Thursday night, but what stood out to you from the Hardcore Justice fall-out?

Parks: Two things: Kurt Angle's explanation for using the chair on Sting in the title match at Hardcore Justice, that being Dixie Carter not being honest with him about Jeff and Karen's relationship and Hogan being the one to tell him about it; and the X Division now has a weight limit, thanks to the network: 225 lbs.

Caldwell: Wait, they're going back to the Jeff-Karen-Kurt love triangle storyline? I didn't even pick up on that from talking to people at the TV tapings this week. Similar to the McMahons being central figures in WWE storylines, I'm leery of Dixie Carter being the central figure of TNA storylines, especially the title situation. At least in WWE's favor, they have two decades of history as on-air characters to draw from, they're reasonably strong characters to base storylines off, and they're strong performers who connect with a decent portion of that audience. None of that describes Dixie as an on-air character. I'm glad the X Division has a weight limit, but now they need to completely scrap the "division" and call it something else.

Parks: Oh, I forgot to mention perhaps the biggest development: It appears that Robbie E. and Cookie have broken up! I know that'll keep you up tonight, James.

Caldwell: It sure will! Of course, Jersey Shore returns to 8.8 million viewers last week and The Shore returns the week after - coincidence? I think not. I think the bigger developments in TNAland will be on next week's show, so we can touch on more of the post-Hardcore Justice developments in one week's time. Greg, any final thoughts on Impact, wrestling, or how about a plug for Gonzo and The Greg this week?

Parks: I never pass up a G&G plug: This week, be on the look out for our top five favorite Summerslam moments - we did a similar show for WrestleMania and since SS has been the #2 or #3 show for years, we thought it'd be appropriate to do a similar show this week.

Caldwell: Ah, very timely and interesting. I'll look forward to listening to that to see how many old-school moments mix in with more-recent moments. Also of note, we'll be hosting a special post-Summerslam Livecast half-an-hour after the conclusion of the PPV on Sunday to break down all of the big developments. I'm looking forward to that. Thanks as always for the Chat, Greg, and we'll talk again on Sunday!

Parks: All righty, James!

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