SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
KELLER’S WWE SUMMERSLAM PPV REPORT
AUGUST 11, 2019
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA
STREAMED LIVE ON WWE NETWORK
SUMMERSLAM POST-SHOW PODCAST LIVE TONIGHT
PWTorch Newsletter columnist and host of the PWTorch Dailycast “Wrestling Night in America” Greg Parks hosts tonight’s WWE Summerslam live post-show podcast with live callers. Listen live on your phone or computer. The show goes live around five minutes after Summerslam concludes tonight.
SUMMERSLAM POST-SHOW – LIVE STREAM LINK
•CALL: (515) 605-9345
•EMAIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
•IF YOU DON’T LISTEN LIVE, SEARCH “PWTORCH” ON YOUR PODCAST APP TO SUBSCRIBE AND THEN DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THE FULL SHOW AN HOUR OR SO AFTER RAW
•SUBSCRIBE IN APPLE PODCASTS HERE
Announcers: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Renee Young
-An opening video aired.
-Cole introduced the show, touting the sellout, as the camera panned the crowd. They went to the announcers. Cole noted Young is from Toronto and she was all smiles. They have the floating augmented reality graphics going for this show.
(1) BECKY LYNCH vs. NATALYA – WWE Raw Title match – Submission Rules
After they slapped each other to start, they quickly went to the mat and tried to submit teach other early, with Becky getting the advantage early. She went for a Disarmher, but Natalya rolled to the floor to escape. She rammed Becky back-first into the barricade, then swung her into the barricade by her legs. She played to the crowd and got cheered. Cole said Bret Hart showed up in Toronto and surprised Natalya earlier in the day. Natalya continued on offense. A loud “Let’s Go Becky!” chant started as Becky mounted a comeback. They fought to the floor again where Becky showed Natalya hard into the ringside steps. A dueling chant of “Let’s Go Becky! / Becky sucks!” broke out. Becky threw Natalya into the ring and climbed to the top rope. Natalya caught her up there and superplexed her to the mat. They replayed it in sl0-mo.
Becky got up and took Natalya down and applied a Sharpshooter suddenly mid-ring. Cole wondered if Natalya would tap to her own move. Graves said it’d be the ultimate humiliation. Natalya powered out and catapulted Becky into the corner turnbuckle. A minute later Natalya applied the Sharpshooter mid-ring. That got a rise out of the crowd. Becky crawled toward the bottom rope, but Natalya dragged her back to the middle and sat down on the hold. Cheers. Becky then lunged and grabbed the bottom rope. Natalya fans loudly booed. Becky then applied the Disarmher mid-ring and Natalya tapped out.
WINNER: Lynch in in 13:00. (**3/4)
(Keller’s Analysis: Really good for an opening match. Didn’t overdo it with big spots, focused on the stips and the pride at stake with submissions. They kept the pace moving; hard-hitting spots at ringside broke up what could have been monotonous and patience-testing matwork if that’s what they exclusively did. The crowd was into it, and the match didn’t overstay its welcome – especially in the context of how long of a night it’s going to be.)
-Kayla Braxton interviewed Trish Stratus who remembered her lines well as she recited them. She said she’s going to prove to her family that Charlotte couldn’t walk a mile in my boots. “If she is the Queen, then honey I am the Queen of Queens.”
-Cole threw to a video package on the next match.
(2) GOLDBERG vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER
Ziggler arrived at the ring and said the fans are looking at the best damn thing that has ever happened to pro wrestling. He said legends come and legends go, but good ol’ DZ is there stealing the damn show. (How about winning now and then?) He said Goldberg doesn’t show up for matches and he fears him. He dared anyone who has the guts to come out. He was interrupted by Goldberg’s music. Fans chanted “Goldberg!” Goldberg came out, not bleeding from his forehead and not concussed. Good start. Graves said Ziggler is a man with no fear, a desperate man willing to do whatever it takes to end the myth of Goldberg.
They had a staredown. Ziggler surprised Goldberg as he blinked with a super kick to the face for a two count that popped the crowd. When Goldberg stood, Ziggler kicked him in the gut. Goldberg powered out at one. Ziggler charged, but Goldberg speared him. He played to the crowd. They cut to an enthusiastic fans yelling with bulging eyes in response. Goldberg then hit the Jackhammer. The ref counted to three, although Goldberg started getting up at two.
WINNER: Goldberg in 1:00.
-Afterward, as Goldberg retreated, Ziggler said that was like being hit by a baby. He said he doesn’t have the guts to “fight me like a man.” Goldberg returned to the ring. Cole wondered why Ziggler would poke the bear like that. “Goldberg!” chants broke out again. He speared Ziggler again. Not much of a pop that time. Ziggler asked for the mic again. He said anybody can get lucky twice. He struggled to even talk or stand. He said he knew Goldberg didn’t have the balls to face him man-to-man. “That’s why you were a laughing stock in this business and I am the best. I will never be defeated, I will never stay down. I’m the best thing going today and forever.” Cole called him delusion. Goldberg returned and gave Ziggler yet another spear.
(Keller’s Analysis: Whatever. Largely pointless. Yes, the crowd seemed into it, but all that TV time invested lately in Ziggler, and a fifty something who doesn’t have actual wrestling matches squashes him. How does this make every in-his-prime opponent of Ziggler look going forward when they can’t easily squash Ziggler like that? The taunting afterward by Ziggler seemed more to be a rib on Goldberg to see if his cardio could handle three trips to the ring like that. On the bright side, at least Ziggler takes great bumps on the spear. If this was done just to try to redeem Goldberg for that awful performance in Saudi Arabia, think about whether it was worth it four hours from now when the show is still going. If they can turn this into something that weaves into the narrative going forward, like a full-fledged gimmick overhaul for Ziggler, I’ll be more on board. His comments were so delusional, which Cole pointed out, that I wonder if it wasn’t a self-aware mocking of his character all these years, setting up some sort of reboot.)
-A Clash of Champions commercial aired.
-A video package set up the next match.
-Cole threw to the announce teams in different languages. Carmella and R-Truth were dressed up and pretended to be a non-English language announce team. Drake Maverick showed up and bumped into the announcers and began asking if they had seen R-Truth. He was holding up a “Wanted” poster.
(3) RICOCHET vs. A.J. STYLES (w/Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows) – U.S. Title match
Richochet was in a full black-and-blue body outfit that was a cross between Jushin Liger and Robocop. That can’t be fun to wrestle in, can it? Renee said they call Ricochet the resident superhero and he’s fitting the bill. Graves said with abs like his, why cover them up? Ricochet leaped over Anderson and Gallows at ringside and dove onto Styles. A small “Holy shit!” chant broke out. Ricochet dove at Styles in the corner, but Styles move; Ricochet’s leg got caught up win the ropes. Styles stomped away at him. Styles worked on Ricochet’s left knee. Ricochet made a comeback and did a springboard clothesline on only his good leg, still selling the left leg. Cool spot. Ricochet landed a standing shooting star press for a near fall. He clutched his knee afterward.
A few minutes later Ricochet went for a superplex, but Styles dropped to a knee to block it. Then he rolled Ricochet into a Calf Crusher. Graves said it’s as good as over. Ricochet slipped out and countered into an Anaconda Vice. Styles fish hooked Ricochet’s mouth to break it. Ricochet contoured Styles into a twisting suplex and scored a two count, but he still writhed on pain from his knee injury. Ricochet fended off interference from Anderson and Gallows at ringside before climbing to the top rope. That gave Styles time to recover and knocked Ricochet off balance. Ricochet kicked Styles off of him and then fended off Anderson again before going for dive off the top rope. Styles caught him mid-air and turned it into a sudden Styles Clash for the win. Cole said it was an impeccable game plan. He didn’t decry at all Styles relying on interference from Anderson and Gallows. Graves chimed in to acknowledge that unfair advantage. Why is Graves played that role instead of Cole?
WINNER: Styles in 13:00 to retain the U.S. Title. (***)
(Keller’s Analysis: A good match. With all the hype, though, a letdown. Hardly a show-stealer. There’s still something not quite there with Ricochet in the WWE environment personality-wise. He’s just not projecting small-s “superstar” at a top-tier level in this environment. The new bodysuit felt more desperate and out-of-nowhere than anything.)
-The Street Profits were backstage sipping from red plastic cups, wearing their NXT Tag Team Title belts, chanting “Goldberg!” They yelled, “We The North!” Then Angelo Dawkins got a dreamy look as he talked about Nikki Cross & Alexa Bliss winning earlier. He encouraged Nikki to follow him on social media. In walked Ric Flair. Street Profits began beat-boxing Flair’s theme. Flair let out a big “wooo!” and danced with the Profits. Flair looked healthy and energized and full of vigor there.
-Commercials aired for a new FX series and a cell phone carrier.
(4) BAYLEY vs. EMBER MOON – WWE Smackdown Title match
Graves said Ember Moon cannot be star-struck and she needs to be at the top of her game. Phillips regurgitated the stupid criteria that Bayley used to explain giving Moon a title shot (since champions get to pick their challengers in WWE, apparently), noting that Bayley wanted to defend against someone with “charisma” who would represent the title well if she loses to her. Back and forth early with rapid-fire spots including a handspring forearm into the corner by Ember and then a crossbody off the second rope for a two count. Bayley dominated for a long stretch. Moon made a comeback and scored a quick two count. When Moon climbed to the top rope, Bayley caught her with a sudden Bayley-to-Belly from the top rope for the win.
WINNER: Bayley in 10:00 to retain the Smackdown Title. (**1/4)
(Keller’s Analysis: It was fine. Didn’t amount to much as there was no hint of a turn and not really a memorable performance by either of them. It gave Bayley a clean win on Summerslam, and it would’ve been tough for the Smackdown Women’s Title to retain its prestige if it was left off the card or put on the pre-show.)
-A video package aired previewing the next match.
(5) SHANE MCMAHON vs. KEVIN OWENS – Owens Leaves WWE If He Loses
As Shane danced to the ring, Phillips wondered if this would be the last time they’d see Owens in WWE. Fans chanted “Kevin Owens!” before he came out. Graves said KO is risking it all for personal pride. He said he will live to regret tonight forever. KO wore a t-shirt that said “Fight Toronto Fight” on the back. Shane introduced Elias as the special guest enforcer referee. The bell rang. Shane dropped to the floor. KO followed. Elias stepped between them. KO got in Elias’s face at ringside and had a few words for him. KO leaped not the ring to beat the ref’s count. Shane threw his barrage of “punches” at KO. KO fought back and the crowd cheered. KO then punched Shane in the jaw and followed with a cannonball in the corner. He played to the crowd nd fans cheered. He then clotheslined Shane over the top rope. Shane bumped early and was half way over the top rope before KO met him. KO then teased a running dive, but Elias stepped in front of Shane. A frustrated KO looked down at Elias. Shane then yanked KO off the ring apron into the barricade. Fans chanted “Shane, you suck! Shane, you suck!” Shane gave KO a side Russian leg sweep for a one count. Next came a “You can’t wrestle!” chant. (How about “You can’t punch!”)
KO out-pelted Shane. Shane countered a Pop-up Powerbomb with a DDT for a two count. Shane got a cocky look and began to apply a Sharpshooter. KO easily escaped and then landed a Pop-up Powerbomb. Elias distracted the ref. KO turned his back to Shane and asked Elias why he does that. Shane rolled him up from behind for a two count. KO got up and took Shane down, then yelled at the ref. He looked down at a chair in the ring. Elias invited him to use it. Shane sat up and asked KO to hit him on the chin. KO held back. Shane slapped KO. KO wound up. Shane winced, but was ready to be hit. KO dropped the chair, then turned to yell at Elias on the ring apron. KO ducked and Shane hit Elias. KO then knocked Shane down and hit a top rope senton splash. He quick landed a frog splash from the other corner for the apparent pin. Elias yanked the ref out of the ring at the one count, though. KO flip dove onto Elias at ringside. Both refs went down. KO let out a big roar. Graves said should be should be disqualified this second. With both referees down, KO picked up the chair and was about to use it when Elias yanked him out of the ring. KO punched Elias on the chin, then jabbed him and smashed him over and over with the chair. He let out another yell. Saxton said Elias is getting everything he deserves.
KO entered the ring with a chair and the ref warned KO not to use it. KO told the ref he is right and offered him the chair. Then as the ref turned to give the chair to Elias, KO gave Shane a low-blow. KO then gave Shane a stunner for the win.
WINNER: Owens in 9:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: The low kick might have been satisfying, but did KO really need that to win? If you’ve been looking forward to KO under a mask tormenting Shane as the French-speaking long-lost twin cousin of KO, you’ve got to be disappointed. This overall went about how you’d have likely imaged it. The Elias interference created a reason for Shane to survive as long as he did, and also generate the frustration that led to KO almost getting DQ’d. This was the right city for this match, too.)
-Some in-house ads played.
-A video package aired on the Roman Reigns, Buddy Murphy, Rowan, Daniel Bryan saga including the pre-show angle where Rowan attacked Murphy.
(Keller’s Note: Two hours into the show, four big matches yet to go. It’s paced pretty well. We’ll see how they pace the rest of the show, but this could end around 3.5 hours instead of 4-plus, which would be good.)
(6) TRISH STRATUS vs. CHARLOTTE FLAIR
Charlotte came to the ring first. Then Trish came out to a modest reaction – IN TORONTO! She saluted the crowd and got some polite applause. Literally, the clip of the crowd applauding for her could be turned into a “Polite Applause GIF.” After a lot of talking, Trish took Charlotte down with a leg scissors. A small “You still got it!” chant rang out. Charlotte said it’d be easy and lifted Trish for a powerbomb. Trish countered and sent Charlotte to ringside. She then leaped off the ring apron with a Thesz Press. She played to the crowd a little and then dragged Charlotte by her hair into the ring, but Charlotte yanked Trish off the steps. Trish landed hard. Charlotte gloated. Graves complimented Charlotte’s ruthless streak. Charlotte went on sustained methodical offense to a dead crowd. Charlotte did her best to get the crowd engaged through constantly yelling and trash-talking, but that seemed to just irritate the fans into groaning. Trish made a comeback and it got very little pop. Charlotte then gave Trish a big boot, knocking her hard to the floor. Trish threw some chops and the crowd started “wooo’ing,” showing some life. Trish went for a rana to take Charlotte off the second rope, but Charlotte grabbed her legs. Trish then stood on the top rope and took Charlotte down with a huracanrana for a near fall. That got a genuine rise from the crowd.
Trish waited fro Charlotte to stand, then went for the Chick Kick. Charlotte ducked and delivered a big boot for a near fall. Both were slow to get up. Charlotte stood first and worked over Trish’s left leg to set up a figure-four. Charlotte then went for a figure-four, but Trish small packaged her for a near fall. Trish countered into her own figure-four. Graves said it was blasphemy. Trish bridged up into the figure-eight. Charlotte rolled out of it, but yelled out in pain. Some fans briefly began chanting “This is awesome!” Trish then delivered her Stratusfaction for a believable near fall that the crowd counted along for. Another “This is awesome!” chant started. More joined in. Trish caught Charlotte with a Chick Kick for a two count. Charlotte stood and caught Trish with a big boot that showed some light. Charlotte then applied the figure-four into the Figure-Eight for the tapout win.
Charlotte left to her music. Fans chanted “Thank you, Trish!” Trish stood and saluted the fans. She might have milked saluting the crowd more than the crowd support justified. The enthusiasm petered out. They, oddly, didn’t play her music for a while. She bowed on the stage to – yes – polite applause.
WINNER: Charlotte in 17:00. (**3/4)
(Keller’s Analysis: It took a while to get the crowd into it, but they did. The right finish. It was pretty good throughout, although often seemed a half-gear slower than needed to engage the crowd during the first two-thirds.)
-Bret Hart walked up to Seth Rollins and wished him luck. (Last time we saw Bret, he was endorsing the AEW Title belt. Does this count as the first big AEW-to-WWE jump after the Jon Moxley and Shawn Spears moves?)
REMINDER – SUMMERSLAM POST-SHOW PODCAST LIVE TONIGHT
PWTorch Newsletter columnist and host of the PWTorch Dailycast “Wrestling Night in America” Greg Parks hosts tonight’s WWE Summerslam live post-show podcast with live callers. Listen live on your phone or computer. The show goes live around five minutes after Summerslam concludes tonight.
SUMMERSLAM POST-SHOW – LIVE STREAM LINK
•CALL: (515) 605-9345
•EMAIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
•IF YOU DON’T LISTEN LIVE, SEARCH “PWTORCH” ON YOUR PODCAST APP TO SUBSCRIBE AND THEN DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THE FULL SHOW AN HOUR OR SO AFTER RAW
•SUBSCRIBE IN APPLE PODCASTS HERE
(7) KOFI KINGSTON vs. RANDY ORTON – WWE Title match
Phillips touted the Kofi documentary on WWE Network about his trip back to Ghana. Kofi threw pancakes to the crowd. Then he got serious and jawed with Orton during ring introductions. Phillips said the WWE Title is the richest most prestigious prize “in all of sports entertainment” after 56 years of being defended. A dueling chant of “Kofi’s Stupid! / Randy Sucks!” broke out. Kofi cut off an early Orton flurry with a clothesline. Orton shoved Kofi off the top rope, then went after him at ringside. Orton beat up Kofi at ringside, then set up superplex. Graves said this was a callback to his father’s signature move. Kofi resisted and hit Orton a few times to break free. Graves was so heavy-handed from ring entrances through this point in the match at Kofi’s reign was going to be over that it just telegraphed that Kofi was retaining because Vince McMahon can’t resist heavy-handed reverse-psychology no matter how much of a tell it is. The pace was slow enough at this point, the crowd was recharging and barely reacting.
Kofi leaped backwards off the top rope onto Orton on the floor. He threw a nearly dead-weight Orton back into the ring, then climbed to the top rope and landed a flying crossbody for a two count. Not much crowd reaction to the move or the kickout. Orto came back with a sudden draping DDT off the second rope. Orton was slow to capitalize. When Kofi finally stood, Orton went for an RKO, but Kofi turned it into a backslide. Orton avoided a Trouble in Paradise. The pace really picked up. Kofi leaped off the top rope, but Orton caught him mid-air with an RKO. Orton was flat on his back and smiled. Kofi rolled to the floor to avoid getting pinned. Orton stared at Kofi’s family at ringside. Kofi didn’t like that and punched away at Orton. The ref called for the double countout. Fans booed, then chanted “Bullshit!”
WINNER: Double countout in 18:00 so Kofi retained the WWE Title. (**1/2)
-Afterward, Kofi attacked Orton with a kendo stick and then landed Trouble in Paradise. Very little crowd reaction. They cut to Kofi’s family. Kofi kissed his wife and hugged his kids.
(Keller’s Analysis: Not the type of dynamic high-energy effort that sells renewals on the Network to see next month’s Clash of Champions rematch. To WWE’s credit, they don’t do double countouts – copout finishes – in title matches very often on big shows. The match was just too long given what they had planned for it. They didn’t wrestle like they were the main event. The streak of Orton having disappointing matches against strong opponents continues.)
-In-house commercials aired.
-A video package aired on “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt.
(8) FINN BALOR vs. “THE FIEND” BRAY WYATT
Bray made his debut ring entrance as “The Fiend” character. At first the “Firefly Funhouse” graphic and music played briefly. Then it turned dark. He had a lantern that looked like a beheaded Bray Wyatt with his eyes stitched shut. The screen said, “Let Him In.” His music is a remixed, slower, creepier entrance theme. It ends suddenly and then the lights come back on. Fans chanted, “Holy shit!” Cole asked, “What on Earth did we just witness?” They showed Balor looked creeped out. He wrestled in red and black striped pants and a black sleeveless shirt with the Fiend face-mask. He went on the attack aggressively at the start. Renee said she’s never seen anyone change the complexion and vibe of a building like Bray. Graves said to imagine what Balor feels like. Bray leaned upside down out of the corner and creeped out Balor. Bray then went on the attack with a head-snap twist move and then a urinage. He bent down and seemed to examine his prey. He looked at this gloves and then moved in for a Siser Abigail. Balor made a suddenly comeback with a flurry of offense including a double-stomp to Bray’s chest and head. Cole said Balor is out of the stunned stupor everyone was in upon seeing Fiend’s ring entrance. Balor leaped off the top rope with a Coup de Grace, but Bray avoided it and applied the Mandible Claw for the pinfall win. Cole called it one of the strangest debuts he’s never witnessed. The lights went out afterward and Bray’s laughter played over the sound system. Then the lights came back on and Balor was sitting up and trying to catch his breath. Fans chanted “That was awesome!”
WINNER: “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in 3:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: One reader noted to me that a dad had to take his ten year old daughter to the concourse because she was terrified and upset during Fiend’s ring entrance. I suppose that’s a good thing. What’s the point of all of that if kids aren’t genuinely scared. That said, it could work against WWE overall as a family-friendly product. Overall, a successful debut for the gimmick. Personally, I would have liked more of a character that bounced back and forth between the Playhouse kiddie character and the sinister scary Fiend, or at least morph into it mid-match, but that’s tough to do, obviously, with the face mask and overall look of the Fiend.)
-They aired in-house commercials.
(9) BROCK LESNAR (w/Paul Heyman) vs. SETH ROLLINS – WWE Universal Title match
Cole said Lesnar is in the same mood he was in when he destroyed John Cena years ago at Summerslam. Heyman took over for the ring announcer when it time to introduce Lesnar. Some cheers for Lesnar. A fan held up a prominent sign that said “Lesnar Wins We Riot.” The bell rang at 10:14 local time, just over three hours from the start of the main show. Lesnar charged at Seth and rammed him into the corner. Seth’s ribs were taped. He kneed him in the guts. Cole said this will get ugly quickly. Seth landed on his feet after a German Suplex and then hit a quick Stomp for a believable early near fall. Lesnar rolled to the floor. Cole said that might have been Seth’s only chance. Seth went for a kick, but Lesnar overhead suplexed him. Seth landed on his feet and connected with two kicks to his jaw. He went for a Stomp, but Lesnar caught him and gave him an F5. Lesnar didn’t follow up with a cover as he was recovering. Fans chanted “This is awesome!” Lesnar picked up Seth by his rib tape and swung him around and sent him flying. Graves said Lesnar swung a full grown man around like a children’s toy. Seth coughed. Lesnar stomped on his ribs. He yelled, “Suplex City time, bitch!” Lesnar delivered three German suplexes.
Lesnar then attacked Seth at ringside as Seth continued to cough and gasp for breath. Lesnar lifted Seth at ringside and was going to send him into the ringpost, but Seth slipped free and shoved Lesnar into the ringpost. Seth threw Lesnar into the post a second time. Seth quickly threw Lesnar into the ring to avoid yet another double countout. (Imagine that!) Seth hit a flying knee off the ropes. Lesnar came back with a released German. Both were slow to get up at 6:00. Dueling chants: “Suplex City! / Burn it Down!” Heyman watched at ringside with a look of supreme satisfaction as Lesnar continued the beating. Lesnar locked on a rear bear hug. Heyman told Seth if he gives up now, everyone will respect him for it. Seth then avoided a charging Lesnar, who went shoulder-first into the corner. Cole asked if Seth has anything left.Seth kicked LEsnar off the ring apron. Lesnar fell onto the German announce table at ringside. He then hit a dive through the ropes and tackled Lesnar on the floor. Then a second time. When he went for a third, Lesnar caught him and drove him back-first hard into the ringpost. Both were down and slow to get up.
Heyman told Lesnar to “get rid of him.” Lesnar began clearing an announce table of monitors (because he wanted to hurt Seth, but not too badly). Seth caught Lesnar with a super kick, then climbed to the top rope and leaped onto Lesnar at 11:00. The table collapsed. “Holy shit!” chanted the fans. Both were, once again, slow to get up. Fans chanted “Burn it down!” Back in the ring Seth landed a frog splash. Seth waited in the corner. Cole asked if this was the miracle Rollins needed. Brock started to get up. Seth landed a Stomp for a believable near fall that popped the crowd. They cut to crowd reactions. Renee said she couldn’t believe the fight that Seth was bringing. Seth stomped the mat to signal for the Stomp. Fans chanted “Burn it down!” Seth went for it again, but after telegraphing the move, Lesnar blocked it and went for an F5. Seth escaped and landed a Stomp and scored a three count. Seth cried as he clutched the Universal Title. Cole gushed about Seth’s gutsy performance. Seth stood on the announce table as fans stood and applauded. They went off the air at 10:31 p.m. ET.
WINNER: Rollins in 13:00 to capture the Universal Title. (****)
(Keller’s Analysis: Great story told in that match. That was a clean win, with extra points for fighting from underneath because of the beatdown Lesnar delivered in prior weeks. Not sure if this signals Lesnar turning babyface or going after Kofi or leaving for a while or otherwise. It seems this moves him out of “rematch” territory or future shots against Seth after losing twice to him in full-fledged matches.)
PWTORCH VIP MEMBERS: Send your questions and comments on Summerslam for tonight’s VIP-Exclusive Wade Keller Hotline which I’ll record after finishing hosting the VIP-Exclusive Post-PPV Roundtable Podcast with Todd Martin & Bruce Mitchell: askwadekeller@gmail.com
I am not happy about Seth Rollins winning. I have never been a fan of him. I hope they let Bray Wyatt beat him and let Brock Lesnar beat Kofi Kingston. Both Champions are just “meh” at best.
Wow, we were dead tonight. At first I thought they miked the arena wrong but when they showed the audience there was a lot of hand sitting. A LOT! The only surprise for me was Rollins win, that one they got me on. The rest…. predictable. Charlotte is at least tall enough to wrestle with those things but I don’t know what the heck was with Trish but I thought we moved past the era of monster implants. Sasha needs to get her head out of her a$$ and decide because they can’t keep the belt on Bayley much longer, no reaction to her. It was a good house show… oh yeah, it was the #2 show of they year, umm not so good.