The biggest party of the summer is back in front of a live crowd for the first time since 2019, and what better way to cap off the summer with some mega match-ups!
1. John Cena vs Roman Reigns
At the time of this article being written, John Cena made his epic return to Raw challenging Roman Reigns to a Universal Championship match in Las Vega on August 28th, and it’s apparent the Head of the Table accepts it on Friday night. It’s a simple matchup on paper, but the story that can be told will be encapsulating. Reports surfaced on various sites that WWE officials intend to make this Summerslam ‘Wrestlemania-esque’, so to go all-in on both superstars is academic. Cena’s mega status as a legend facing a new and determined Roman Reigns would be a sight to see, indeed.
2. Bianca Belair vs Sasha Banks II
Bayley’s untimely injury was a big hit to the Smackdown Women’s division, but a band-aid matchup shouldn’t be the solution. Sasha has not had a rematch (or match in general) since losing the belt to Belair this past April, making a return bout at Allegiant Stadium look imminent if Vince wants Belair to have a marquee match for her title. Perhaps even a tweener Sasha Banks wanting to make her loss at Wrestlemania look like a fluke to the E.S.T. Especially in the main event, where both shined that first night in Tampa Bay.
3. Bianca Belair vs Becky Lynch
Dependent on Vince’s decision to have the MOM back on TV before Summerslam, this would be a perfect way to both enhance Belair’s journey as champion so far and reintroduce Becky Lynch back to the fans. The Lass Kicker was last seen in early summer 2020, relinquishing her Raw Women’s belt to Asuka after announcing her pregnancy. Her posts on social media have been mostly in the gym or feeding the newborn, so why not pull the trigger and have a hungry Lynch back in the title hunt…on FOX. Belair has already proven her worth against two Horsewomen, so why not a third? Especially a Horsewomen who never lost her title last year? Both have Wrestlemania main events on their resume, so it’s not rocket science.
4. Bobby Lashley vs Brock Lesnar
The All-Mighty versus The Beast Incarnate. Beef versus Beef. MVP and Heyman in the corners. Tell me it’s not magic in the making. It would give Lashley a chance to really solidify himself as a main event player, put Lesnar back in the title hunt (and on TV), and help further storylines on both Raw and Smackdown. Of course, Goldberg’s sniffing around the corner, too (showing up this past Monday issuing another senseless challenge), but Lesnar is a better choice. He’d have fun going pound for pound with someone as big as him and have help on the outside with his advocate Heyman keeping an eye on MVP. This is hoss wrestling to a T.
5. Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar
I know what you’re going to say: “Jake, it’s been done too many times.” However, I must point out that Lesnar never got his rematch after Summerslam 2018. He had a chance to do so at Crown Jewel, but unfortunately, Reigns had to step down after his illness came back. A few more things could be accomplished, as well. It would give Paul Heyman a more reasonable presence in Reigns’ storylines since he’s mostly been background fodder for the Tribal Chief. It would also give Reigns an opportunity to once again slay the Beast and get rid of any ‘fluke’ talk. Lastly, it would give Reigns and Lesnar a chance to do something more than their previous encounters: story over power. Have Heyman be torn between his two clients; have the Usos toy with Lesnar as much as they can; give Lesnar a chance to utilize story over his moves since he’s heavily underrated in that category (see him vs Rey Mysterio at Survivor Series 2019 as my evidence).
6. Charlotte Flair vs Rhea Ripley vs Becky Lynch
Again, using the trope of Lynch never losing her championship, this could be a great match-up. The beginning of this year’s rivalry of Ripley and Flair involved Asuka, so to have another triple threat wouldn’t be a bad idea. Lynch and Flair had their biggest moment in the main event spot a few years ago, so replacing Ronda Rousey with Rhea Ripley would help make this match-up seem fresh. Although Nikki A.S.H. won the title with her Money in the Bank briefcase, this wouldn’t even have to be for a title. It could be a title shot. Ripley wants a chance to show she isn’t a one-time winner, Charlotte wants to keep her crown straight, and Lynch wants to have her spot back. Simple yet effective.
7. Bobby Lashley vs Keith Lee
Bask in his glory! The Limitless One returned to Raw recently after a mysterious disappearance from TV this last Spring, rumors that had fans wondering if he would be returning at all or one of the casualties on the ‘Future Endeavors’ list. Determined to show why he is a top star in the making, Lee’s challenge at Summerslam could help. Having proven himself in NXT as a double champion, this could be the rocket strap he needs to put himself back on top in the main roster. It would also make Lashley be a bit warier of his challenger since Lee has a move set not seen on someone his size of late. Regardless of MVP’s involvement outside, this could help make Lee a true main event player AND cap off a night in Las Vegas no one would forget.
