SummerSlam 2024 will be the first such event in WWE’s ‘New Era.’ Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, commentators, and superstars hammered home this fact numerous times following WrestleMania 40.
Since it’s the second-biggest premium live event on the calendar, things must go smoothly in Cleveland. Fans need payoffs to the biggest feuds on RAW and SmackDown. Certain stars also deserve to win titles for different reasons.
Since the show sets things up for the second half of the year, Triple H and WWE must not make the next five mistakes at SummerSlam.
5. Logan Paul retains the United States Championship
Despite his superstar status, Logan Paul’s run as United States Champion has been one of the biggest mistakes of the last few years. He shows up a few times a year for select shows and has only defended the title twice since last November.
In this period, he pursued the Undisputed WWE Championship instead of further defending the belt he already had. LA Knight is one of the most popular stars in wrestling and is on WWE SmackDown every week.
The fans are clamoring for a signature win for The Megastar. Paul retaining the title at SummerSlam will keep the belt in limbo rather than propelling it forward full-time on SmackDown.
4. Nothing significant happens with RAW’s love triangle
Video: DOM’S HAD ENOUGH!!! 😳👀 #WWERaw
The Bloodline saga continues to dominate screen time on Friday nights. The Judgment Day has enjoyed the same luxury on RAW and its three hours.
Liv Morgan has been inserted into drama, weaseling her way into Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley’s relationship. Dirty Dom isn’t currently booked for the show but will play a big part in the championship match between Morgan and Ripley.
Due to the amount of time given to the angle each week, SummerSlam must play host to a pivotal moment. It could be Dom turning on Mami or helping Rhea retain the title. Whatever he does, it needs to be definitive and noteworthy.
3. Bron Breakker loses again at SummerSlam
It’s easy to see that Bron Breakker is the future of WWE. He quickly rose through the ranks in NXT, winning the title twice. Breakker joined the main roster before WrestleMania 40 and was drafted to RAW.
The former two-time NXT Champ quickly earned a shot at Sami Zayn and the Intercontinental Title. He fell short at Money in the Bank, which was the right call. Zayn had ended a historic run by Gunther and deserved more time with the belt.
Now that Breakker has earned a second chance at SummerSlam, he mustn’t lose again. It will hurt his upward trajectory. Zayn has already been reinserted into the tag team picture by his win over The Judgment Day on RAW. He can quickly pivot back to the tag team division.
2. Seth Rollins gets too involved as the Special Guest Referee
Video: GUEST REF SETH at #SummerSlam?! 👀👏👏👏 #WWERaw
Since he’s been a side player almost lost in the drama, Seth Rollins was named the Special Guest Referee for the grudge match between Drew McIntyre and CM Punk at WWE SummerSlam.
McIntyre abused referees in his anger one week, necessitating the need for a ‘take-no-prisoners’ enforcer. Fans have been waiting long enough for McIntyre and Punk to get their hands on each other.
Having the third party involved too much will lessen the grudge match that has been teased for over six months. Rollins can factor into the match once or twice, including the potential finish. The big moment will be enough, especially if he turns heel.
1. Roman Reigns doesn’t return for Solo Sikoa vs. Cody Rhodes
All signs have pointed to the ultimate return of Roman Reigns at SummerSlam. Solo Sikoa violently took over The Bloodline, assaulting Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman along the way.
After pinning The American Nightmare at Money in the Bank, he earned a shot at Cody Rhodes at The Biggest Party of the Summer. Sikoa and The Bloodline have taken out Kevin Owens and Randy Orton in consecutive weeks to tip the odds further in their favor.
WWE is painting the situation as hopeless for Rhodes. After Solo challenged Roman to retake the crown, seeds were planted for his return. Despite losing to The American Nightmare, Reigns should be more angry with Sikoa.
He stole The Tribal Chief title, added his own members, and assaulted a non-competitor, all in the time since WrestleMania 40. If SummerSlam comes and goes without The Head of the Table returning during or after the Undisputed WWE Title match, it will be a huge missed opportunity.
