WWE SummerSlam 2009 Review
The Best & Worst Moments from The Staples Centre L.A on 23rd August
Aug 27, 2009
SummerSlam is often regarded as the WWE's second biggest Pay Per View of the year, so expectations are always pretty high.
On paper the SummerSlam 2009 card looked like a bit of a mixed bag; certain matches tantalising the fans, others looking ridiculously predictable or just plain terrible.
Before reading on why not check out the SummerSlam Previews and Predictions articles to find out what matches were scheduled:
SummerSlam 2009 Smackdown Previews & Predictions
SummerSlam 2009 Raw/ECW Previews & Predictions
The Low Points of SummerSlam 2009
Kane Vs. The Great Khali
Undoubtedly the worst part of SummerSlam 2009 was the match between The Great Khali and Kane.
Despite the inclusion of Khali's translator and apparently now little brother Runjin Singh, it was completely forgettable and did little to show off any talent either Superstar may possess.
The match ended in a victory for The Big Red Machine after he dragged Singh into the ring and used it as a distraction to fell Khali with a Low Dropkick and a DDT.
William Regal Vs. Christian for the ECW Championship
Although this match broke a SummerSlam record, it certainly wasn't a desirable one.
Christian was able to beat William Regal in a record 8 seconds and although Regal has since earned another title match at Breaking Point, this did nothing for his reputation as a hardened fighter and must have been embarrassing for the seasoned Brit.
The Big Show & Chris Jericho Retain the Tag Titles
Not many fans will have been surprised by this outcome.
Cryme Tyme have been pretty underwhelming since they returned to the WWE and although a Tag Title shot at the second biggest show of the year is a marked improvement, it wasn't really a match they were ever in danger of winning.
The match itself was entertaining enough, but as the outcome was so predictable and the build-up so poor the whole feel of the match suffered as a result.
Cena Vs. Orton is One Big Cliche
John Cena and Randy Orton had a pretty impressive feud during 2007, so the fact this match turned into a farcical cliche is likely to upset a lot of fans who were expecting 'more of the same'.
Orton tried everything he could to retain the title; being disqualified, counted out and cheating to grab a victory. However, none of these methods succeeded and the match was re-started an unprecedented 3 times before Cena locked in a STF and looked to have the title won.
Then, just when the fans thought every twist had been turned, a 'member of the audience' (who later turned out to be Legacy member Ted DiBiase's younger brother Brett) jumped into the ring and attacked the referee, allowing Orton to escape and hit the RKO for the victory.
The High Points of SummerSlam 2009
DX Vs. Legacy Steals The Show
Fans were rightfully sceptical when DX reformed to take on Legacy's Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase, wondering if HBK still had what it takes to deliver the goods after a 4 month hiatus from the ring.
The doubters were quickly silenced as DX fired into life from the opening bell with Michaels showing no signs of ring rust, wrestling a match that could well be considered a contender for Match of the Year.
The big surprise in this bout was how well Legacy performed, finally casting off the image of 'Orton's lackeys' and becoming a force to be reckoned with in their own right.
DX eventually picked up the win although it was a much closer contest than most expected it to be and will have done no harm to the credibility of Rhodes and DiBiase.
Punk Wins in TLC and The Deadman Returns
The main event TLC match was undoubtedly the highlight of the event with both Jeff Hardy and CM Punk pulling out all the stops to put on an outstanding World Heavyweight Championship match.
The general consensus was that Matt Hardy would involve himself in some way during this bout, so it came as quite a shock when he didn't show up and Jeff Hardy lost the title fairly after a brutal match.
The biggest talking point of this World Heavyweight Championship match and possibly even the SummerSlam show overall has to be the return of The Deadman: The Undertaker.
As Punk stood victorious over his fallen opponent the lights dimmed and a bell tolled. As the lights came back up Jeff Hardy had eerily transformed into The Undertaker, who grabbed CM Punk by the throat and delivered a Chokeslam, indicating his intentions towards the new champion and his title belt.
Also at SummerSlam: Dolph Ziggler lost a great match against Rey Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship while Jack Swagger and M.V.P had a completely forgettable match which ended in a loss for the All American American.
The Verdict on SummerSlam 2009
Although SummerSlam 2009 had it's fair share of dull, predictable and downright farcical matches, it was actually one of the best Pay Per View's WWE has put out this year and both the DX/Legacy and TLC matches will have left the fans begging for more.
For more information on WWE SummerSlam 2009 including play-by-play live results Click Here.
 |
