Today's Topic: WWE SummerSlam

Rich: SummerSlam is later today. Despite not having Shawn Michaels or Chris Jericho in actual matches and despite having The Great Khali challenging for the WWE Championship, this has the makings of being a fantastic show. What do you think?

Chris: It does have some great matchups. But before we talk about what is right with this show, I want to address what is wrong. Both world titles are on the line in obvious throw away matches. You mentioned Khali and Triple H for the WWE title. Unless Hunter’s baby was born with a fatal birth defect, and I’m not trying to be funny here, unless something tragic like that is going on behind the scenes, there is no way he drops the title tonight. The same could be said for CM Punk and his title defense against JBL. I know you think that JBL could win, but that is because Raw booking right now is garbage. Both titles are diminished a little by this PPV.

Rich: I agree that the high profile matches from each of the top two shows are not title matches. Heck, MVP vs. Jeff Hardy is more interesting than Punk vs. JBL. I changed my mind and think Punk holds onto to the title tonight to prolong that feud. I am not saying he wins going away, but I do think he will retain. I would not say the titles are diminished, but I do wish they were treated as bigger deals at this historically important show.

Chris: But the historical importance is what diminishes the titles. We all know the pecking order of PPVs. It’s Wrestlemania followed by SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. If these matches are at Unforgiven or No Way Out or whatever, it’s a throw away match on a throw away PPV. But this is SummerSlam! It’s supposed to be a top show. And I will say that there are enough matches of caliber to qualify it as that, but the disrespect to the titles is too much for me. I realize I may place too much weight on titles, but I think they should represent the top tier of performers’ drive to succeed. Of course that’s just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Rich: Although I do no love Punk vs. JBL and Triple H vs. Khali, I wish they would have promoted them as important title matches. There are two main events on this show and neither of them are for titles. That is wrong to me. Hell in a Cell and Cena vs. Batista are big matches, but no match or feud should ever outshine a championship match. The most interesting title matches on the show are the ECW Title match and the mixed Women's/Intercontinental Title match. Repeat after me, Santino Marella: Women's Champion.

Chris: I know you’re right about Santino and I don’t know how I feel about it. On one hand, he being Women’s Champion while “dating” Beth will certainly provide great comedic moments. However, I hate to see any title made diminished. Didn’t I just say that? At any rate, I hope it’s a fun but short reign for Santino. OK, let’s do this. Which match do you want to see more: Cena/Batista or Hell in a Cell?

Rich: I think they could provide the same comedy if they had the belts they should have. As for your question, that is an easy one for me. I want to see Taker vs. Edge. The match will probably be very good to great and Edge is fantastic right now. Even if they would have gradually built Batista vs. Cena to Wrestlemania, I still would not be that interested in it. I liked Cena just fine when he debuted and even after he won the title from JBL, but I just am not interested in him now.

Chris: I agree. Cena and Batista both annoy me right now. They need to go away from the main event scene for a while and then come back. Similar to how Hunter did after he won and dropped the title to Orton. Now his title reign seems a little fresher than if he had jumped in on his return. Well, then is it Hell in a Cell or MVP/Hardy? I really don’t know which one I am anticipating more.

Rich: Triple H was away from the title for a long time during his DX run too. MVP vs. Jeff Hardy should be a good match but in terms of what I want to see, nothing tops Hell in a Cell. This match will be the last in a spectacular feud. MVP and Hardy will have many more matches.

Chris: Very true. I agree that Hell in a Cell is the main event of this PPV. I like Taker to win in his return, ending the feud but extending the Edge/Vickie storyline just the same. I like all three world champions to retain. I like Santino and Beth to win in some weird title swap thing. I think Cena gets the best of Batista, but I’m least sure on that one. I’m also taking MVP over Hardy. I think the feud dies if MVP wins since Hardy got the best of him Friday night. Of course that’s assuming Hardy can compete tonight. You?

Rich: I think Taker wins but I would give Edge the win. I have been clamoring for what seems like ever for Edge to be a heel that wins matches because of his superior ability, not because he is able to successfully cheat over and over. It looks like they are going in that direction. I like Batista over Cena with Randy Orton's help, and I agree with the other match predictions. I hope Michaels "retires" tonight and comes back to surprise everyone tomorrow night or even down the road a bit. I think the Hardy vs. MVP feud has a lot of life regardless of who wins. Should be an interesting show. We should meet up and discuss it later this week.

Chris: We should. Maybe we’ll get water at the same time again later this week. I hope you enjoy the show.

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