WWE SummerSlam 2022: 5 things that must happen

The 35th annual SummerSlam takes place from Nissan Stadium on Saturday.

This year’s show is unique for two reasons; it is the first SummerSlam to take place outside August and the first premium live event since Vince McMahon resigned as Chairman of WWE.

Eight matches are confirmed for “The Biggest Party of the Summer.” These include Bobby Lashley defending his United States title against Theory, Becky Lynch challenging Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s title, and Brock Lesnar attempting to dethrone Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns in a Last Man Standing Match.

Several iconic moments in WWE history have taken place at this extravaganza.

Shawn Michaels’ first match back after a four-year layoff in 2002, Randy Orton becoming the youngest WWE champion in history two years later, and Finn Balor being crowned the inaugural Universal Champion in 2016 are just a few.

With those occasions in mind – below are five things that must happen in Nashville.

5. The Street Profits must end The Bloodline’s dominance.

These four men put on a banger at the last premium live event, the rematch at SummerSlam should match or surpass that.

Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins’ loss to The Usos earlier this month was surrounded by controversy because Ford’s shoulder was up as referee Charles Robinson counted to three. Tennessee’s own – Jeff Jarrett – has been drafted in as a special referee to ensure history does not repeat itself.

The Usos and The Street Profits have gone back and forth since their last bout – both teams claim they are the best in WWE – only one can be right.

Jimmy and Jey have held the SmackDown Tag Team Championships for 374 days – they added the Raw titles to that 102 days ago – their run will never be duplicated. They are a superb team, but all good things come to an end.

Ford and Dawkins have taken things up several notches lately – they are better on the microphone – and more polished in the ring. They claimed it was “takeback season” when they set their sights on The Usos, they will speak that into existence on Saturday and become the new Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.

4. Logan Paul wins his single’s debut match.

Former tag team partners go one-on-one when The Miz takes on Logan Paul at SummerSlam.

These two defeated The Mysterios on Night 1 of WrestleMania 38 – but in their post-match celebrations – The Miz surprisingly hit Paul with a Skull Crushing Finale, marking the beginning of their rivalry.

Despite his action on the “Grandest Stage of them All,” – a delusional Miz claimed Paul was still his tag team partner – and set out his intentions to win gold with the 27-year-old. Paul had other ideas. On the day he signed his contract with WWE – the social media star said he was “coming for The Miz” – and challenged him to a match at SummerSlam.

The go-home Raw began with a wild brawl between the combatants, the middle of the show saw “The A-Lister” and Ciampa lay Paul out.

The Miz is a future Hall of Famer, taking the fall against “The Ultimate Influencer” will not damage his career. Paul can go in the ring – his performance in his debut match proved that – he should continue his perfect start to his WWE career on Saturday.

3. Liv Morgan’s fairy tale continues.

At Money in the Bank – earlier this month – Liv Morgan shocked the WWE Universe by capturing the briefcase and successfully cashing in on Ronda Rousey to become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.

Nobody saw this coming – it was a pleasant surprise for fans – who had longed to see someone different win a top title in WWE.

Morgan’s popularity has skyrocketed in the last year. Her in-ring skills have improved a lot during that time – she deserved this moment – but what comes next will be pivotal for the rest of her career.

The master of the Oblivion’s win in Las Vegas has an asterisk next to it – Rousey suffered a “leg injury” in her match with Natalya earlier that night – “The Baddest Women on the Planet” was not at 100% when Morgan pounced.

Morgan must beat Rousey with the latter in full health to cement herself as the top female star on the blue brand. Rousey claimed Morgan should “savor” her honeymoon period with the title because she will reclaim it at SummerSlam, it would be a shame if the New Jersey native is champion for a measly 28 days.

Morgan is the future of WWE, defeating the “Rowdy” one will be evidence the company sees her as just that.

2. Edge returns.

Earlier this month – mysterious vignettes started airing on WWE television – prompting fans to speculate who the superstar in the clip is. The clues – various images featured his former rivals – pointed to Edge being that person.

The former 11-time World Champion has been out of action since The Judgment Day – the stable he created – turned on him during the June 6th episode of Raw.

Since that date, Damian Priest and Finn Balor have targeted the Mysterios. The duo ruined Rey’s 20th-anniversary celebration on the latest edition of Raw, leading to the father and son facing them in a No-Disqualification contest at SummerSlam.

That stipulation is perfect for Edge to make his triumphant return, seeking revenge against Priest and Balor. “The Rated-R Superstar” should cost the men who betrayed him the match, giving fans a feel-good moment.

Brock Lesnar and Becky Lynch returned to this event last year, the pop inside Nissan Stadium for ‘Metalingus’ will be something to behold.

1. Roman Reigns writes the final chapter in his rivalry with Brock Lesnar.

When the bell rings in the main event of SummerSlam, it will mark the sixth and “final” time Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar have gone one-on-one in WWE. Reigns leads 3-2 overall.

Their feud began in 2015 – and if WWE keeps its word – it will end in 2022.

Reigns is on the run of his career. He won the Universal Championship in August 2020, then beat “The Beast Incarnate” to become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion on Night 2 of WrestleMania 38. The Bloodline’s leader has not lost a televised match in almost three years, he really is operating in “God Mode” right now.

Lesnar will never work a full-time WWE schedule again – while Reigns does not feature as much as he once did – he is still the face of the company.

Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, and Theory are just some of the superstars who could challenge “The Tribal Chief” – Reigns has a long time to go before he loses his championships.