13 Match Quality Predictions For WWE SummerSlam 2018

5. Shinsuke Nakamura Vs. Jeff Hardy - United States Title Match

Shinsuke Nakamura Jeff Hardy
WWE.com

Jeff Hardy is physically shot. Shinsuke Nakamura is a shadow of his former lunatic sh*t-kicking self. Fortunately, both men are incredibly charismatic, which should compensate for a match lacking in vitality.

Even in abridged matches settled by ball shots and Randy Orton's interference - one and the same, if you're a Creative Writer - the reversals weren't quite smooth enough to yield the maximum drama. By the time Hardy reversed the Kinshasa on the July 17 SmackDown, he'd laboured over it so much that he could not generate that oh-f*ck shriek of investment without abandon. The teases did work, though: a low-key triumph of physical storytelling, the artistry of the build should see even a fading crowd at full attention.

They remain masters of crowd control. That skill will never desert them.

Hardy whips up fervour just by commanding a crowd he has forged an inextricable bond with. They'll be kind, if not dazzled, and open to taking in a match that, while not fresh nor unmissable, possesses a dynamic easy to invest in.

Predicted Star Rating: ***1/2

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!