10 Lessons WWE Can Learn From The Biggest SummerSlam Buy-Rates Ever

Unlike Nick Hornby’s Will Freeman, SummerSlam is not an island. And what I mean by that wayward segue, and rather dated reference, is that SummerSlam isn’t exempt to the patterns of the wrestling business; when interest in the product is down, SummerSlam doesn’t necessarily pop a rating like WrestleMania often can.

Discounting the post-Network PPVs, the five least-purchased SummerSlam shows each fell in that mid-'90s dip that ravaged the business. And on the other hand, it’s probably no coincidence that two of the four most-purchased shows came in the thick of the wildly successful Attitude Era.

I’ve left this point until the end here, because the health of the business is arguably the most important of all factors in determining a show’s buy-rate.

But still, looking back through the numbers over the years has shown that there are some interesting conclusions to be drawn and some guidelines that could be used to ensure future SummerSlam's are similarly well-received.

Then again, it’s all circumstantial. Based on this evidence, the best course of action for this year’s show would be something like a Hulk Hogan vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin Ladder match in the main event, without the WWE Title on the line.

Not sure how well that one would go down, but in its absence, I think we’ll all just about be happy to settle with Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton.