10 Reasons SummerSlam Will Be WWE's Best Show Of 2016

1. The Universal Championship

WWE SummerSlam 2016
WWE.com

Introducing a second world title has its ups and downs, but fans are set to witness history in the making at SummerSlam. WWE are set to crown their first ever Universal Champion, and assuming the Brand Split is here for the long-run, Finn Bálor and Seth Rollins have a unique chance to be the first in what should be a long line of champions.

This is a rare opportunity for both men to write their name in the history books. This is so much more than a straightforward wrestling match, and the winner won’t just be responsible for carrying Raw on their back; they’re charged with the task of building the Universal Championship’s legacy, and setting the standard for those to follow.

It’s a high-pressure situation, and one both men are clearly relishing. The match has been as strongly hyped as anything else on the card, and the belt adds a whole new level of intrigue to proceedings. Meshed with Rollins’ and Bálor’s unparalleled ability and the story they’ve told, this is the most important match of the night, and a defining moment in WWE history.

The first Universal Champion needs to succeed. The 2016 Brand Split will live or die on the company’s ability to create prestige on both Raw and SmackDown, and right now, SmackDown’s World Championship is lightyears ahead. It’s vitally important that Rollins or Bálor make a running start as champion, and both are certainly capable. They can begin with a jaw-dropping performance on Sunday night, and all signs point towards them delivering just that.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.