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

9. Roman Reigns Isn't Headlining

WWE SummerSlam 2016
wwe.com

Roman Reigns is still reeling after violating WWE’s Wellness Policy last month. After being pinned at Battleground, then again on the following Raw, Reigns has been shunted down to the midcard to feud for Rusev’s United States Title. It’s likely only a matter of time before he’s back in a main event program, but for now, fans can sit back, relax, and enjoy a rare WWE PPV that won’t feature Vince McMahon’s golden boy hogging the spotlight.

Nobody wants to see Reigns competing for the Universal or WWE Championship at this point. Though he’s not beyond rehabilitation, Reigns is staler than week-old bread, and the company are showing no signs of altering his character or delivering that much-needed heel turn. For now, Reigns is better off in the midcard, where he can concentrate on putting-on decent match-ups without sucking the life and intrigue out of WWE’s PPV main event scene.

The Rusev feud has been incredibly wonky, particularly with Reigns playing the unlikeable playground bully role against Raw’s resident monster heel, but it’s a great match on-paper. Say what you will about Reigns, but the guy knows how to work a good match with a capable opponent, and Rusev is one of the best in the company. There’s a strong chance this match will end in shenanigans, which isn’t ideal, but let’s just be thankful Reigns isn’t messing with the main event for now.

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.