13 Match Quality Predictions For WWE SummerSlam 2018
2. AJ Styles Vs. Samoa Joe - WWE Heavyweight Title Match
Even if this takes on the methodical quality that has lowered AJ's stock this year, this is never going to underwhelm. Styles, more celebrated for his amazing athleticism, is a great seller more than capable of hooking the crowd under the threat of Joe's menacing stalker bit.
But hopefully it won't.
The storyline premises demands something full of p*ss and vinegar. Joe has questioned AJ's commitment to his children. Styles should charge at Joe from the opening bell, channelling the exhilarating rush of their old mid-2000s chemistry with a layer of a matured psychology. That's what Joe wants him to do. Joe wants AJ to fight with a lightning quick, headstrong emotion susceptible to his formidable uranage. Another Extreme Rules chess match won't do.
Following the excellent build, we have been conditioned to expect a full-on firecracker of a blood match that obviously can't provide the red stuff but can provide fans with the very best of both men: AJ at his most explosive, Joe at his most terrifying.
Even a diminished return of AJ's last true masterclass, the war against Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series '17, promises something very, very good indeed.
Predicted Star Rating: ****1/4