The 2014 edition of WWEs annual SummerSlam is in the books, and the consensus is that the show delivered in a big way. This now makes two consecutive years where SummerSlam has been one of the best card on the calendar, living up to the lofty billing as one of the promotions marquee events. We saw the crowning of a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion in dominant fashion, as Brock Lesnar german suplexed the hustle, loyalty and respect right out of John Cenas body before leaving him lying in a lifeless heap to end the show. Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins took their red hot rivalry to the next level with an outstanding match that, despite the bemoaned lumberjack stipulation, hit it out of the park with the execution. They brawled all over the arena, treating the lumberjacks like the jobbers they are in the process, and ended with a result that will no doubt see the continuation of one the most well-booked feuds in years. Stephanie McMahon vs. Brie Bella was better than it had any right to be, Bray Wyatt and Chris Jericho made up for that utter lack of chemistry and bland match at Battleground, Roman Reigns got a clean win over Randy Orton is his ascension to the throne, Paige regained the Divas title from AJ Lee, Rusev defeated Jack Swagger and raised the Russian flag in the arena and the Miz and his moneymaker lost the intercontinental championship to Dolph Ziggler. All this coupled with an enthusiastic Staples Center crowd made for one of the better shows the company has produced in recent times. But as we all know, wins and losses arent the only thing that matters in the world of professional wrestling, where the quality of a workers performance is what truly determines their place in the WWE pecking order. Were going to delve into the talents who used the high profile stage at SummerSlam to make the most out of their opportunity, as well as those men and women who ended the night in a less desirable position than when it began. Strap in and lets look at who the real winners and losers were. Lets begin with the winners. Honorable Mention:Dolph Ziggler It would be much easier to view this as a win if A) the Intercontinental championship hadnt been devalued to that point that its virtually worthless, and B) Ziggler has been the recipient of so many start-and-stop pushes that its impossible to get excited about anything he does, because weve been conditioned to believe hell be jobbing to less-talented guys again in no time. Nevertheless, it was surprising to see him go over Miz here, considering the former champ is currently doing the best character work of his career and drawing pretty good heel heat. Well have to wait and see how this one plays out. Honorable Mention: Triple H Purely for the way he sold for Brie Bella. That was best for business.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
