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After an exciting night of action at WWE SummerSlam, there were many stories set up heading into Payback this Sunday. Title changes, a shocking return and stellar matches have created a lot of buzz for WWE and created a lot of excitement as well.
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The buildup to SummerSlam was incredible, with added layers to the storytelling and the addition of match stipulations. Each match felt like it was important and something was on the line. Even the non-title matches felt like there was something meaningful at stake and felt like a must-win situation for each opponent.
While fans were treated to strong performances and feuds that played out on screen, there are some matches that didn't happen at the event. There have been secondary storylines that have not gone very far in recent weeks, with the main focus being on adding depth to the matches that were on the card.
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It seems as if the SummerSlam Kickoff Show would have been a perfect opportunity to insert additional matches that could have advanced storylines from recent weeks. This would have also given more wrestlers a chance to have a larger stage, especially with the addition of WWE ThunderDome.
Were there matches that should have been on the card that weren't? There's definitely a case that can be made for additional matches that could have been a part of SummerSlam. Here are five matches that should have been on the card.
Nia Jax vs. Shayna Baszler at SummerSlam
SummerSlam would have been the perfect opportunity for Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler to settle their ongoing beef. It seems that every time the two cross paths, there's a violent altercation and that's yet to materialize into a match.
Between backstage encounters, match interferences and more, the two have had quite the back and forth over the last several weeks. A match at SummerSlam could have provided a conclusion to the feud or add additional layers to their story. Other than a mutual desire to become RAW Women's Champion, there has been no additional explanation as to the origins of their feud.
Exploring this match would have added another program in the women's division, creating more paths to challenge for the RAW Women's Championship. Adding additional storylines for the women's roster allows for championship matches that make sense and create parity.
Now that the pair will team up to face Bayley and Sasha Banks for the Women's Tag Team Championships at Payback, the likelihood of a brawl between the two seems unlikely for now.
King Corbin vs. Matt Riddle at SummerSlam
Although the two didn't have a match at SummerSlam, tensions have certainly been on the rise as of late between Matt Riddle and King Corbin. Following several matches in which both of the WWE Superstars interfered, it looks like things are building towards something bigger between the two.
While Riddle has continued to make an impact on WWE SmackDown, Corbin has been all about making the rookie pay his dues and earning a shot at the king. With the inclusion of Chad Gable (Shorty G), it feels like these two are just getting started on what may prove to be a long-term story.
SummerSlam match could have added depth to the story
If given the opportunity at SummerSlam, these two Superstars could have further elevated their story and used the big stage as a way to close the first chapter in their new, budding rivalry. Corbin and Riddle could face off at Payback this Sunday, but an early encounter would have added another layer to this developing story.
Naomi vs. Lacey Evans at SummerSlam
While SummerSlam had three strong women's matches, the addition of a match to settle the rivalry between Lacey Evans and Naomi would have added another level of intensity. The two have battled back and forth on SmackDown for several weeks and it seems that the feud has simmered down from previous weeks.
At the moment, it feels as if there hasn't been a conclusion to the story between these two and it's possible that things may pick up again following Payback. A match at SummerSlam could have put one of these women in the driver's seat for a No. 1 contender opportunity at the SmackDown Women's Championship.
SummerSlam could have established another challenger for the title
There is a need to establish someone other than RAW Superstars to challenge Bayley for her title. At times, it seems that the SmackDown women's roster has not had the opportunity to challenge the champ for the crown. A match at SummerSlam could have definitely set up a scenario for an eventual opponent.
Otis vs. Someone at SummerSlam
SummerSlam provided an opportunity for WWE Superstar Otis to come out and support his peach, Mandy Rose following her victory over Sonya Deville. The two have shared a budding on-screen romance and the images of both doing the caterpillar dance in the ring showed why the two have captivated audiences since WrestleMania 36.
It seems like an eternity since Otis secured the Money In The Bank briefcase, ensuring him a title opportunity at the time of his choosing. There hasn't been much that has come of his surprising victory to follow it up. We saw glimpses of Otis contemplating cashing it in, but nothing has materialized
SummerSlam could have provided a resurgence of momentum for Otis
While he doesn't have an active feud, it feels like Otis is missing the opportunity to make the briefcase feel as relevant as it has in the past for Money In The Bank winners. SummerSlam could have provided the perfect opportunity to make the briefcase matter more again, even if we saw just a tease of Otis cashing in following the Universal Championship match.
AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy at SummerSlam
A rematch at SummerSlam could have settled the score in what some have called a controversial finish in the Intercontinental Championship match between Jeff Hardy and AJ Styles. Hardy captured the championship, while Styles feels Hardy used his knee brace to aid him in the victory.
These two men have been at odds over the last few weeks on WWE's Blue brand, with Styles declaring there is no one on the current SmackDown roster deserving of a championship match opportunity. Hardy came out to challenge Styles and the rest is history.
Hardy and Styles should have had a rematch at SummerSlam
Having these two settle their feud at SummerSlam, or at the very least continue their story, could have provided another championship match at an already stacked event. Both men have proven that they can have exceptional matches and would have possibly stolen the show in the process. Hopefully there is a rematch between Hardy and Styles again soon, because it seems their feud is far from over.
