5 scrapped WWE SummerSlam matches fans didn't get to see

It's summer now, which means three things. Kids are out of school, the days are getting longer and WWE are gearing up for their biggest event of the season: SummerSlam.

A staple of WWE for over 30 years, SummerSlam has played host to some of the most exciting matches of all time, such as Daniel Bryan and John Cena's epic war in 2013 and the brother Vs. brother steel cage match between Bret and Owen Hart back in 1994.

But though SummerSlam has played host to some great matches, there are some bouts that would have no-doubt been awesome, if WWE hadn't scrapped them first.

Here are five scrapped SummerSlam matches we never got to see, and why they were cut:

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#5 Mick Foley Vs. Dean Ambrose (SummerSlam 2012)

Foley and Ambrose engaged in a war of words which sadly didn't culminate in a match.

Most fans will know that Dean Ambrose debuted on the main roster at Survivor Series 2012 with The Shield, but not many know that there were plans for the Lunatic Fringe to debut much sooner. Long before the Lunatic Fringe was working with Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, Ambrose was engaged in a feud with WWE legend Mick Foley, with a match between the two penciled in for SummerSlam.

At one point in the slow-build feud between the two, Ambrose accosted the Hardcore Legend at WrestleMania Axxess, accusing the Micker of encouraging countless people to hurt themselves for entertainment. Harsh words (with some truth to them), the pair would sadly never meet in the ring, as Foley's medical condition wouldn't allow him to compete at the summer pay-per-view, and instead, Ambrose debuted that November at Survivor Series, before leaving earlier this year after a seven-year, incredible tenure.

#4 Chris Jericho Vs. Seth Rollins (SummerSlam 2018)

Rollins Vs. Jericho could have been a huge inter-promotional match.

This may be the most interesting scrapped match on this list, as this one didn't come from WWE. Instead, this dream match was the brainchild of Chris Jericho, and it gets more interesting when you realize Jericho wasn't even with WWE at the time.

Instead, Jericho was the IWGP Intercontinental Champion in New Japan and proposed a champion Vs. champion match with WWE's very own IC Champion at the time Seth Rollins. The match certainly would have been unique, to say the least, as the two could have told some interesting stories from two very different wrestling companies.

Though Y2J had high hopes with his cross-branded match that would have put everyone over, the match was scrapped by Vince McMahon, who didn't want to be seen promoting the competition, and instead, Rollins faced Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental title.

#3 Muhammad Hassan Vs. Batista (SummerSlam 2005)

Hassan's character was killed off after controversial events beyond his control in 2005.

During the Ruthless Aggression era, there were few stars more despised than Muhammad Hassan. Referencing the treatment of law-abiding Arab Americans post 9/11, Hassan had some good points but was universally booed by fans worldwide.

Despite this, Hassan became a major player on SmackDown and according to reports, was supposed to take on World Heavyweight Champion Batista for the gold at the 2005 summer pay-per-view.

Unfortunately for Hassan, real-life tragedy would derail his momentum, as, on July 7, a terrorist attack in London shocked the world to the core. With WWE airing a controversial segment including Hassan the same day, the company quickly pulled the plug on the character, having Hassan destroyed by The Undertaker before he ever made it to SummerSlam, and the character was never seen again.

#2 John Cena, The Big Show, and Justin Bieber Vs. The Wyatt Family (SummerSlam 2014)

Cena nearly turned to Justin Bieber for help with dealing with the Wyatts in 2014.

Yes, you read that right: Pop star Justin Bieber was once slated to appear in a WWE match. Though this proposed match nearly took place in 2014, this wasn't the first time the Canadian had been teased to work with WWE, as rumors ran rampant that it was going to be Bieber hosting WrestleMania 27 in 2011, instead of The Rock.

According to former WWE writer Kevin Eck, the plan was for the Bieber to team with established stars John Cena and The Big Show, to take on the demonic Wyatt family at SummerSlam in 2014. Obviously, the match didn't happen, and it's probably for the best, as we don't think any amount of puppets or masks would have helped Wyatt's mystique recover if he got pinned by the 'Baby' singer.

#1 Daniel Bryan Vs. Brock Lesnar (SummerSlam 2014)

Bryan and Lesnar would eventually face off in 2018, but nearly clashed four years earl

If WrestleMania 30 is remembered for two things, it's Daniel Bryan finally becoming WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and Brock Lesnar shockingly becoming the one to break The Undertaker's undefeated winning streak.

As the company's two biggest stars, many fans expected the two to face off, and according to Dave Meltzer, the pair were scheduled to main event that year's SummerSlam for Bryan's world title.

Sadly, Bryan's neck problems resulted in him forfeiting the title and taken off the road. WWE had to change the plans, which in the end considering his neck situation was probably a blessing in disguise.

Instead, Brock demolished John Cena to claim the gold, whilst Bryan would have to wait until Survivor Series 2018 to finally get his hands on the Beast Incarnate.