SummerSlam 2015: 7 reasons why the pay-per-view is considered a failure

Triple H 1-0 Vince McMahonThe line between a successful wrestling event and a forgettable one is pretty thin. Over the years, WWE has fallen on both sides of this line with their pay-per-views.This time around, with SummerSlam, WWE wanted to fall on the successful side but unfortunately, that was not the case. Most of WWE’s booking decisions were miles away from the bull’s eye and the fans aren’t pretty happy about how the show went down.SummerSlam did not live up to the expectations and it will probably go down into the archives as a botched event despite memorable moments here and there.So why is WWE getting a lot of backlash from the fans for the pay-per-view? Here are the reasons why:

#7 Following up NXT Takeover

Bayley had her feel-good championship moment at Takeover

Following up an event like NXT Takeover was a big task for SummerSlam. The superstars down in NXT gave the wrestling fans a memorable night at Takeover and this apparently skyrocketed the expectations for SummerSlam.

WWE failed to reach those expectations and fell flat on the ground. Apart from a handful of matches, the booking was not up to the mark and NXT has once again outclassed the main roster.

From a different point of view, it’s a win for Triple H and a loss for Vince McMahon, who should really think about handing over the reigns to his son-in-law. So the WWE should take a note: never keep an NXT event before a WWE pay-per-view.

#6 Five Minute title match

Ryback’s reign has been forgettable up until now

WWE ran a four-hour show this time around. This was a way to give all the matches enough time to tell a story.

WWE was successful in doing the same to an extent, but they did make a mess of the Intercontinental championship match. The match had three superstars and yet, WWE only gave them a five minute time window.

It shows the fall of the Intercontinental championship under Ryback’s reign and WWE should come up with something brilliant if they are to keep the title valuable in the longer run. The championship has a rich history and it shouldn’t have been wasted like WWE did at SummerSlam.

#5 Lack of any surprise return or appearance

The much-talked about Kane return never happened

Before SummerSlam started, there were a lot of rumors about surprise appearances. Rock, Steve Austin, Kane and Sting were some of the notable names from the list, but none of them showed up.

We did get a promo from Mick Foley, but it was nothing memorable. The lack of big names did hurt the pay-per-view a bit and they could have easily avoided the scenario.

Instead of ending the Taker vs. Lesnar match in a botch, they could have used Kane. Similarly, Austin or Rock could have been there for at least a small segment. Unfortunately, it did not happen and WWE is going to feel the heat due to the same.

#4 Botched ending for Ziggler vs. Rusev

Ziggler, Rusev, Summer Rae and Lana in a scuffle

Dolph Ziggler and Rusev locked horns for a singles contest at SummerSlam. It was Ziggler’s first match after a long time and the baby faces were desperate to get an upper hand.

Both men had a physical affair from the starting bell, but WWE decided to end the match in a disqualification. They apparently want to have a mixed tag team match for Night of Champions, but ruining the match at SummerSlam for the same was not necessary.

They could have just let Ziggler get the win and then in the post-match segment, they could have set up the match for Night of Champions. That did not happen and this ended up being another inconclusive match on the SummerSlam card.

#3 Failed opportunity to turn Dean Ambrose or Roman Reigns heel

Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose vs. Wyatt family missed a major turn

The Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns vs. Wyatt family encounter was a good match to say the least. All four men performed well but then again, it was just a standalone match.

The storyline got no boost and WWE was not even bothered about the future. The fans will not be eager to see these four next night on Raw as WWE left no shockers to follow up.

They had a huge opportunity to turn either Reigns or Ambrose at SummerSlam and it would have ended up being a major storyline heading to Survivor Series. Now, WWE has to start from scratch and pull off the turn at some irrelevant weekly episode of Monday Night Raw.

#2 Lack of motives in the Divas\' Revolution

Team PCB

The Divas’ division got a good platform on Sunday Night. They had enough time and enough spotlight on them throughout the match.

However, there was one big problem: The division cannot survive on matches filled with spots. They need storylines and character development to remain strong and that is something WWE forgot at SummerSlam.

None of the Divas seem bothered about the championship right now, which is not what fans want. Take nothing away from the women, it was a good match but just like the previous slide, this one also lacked the continuity and a cliffhanger that could have made it even better.

#1 The Taker vs. Lesnar controversy

Paul Heyman was at his furious best

The wrestling community is split on the Lesnar vs. Undertaker match. A small portion of the fans are happy with how WWE protected both Undertaker and Lesnar but the remaining portion of fans have tagged the ending ‘unbelievable’ or ‘screwed’.

Both categories have their right to state the opinions. It was a big match and WWE wanted to protect both Lesnar and Undertaker. But at the same time, it was a big match and fans had their expectations.

WWE did not live up to those and the cheap ending sparked a wave of hate. In the end, the climax of Lesnar and Taker affected the pay-per-view pretty badly. WWE will have to cover up pretty well after this and hopefully, they will.