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2019's edition of SummerSlam lived up to its hype as an underwhelming show, but, to WWE's credit, there weren't any catastrophic booking decisions that would seriously undermine the quality of the programming for the coming fall season. Performing well is crucial now, as SmackDown's move to Fox and All Elite Wrestling's premier on TNT are imminent.
How well did SummerSlam do in setting up the WWE landscape with big changes to the wrestling landscape on the way? Who got the most and least out of the festivities? Let's take a closer look.
Losers: The Cruiserweights
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This should have been one of the hardest hitting matches on the SummerSlam card and, for a while, it looked like it would be that way. Unfortunately, it ended abruptly, and the lack of crowd response really hurt it. It didn't get the time that it needed to truly shine and given the apathy from the crowd, WWE might not entirely be blameworthy for that.
For years now, 205 Live has struggled to gain traction in front of main roster audiences, even when it was at its peak in quality last year. At this point, it might be a better idea to bring the division under the fold of NXT. These guys would get more time and appreciation at Full Sail and in front of TakeOver audiences.
Winner: Buddy Murphy
Speaking of 205 Live, its former champion made the most of the opportunity given to him in his first singles match on the main roster, impressing us with his normally explosive moves. The match with Apollo Crews ended in a no contest, however, as Rowan interfered and brutalized the former Cruiserweight champion, warning him to keep his name out of his mouth.
This looks like it could be the start of a significant angle for Murphy, one which sees him involved with the likes of Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan. The follow up is crucial, but that would be a huge step.
Loser: Bayley
Bayley retained her title last night but was met with boos from the same crowd that infamously booed her a couple of years ago. The match fell way below expectations as well, given the talent involved in it. Never did it feel like a big match between two former NXT Women's Champions. Ember Moon must be disappointed with her first title shot on the main roster.
Bayley emerged as the bigger loser on the night, though. Her title reign has just existed since she won it at Money in the Bank. It was all downhill after that great moment. It really does feel like she's just keeping the title warm for yet another Charlotte Flair reign.
Winner: Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens soundly defeated Shane McMahon last night, overcoming both interference and his opponent's attempts to outsmart him. The Toronto crowd loved it. Kevin Owens has now emerged as one of the most over figures on SmackDown, if not in the company.
Hopefully this will also mean the end of Shane McMahon's constant presence on television. The "best in the world" has finally been defeated. There's no more use for it. The blue brand has always been better when Shane McMahon isn't taking up its screen time.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt has been reborn. What a sight he is to see!
As expected, he flattened Finn Balor, but that wasn't half of what made this feel like a big deal. The entrance and atmosphere were top notch. This is only going to add to his momentum as the hottest thing in WWE right now.
And now with the Universal Championship open again, the sky's the limit. Let's just hope WWE makes full use of this opportunity.
Winner: Seth Rollins
It finally happened.
For the first time since 2004, Brock Lesnar was defeated cleanly in a title match. There were no low blow shenanigans this time. Seth Rollins actually lived up to his claim as being the Beastslayer.
And with this victory, Brock Lesnar's time in the Universal Championship picture should finally and mercifully be at an end.
Seth Rollins also looked more alive than he has at any time in the past year. Credit to WWE, the main event was everything it should have been.
Rollins' reign from here will be the more pressing concern. His reign earlier in the year and rivalry with Baron Corbin did no one any favors.
Thankfully, there's a certain Fiend out there this time.
