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SummerSlam 2021 is less than two days away and ten matches are scheduled for the event. Some of them have been built to near-perfection, while others could have had better stories heading into The Biggest Party of the Summer.
There has been a trend forming during the buildup to SummerSlam, with weekly shows like SmackDown and RAW having their own identities on the card. The matches presented by the blue brand seem much better than those from the red brand.
And with one more SmackDown episode left to air before the event, the gap in quality of the buildup could become more apparent. Nevertheless, most of the promotion for SummerSlam is done and barring any major last-minute changes, the positions on this list are not likely to change after Friday.
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With that in mind, let's run down the SummerSlam 2021 card and rank the buildup to each match, from worst to best. Which match are you most looking forward to on Saturday? Sound off down in the comments.
#10 WWE SummerSlam 2021: Alexa Bliss vs. Eva Marie
This match finds itself at the worst position of the list by default, as Alexa Bliss' current gimmick is not working at all. It seemed like the hokey shenanigans involving her evil doll would end once live crowds came back, but that hasn't been the case. In fact, Lilly is stronger than ever right now.
While it could have mildly worked if Bliss had a more talented dance partner for SummerSlam, her feud with Eva Marie does not feel worthy of the event. The segments leading up to the bout have received criticism. For instance, Doudrop getting spooked by a winking doll does not quite scream "Big Four pay-per-view."
#9 WWE SummerSlam 2021: Sheamus vs. Damian Priest (United States Championship)
Another SummerSlam feud with a lackluster build features the United States Championship. The storyline between Sheamus and Damian Priest has been devoid of any engaging creativity. The Archer of Infamy stopped Sheamus from assaulting Humberto Carrillo before beating him in a non-title match.
After that, The Miz and John Morrison got involved. Priest defeated both men multiple times over the past few weeks, as he has done so regularly since debuting on the WWE main roster in early 2021.
While the match will likely deliver, WWE should have given Sheamus and Damian Priest a better story heading into SummerSlam.
#8 WWE SummerSlam 2021: Nikki A.S.H. vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley (RAW Women's Championship)
The RAW Women's Championship picture heading into SummerSlam initially had potential. Nikki A.S.H. cashing in her Money in the Bank contract was a feel-good moment, but her reign has turned somewhat sour since then. Her title defense against Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley does not feel as exciting as it should be.
The buildup to this triple threat match was hampered by a lack of creativity, with all three women constantly facing each other on RAW. Nikki lost separate matches to both challengers, and while it makes her an underdog going in, the champion should not look so weak.
#7 WWE SummerSlam 2021: Drew McIntyre vs. Jinder Mahal
The feud between Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal had a lot of potential. WWE could have used their history in 3MB and subsequent redemption stories, but instead went in a different direction. It is now essentially McIntyre's sword against Mahal's goons - a pretty mediocre premise for the most part.
The Scottish Warrior defeated Shanky and Veer to bar them from ringside at SummerSlam, while he can bring his sword. Despite the elements involved, this feud lacks a certain fire. It's nice to see Jinder Mahal get the spotlight as a truly hated heel, but Drew McIntyre could certainly do better than this.
#6 WWE SummerSlam 2021: Bobby Lashley vs. Goldberg (WWE Championship)
While the build to Bobby Lashley vs. Goldberg for SummerSlam hasn't been terrible, a standard feud is not a bar one should set for the WWE Championship match at the event.
At this stage of Goldberg's career, the buildup to his matches all feel the same, but credit goes to WWE for adding a different element to this one.
The WWE Hall of Famer brought his son, Gage, to RAW multiple times. He has played a role in the build, five years after first appearing on WWE television. It remains the most compelling part of Goldberg's feud with Lashley. But will the match deliver at SummerSlam? We'll have to wait and see.
#5 WWE SummerSlam 2021: The Usos vs. Rey and Dominik Mysterio (SmackDown Tag Team Championship)
The Usos and The Mysterios wrestled a solid match at Money in the Bank, where the heels picked up the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. The buildup to their SummerSlam match has been quite simple, but effective. Both teams got the upper hand in singles matches through sneaky tactics.
It seems like the story now is about Dominik Mysterio going beyond his station here. WWE has teased some dissension between the young superstar and his legendary father, so that is something to look out for. One can expect another solid outing with the blue brand's tag team titles on the line.
#4 WWE SummerSlam 2021: AJ Styles and Omos vs. RK-Bro (RAW Tag Team Championship)
The most exciting RAW match at SummerSlam, RK-Bro's Tag Team Championship tussle, could be special. Fans are desperate to see Riddle and Randy Orton go on an extended run as a team. The Viper's return got their feud with AJ Styles and Omos going, following weeks of attacks on the King of Bros.
Even after Orton came back, there was a compelling narrative over whether or not RK-Bro would get back together. They eventually did, as we head into SummerSlam with a high-profile Tag Team Championship match. The buildup could have been better if Randy Orton had returned earlier, but it is still above everything else on RAW.
#3 WWE SummerSlam 2021: Roman Reigns vs. John Cena (Universal Championship)
Roman Reigns vs. John Cena has had an interesting buildup on the road to SummerSlam. It got slightly convoluted when Finn Balor entered the picture. He was set to sign the contract to face Reigns at SummerSlam before Cena swooped in at the last minute. But that was not enough to build such a huge match.
Enter last week's promo battle. John Cena and Roman Reigns took several verbal jabs at each other, mentioning the likes of Nikki Bella and Dean Ambrose, among others. That spiced up the feud between both megastars and bumped it up on this list, without much mention of Cena going after his record-breaking 17th world title.
#2 WWE SummerSlam 2021: Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks (SmackDown Women's Championship)
The build to Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair's SummerSlam match is leagues better than what WWE came up with earlier this year. Both women previously faced off on the first night of WrestleMania 37, in the main event, with Belair winning the SmackDown Women's Championship. Banks went on a hiatus from WWE and only returned a few weeks ago.
But The Legit Boss has made up for lost time by turning heel on Belair. There is some juice in this rivalry now, which could lead to a more explosive match at SummerSlam. Sasha Banks even has back-up in the form of Carmella and Zelina Vega. It will be exciting to see how Bianca Belair counters that.
#1 WWE SummerSlam 2021: Edge vs. Seth Rollins
The most intriguing match at SummerSlam pits Edge against Seth Rollins. The two have quite a history, dating back to 2014. Rollins nearly paralyzed The Rated-R Superstar in an attempt to bring The Authority back to WWE. Edge clearly hasn't forgotten, as we have seen in his intense promos.
But there is more to this story than just that 2014 incident. Rollins has a bone to pick with the WWE Hall of Famer after getting leapfrogged in the line for a Universal Championship match. He would cost Edge the title against Roman Reigns at Money in the Bank, adding a current element to their feud.
Both stars have been built up to a point where either man could come out victorious at SummerSlam. Seth Rollins and Edge have excellent records at the event, which further adds confidence that they can steal the show on Saturday.
Ex WWE writer blasts Liv Morgan HERE
