The WWF’s sizller of the summer,  SummerSlam took place last night, and I’d have to say, generally that the pay-per-view was well put on. The wrestlers really worked hard, and even though, some of the matches may not be mentioned by others as memorable matches, they still were all solid matches from the opening bell. 
Jeff Jarrett Vs. D-Lo Brown - First match of the pay-per-view and the talent was already setting the standards of the show. A slow start to this one, but once things got going, it was a fairly decent match. The puppies were in full force at Summerslam as Debra helps distract the referee, for a returning Mark Henry to crack Jarrett’s guitar over D-Lo. Only reason I can see the WWF splitting these guys up, is that Henry has lost the weight the WWF had requested, and now he will be getting that push. But, if he’s thinking he’s going to go far, he should sit down and have a chat with the Big Bossman who got no where higher than the Hardcore title. 

Tag Team Turmoil - It seems the WWF is trying to put the duo of Christian and Edge over as a legitimate contender for the tag titles. They wiped out 4 teams I believe, before falling short to the Acolytes, who made short work of them, and then the Holly Cousin’s could of won the match, but their big headed ego’s got the best of them and ended up costing them the match. Should be a good match tonight on RAW when Big Show and Undertaker defend against the Acolytes. 

Chris Jericho, Road dogg confrontation was the average Y2J countdown then with Jericho working his magic on the mic, it’s amazing to see this guy work. He’s like the Rock, he’s got the crowd in the palm of his hands. He wanted them to boo, they boo’d loudly. He wanted them to cheer, they rocked the foundation of the building. Then Road Dogg gets on the mic, and tells Jericho to shut up, and suck it. The past confrontations have been good, since the wrestler against Jericho has countered with some decent heat. Road dogg, just uses the same saying he has used for the past year. Bad move on the WWF’s behalf. They should not have had Jericho confront a guy like Road Dogg, who doesn’t update his quotes.  

Al Snow Vs. Big Bossman - Well, I don’t like the Hard Core matches because they are more of a pin fall counts anywhere in the building, or like last night, any place in Minnesota. But the work rate of these two guys was great. Some dumb, low spots in the match, like the use of the Pepsi Cooler. But the bar and everything else in this match was hysterical and very entertaining. It would be nice to see a WWF Hard Core match stay in the ring the whole time, like a few months ago with WCW’s Hard Core rules match between Bigelow-Hak-Raven. Stayed in the ring the whole time and was full of junk, to hit your opponent with. 

Ivory Vs. Tori - It’s truly sad to see that these women aren’t getting over for their wrestling skills. This match was a solid technical match with some great moves by both competitors. The crowd was completely dead for this once, except for one move executed by Tori, which was classified as "Lawler’s Favorite Move". Ivory won, but I do not see this feud over just yet. I’d expect a Luna Vs. Ivory match-up soon, which would either materialize into a Luna Vs. Tori match or maybe a rematch with Ivory. Since I do not see, Ivory and Tori getting over, and seeing the massive pop Luna got. Don’t be surprised to see Luna with the title around her waist once and for all, very soon. 

Test Vs. Shane McMahon - This was a really awesome match with massive bumps taken by Shane. But, everyone has been saying this was their highlight match, and this match saved the card. Honestly, sure Shane took some incredible bumps that most of the locker room it’s self wouldn’t attempt. But, really their were only a few high spots in this match, the rest was just useless interference by the Posse who where ringside. The elbow drop off the top rope through the spanish announce table by Shane was awesome. Good to see he’s been taking this legitimately and he’s not just another David Flair, thrown into the ring for another angle. 

X-Pac and Kane Vs. Big Show and Undertaker - Every match with X-Pac and Kane seems to be the same. X-Pac gets brutalized, tags in Kane and then Kane goes to work and explodes on his opponents. I’m actually glad to see the titles off the waist of Kane and X-Pac. X-Pac should be aimed at the Intercontinental Title, and Kane should be aiming for the WWF title or at least be working matches with wrestlers that are just a step away from being in the main event. 

Billy Gunn Vs. The Rock - Fairly decent match, only real reason these two are going at it, is to elevate Gunn’s credibility. He didn’t need to win against the Rock to go to the next level, all they need to have is, a solid match with a close outcome, WCW should be taking note as to how to put younger talent over. 

Triple H Vs. Steve Austin Vs. Mankind - Well Ventura’s appearance finally happened, wasn’t that much of a deal. When Ventura ejected Chyna, I was so pleased. I was thinking, finally, the WWF is going to put Triple H over with a legitimate win, pedigree, cover, 1-2-3. No outside interference, but boy was I wrong. Triple H knocks out Austin and Mankind with a chair, goes for the cover, 1-2-3, nope. Ventura wouldn’t count it, even though it was an easy three. Triple H covers again. 1-2-3. Nope. Ventura says no again, do to the chair shot. One thing I noticed is, during the show, Ventura was seen telling Mick Foley and Austin at separate occasions that chairs shots followed by a cover, would not be counted as pin falls. Ventura never was shown telling Triple H this, and since Mankind pinned Austin and won the title, maybe tonight we’ll see Triple H and Shane McMahon come out and complain about this matter, Shane signs Mankind Vs. Triple H for the title, Triple H takes it. Would be great to see. 

Next column will be Friday, August 28. Thanks for reading and good night.