Finn Bálor and Sami Zayn may walk into SummerSlam expecting a straight-up number one contender’s match, but WWE apparently has something much bigger planned.
Dave Meltzer reports that a major storyline development is scheduled to go down during the match, which is currently expected to open the SummerSlam Sunday broadcast. The bout may not even stay the same by the time the bell rings, with several twists said to be part of the plan.
“There is a major storyline development planned in the Finn Bálor vs. Sami Zayn match tonight.”
Meltzer also states that WWE intends to change the match in some form, with multiple surprises planned along the way.
“The current plan is that the match will be changed, and there will be several twists in that match.”
The situation also appears connected to CM Punk and GUNTHER. Punk successfully defended the WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes on SummerSlam Saturday after Randy Orton returned and dropped Rhodes with an RKO.
During the post-show, Punk called out several names, including GUNTHER. The Ring General also picked up a major win at SummerSlam by defeating Nick Aldis in Aldis’ first WWE match. Meltzer claims WWE’s Punk and GUNTHER tease was designed to throw people off, although the confrontation was still done for a reason that should become clear soon.
“Last night’s hype for Punk vs. GUNTHER was meant as a swerve and likely for the future, but not right away. It was done last night for a reason that will become clear very soon.”
Bálor earned his SummerSlam spot by winning a qualifying match on SmackDown. He is now set to face Zayn, with the winner becoming the next number one contender for Punk’s WWE Championship.
That may still be the advertised prize, but WWE clearly has more planned than simply crowning a challenger. With the match expected to open the show and several twists already on the table, Bálor and Zayn could end up setting the direction for the entire WWE title picture.
What do you think WWE has planned for Finn Bálor and Sami Zayn at SummerSlam? Let us know your predictions in the comments.
