6 crucial storyline developments from WWE SummerSlam 2019 - Legend returns from injury, shock title change
WWE's SummerSlam has finished, and we didn't get any of the major surprises that everyone was expecting. There was no Ronda Rousey or Sasha Banks return. No 'Demon' Finn Balor appearance. There wasn't even advancement of the Roman Reigns storyline pre-taped or otherwise.
Nevertheless, we're here to focus on what did happen, and despite all of the above not happening, there are still many major takeaways from WWE SummerSlam 2019 that will shape the course of what happens going forward!
There were some last-minute pre-show matches with Drew Gulak defending his Cruiserweight Title against Oney Lorcan, Buddy Murphy taking on Apollo Crews and The IIconics trying to regain their WWE Women's Titles against Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross.
On the main show, we had Raw, and SmackDown Women's Title matches, both the WWE and Universal titles were defended, and there was a United States title match. All on the show was Kevin Owens fighting to keep his job, 'The Fiend' debuting and two era-spanning matches involving Trish Stratus and Goldberg.
But what were the crucial storyline developments you should know before heading into the post-SummerSlam RAW and SmackDown Live? Well, let me tell you!
#6. Edge returns and hits a spear for the first time in years
Earlier this month I wrote a feature on WWE Superstars who definitely retired too soon, and Edge was on the list because he was World Champion when injury reared its ugly head and forced him to retire. One wrong move and he could be paralysed or worse.
Since his retirement Edge has made numerous appearances for WWE in various capacities but never once did he take a bump or get overly physical. That was until today at SummerSlam when not only did he return to confront Elias, as has become customary, but he hit 'The Drifter' with a spear!
Now, before anyone starts getting carried away and envisaging a 'Daniel Bryan-esque' fairytale return, this was likely just a one-off moment to give Edge a big pop in his home country and give the WWE Universe a big surprise moment.
However, Edge being allowed to get physical at all is a huge storyline development both in and outside of kayfabe. Within the storyline, it opens the door in the future for Edge to return and hit more spears and, dare I say it, perhaps even have one more match. Outside of kayfabe, it raises all kind of questions about injured Superstars and what was career-ending in the past, possibly not being career-ending now. It's a big deal!
See WWE Summer Slam Results, Highlights of event, & more on WWE Summer Slam Results page