Happy Returns; WWE's 34th SummerSlam Full Of Surprises As Brock And Becky Make Their Returns

Friday evening WWE chairman Vince McMahon sat his television (probably a 75-inch TV or more) and watched as “All Elite Wrestling” introduced their newest and biggest signing to date - C.M. Punk.

As the return of Punk sent shockwaves, the WWE didn’t take long to respond, pulling two surprises of their own Saturday night at their 34th annual “SummerSlam” as diva Becky Lynch along with ‘The Beast’ Brock Lesner both wound up on the show.

Overall there wasn’t too much you could say bad about this show - as much like a WrestleMania everyone worked very hard and the stars really did come out to shine.

Now we give you some thoughts and takeaways as the WWE sets up for the remainder of the summer and what’s next in the big title programs with the return of Lynch and Brock.

1. The Beast Is Back

The biggest thing to come out of Saturday’s show was of course the return of Brock Lesnar, who will slide right into the WWE Universal Title pic when he challenges Roman Reigns.

Make no mistake, this was a HUGE move by WWE bringing Brock back, and after his loss at Mania two years ago it was the surprise and pop that fans had been wanting.

Where Paul Heyman, now with Reigns, falls into all this is anyone’s guess, but no matter it should be fun to watch it play out.

2. The Lass Makes Her Return

Unlike Lesnar, who many felt might never return to the WWE, there’s never been much of a doubt about the return of popular diva Becky Lynch, who in just 26 seconds took out Bianca Belair to take home the Smackdown Women’s title.

Things got hairy eight days ago when something went down with Sasha Banks, putting her and Belair’s long awaited WrestleMania rematch in doubt.

Then it was announced Saturday by WWE that Banks was out of the match and someone would replace Banks - at first it being Carmella, but then it was the surprise of Lynch coming out for the quick title flip.

Lynch’s presence makes the women’s division that much stronger, and it is great to have her back and at some point get a real match with Belair.

3. RK-Bro Stands On Top

The tag team of Randy Orton and Riddle got their belts on Saturday, beating AJ Styles and Omos in a solid match.

This storyline will be like many others - Riddle and Orton will have a successful title reign for about three months, then one of the two will turn on each other (I for some reason see a swerve and see it being Riddle).

A series of rematches for the belts will follow, as these four will continue to have good matches.

4. "Brood" Edge was Fantastic

After Friday’s ‘bloodbath’ on Smackdown, it was super cool to see the old school ‘Brood’ them play for Edge as he came to the ring against Seth Rollins.

People pop so much for old school themes, entrances or when a legend makes an appearance it’s hard to wonder why they don’t do it more often like they did Saturday for Edge.

The match between the two as predicted was great, and the submission finish with Edge winning was well done.

5. More to Come from Lashley and Goldberg?

For those that like the nostalgia act from 54-year-old Bill Goldberg - there’s good news - it’s not over yet.

Yes, the Bobby Lashley vs Bill Goldberg feud will continue, likely with an ‘Extreme’ rules match on 9/26 at the next PPV in Columbus, Ohio.

Using Goldberg’s son has added something to this feud, and while per usual Goldberg’s game is very limited at this point, but he’s still a draw and likely it will be the main event for the next show as there’s no way they hotshot Reigns and Lesnar this fast.
















































Written by
Matt has been a part of the Cleveland Sports landscape working in the media since 1994 when he graduated from broadcasting school. His coverage beats include the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Cavaliers. He's written three books, and won the "2020 AP Sports Stringer Lifetime Service Award."