Chris King: WWE After SummerSlam: What Comes Next?

Chris King examines WWE’s post-SummerSlam landscape, including Roman Reigns’ next challenger, Oba Femi’s rise and Kevin Owens targeting CM Punk.

Just like Spider-Man, in the life of WWE it feels like a brand new day. SummerSlam is in the rearview, and it feels like WWE has made some monumental changes after the two-day extravaganza. Chris King is sharing his thoughts on the biggest implications after SummerSlam and what could happen next on the WWE train. 

World Championship Picture Is Wide Open 

• We saw the book closed on the long-storied history of The Shield, as Roman Reigns impressively defeated Seth Rollins in a fantastic match. 
• Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins could fight forever. I feel it’s impossible for them to have a bad match together. The Shield history book is finally closed as both former Shield mates did one final fist bump with Ambrose’s mask in the middle. 
• The field is wide open for the world championship. Who will step up to The OTC? 

The Ruler Slays The Beast 

• Oba Femi solidified himself as the next big thing after defeating Brock Lesnar inside hell in a cell. The Beast Incarnate took a minute to praise his opponent and announced that he’s the past, and Femi is the future of the WWE. 
• Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar went to war inside Hell in a Cell. Lesnar paying homage to The Undertaker was super classy to see. 
• Femi got the praise and passing of the torch from Lesnar after his impressive victory. Could the King of the Ring set his sights on Roman Reigns and the World Heavyweight Championship? 

KO vs. CM Punk Is On The Horizon 

• Newly reinstated general manager Nick Aldis announced that Gunther and a returning Kevin Owens would be added to the number-one contenders’ match.
• KO and CM Punk have so much history; it’s a dream match, and the promos are going to be amazing. Both men are going to cook each other. 

The New Intercontinental Champion 

• In his hometown in front of his family and friends, Chad Gable achieved his dreams and won the Intercontinental Championship. 
• There is a plethora of challengers that are going to be gunning for the title. I think WWE should hold a battle royal or a gauntlet match to determine Gable’s first challenger. 

Chelsea Green Is Champion 

• Chelsea Green outlasted Tiffany Stratton, Lash Legend, Jade Cargill, and Charlotte Flair to become the interim WWE Women’s Champion. She truly deserves this opportunity. 
• Green has found a way time after time to turn every opportunity she’s had and turn it into solid gold. This will be no different. After all her hard work to get here, Green will be a funny and interesting champion while Rhea Ripley recovers from injury. 

A Land of Opportunity 

• Baron Corbin made his shocking return to the company a few weeks ago, and he has already made a huge impact. 
• I feel like I’m watching 2016 SmackDown all over again. Corbin was the cornerstone of the blue brand back in the day. He will be a fighting champion, and I believe we will see some exciting championship matches on SmackDown over the next few months.

LA Knight or Solo Sikoa vs. Roman Reigns? 

• LA Knight is truly a megastar, and he’s still so damn over with the WWE Universe. His team was able to overcome The Bloodline and scored a big victory. 
• Unfortunately for Knight, Sikoa seems to be operating on a totally different level since turning babyface. Solo vs. Roman Reigns for the world championship is fresh, and I think it would be the next move. Knight needs a Hail Mary similar to Daniel Bryan or Kofi Kingston. 

The next upcoming event is Saturday Night Main Event in September, and the next PLE is Money in the Bank. I think WWE will have a reset with Big Cass making his return to Monday Night Raw, and with new champions and new number-one contenders emerging, the future looks bright for WWE. I’m excited to see where we go from here!