2009 SummerSlam Predictions

I saw cletus' post about SummerSlam and his picks for the matches on the card and wanted to do the same thing on my blog.  So here goes:

SummerSlam 2009 will mark the return of The Undertaker
If you haven't heard, the October PPV (No Mercy, I believe, though maybe Unforgiven?) is now called Hell in a Cell.  That's two months after SummerSlam.  I refuse to believe the new HIAC PPV is going to be built around an Orton/HHH Hell in a Cell match.  I think instead Undertaker will be involved in the top match on the show.  Undertaker returns for SummerSlam, and then you've got about 2 full months to build a solid program for him leading to the October PPV.  Who will he feud with?  That's the question! 

Considering that determines to me how, why, and when he returns at SummerSlam, let's look at the possibilities - 1) CM Punk - I think he'll still be champ by SummerSlam.  I think it's a big possibility Taker will feud with Punk in the future, but for HIAC, it doesn't need to be a title match to be a big deal.  2) Jeff Hardy - I'd love to see it but not sure if Jeff will still be around by October.  3) Chris Jericho - the match-up everyone wants to see.  I'd like to see it at WM, but I'd be totally down for a HIAC Jericho vs Taker match.  4) Someone else?  Maybe a Raw superstar, or a returning superstar? 

I'd put money on Jericho.

The WWE Championship Match
I have a hard time imagining Orton/HHH lasting that much longer.  I think the rumors of a HIAC match may have been right at one time, but I don't think it's happening anymore.  I'd hope for something different.  I'll go with HBK vs Orton because I think that's the top match other than Cena vs Orton available on Raw.  (and coincides with the DX reunion in the fall)

The World Heavyweight Championship Match
I think this is what cletus said, too, but I would go with Rey Mysterio challenging CM Punk for the title. 

ECW Championship Match
Mark Henry defending against DH Smith.  With the power of the top title matches and a possible Taker return, try something fresh on the ECW side. 

John Cena's Match
I think it should be in a gimmick match with The Miz.  Possibly a steel cage match, to keep Big Show out of it.

The Match Where Undertaker Returns
Chris Jericho vs Kane

ECW Invasion Match
Christian vs Jack Swagger vs Evan Bourne - winner gets to challenge either the Intercontinental or US Champion.  If they win the title, they are moved to that brand.  Here's how you get Christian to Smackdown to start building the feud for an Edge vs Christian match at WrestleMania!

We Gotta Get These Guys on the Show
Triple H vs Big Show

That's 7 matches and a pretty stacked show.  I didn't get Edge on it but maybe he could just get in a tag match to continue resting and getting fresh for (hopefully) main eventing WrestleMania next year.