5 Most anticipated matches of SummerSlam 2019

WWE SummerSlam 2019 will take place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto this weekend, and a number of different matches are scheduled, with some more prominent than others.

The matches between Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton for the WWE Championship and the match between Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship are what generates the most attention because of the hype built around them and because major championships are at stake.

However, a number of other matches taking place over SummerSlam weekend have stirred up a great deal of attention because of the storylines leading into the events.

So, out of all of the matches taking place, which ones have had the right amount of build, enthusiasm, and anticipation surrounding them? Here are five of the most anticipated matches for SummerSlam.

#5 Becky Lynch vs. Natalya

Good friends, better enemies as Natalya and Becky Lynch plan to do major damage to one another.

A match many would not have thought would have much depth or meaning has quickly escalated in importance. While it seemed at first there would be mutual respect, given the way it has turned, that's surely not the case. The brash confidence of Becky Lynch has made the prospect of this battle quite exciting. A lot of attention has been paid to the fact that it is taking place in Canada, the country Natalya calls home. Despite not being in her home city of Calgary, Alberta, Natalya has turned up the intensity and claimed a home-ice advantage.

At times it screams of her uncle Bret's last run in the WWE, where he would be celebrated in Canada and yet jeered in the U.S.A. Although there hasn't been any pitting of one country against another in the build, those involved in the match will pull from different audiences. Of course, Becky is Irish, so it would be hard to have an effective country vs. country story. The submission match stipulation raises the bar, and both women will be pushed to risk injury, and the loser may just pass out if submitting isn't something they are willing to do.

#4 Trish Stratus vs. Charlotte

Between them, there are sixteen championships won and after this match likely the queen of all eras. Photo / WWE

Rumors about this match began swirling as soon as Flair began to refer to herself as the ‘Queen of All Eras'. This is likely to be Trish's final match, and though in recent times she has competed in tag team matches alongside her bestie Lita, this time is different.

The story being told, of the two most decorated WWE women's champions from two different eras facing each other, is incredible. Between these women, there have been an incredible sixteen championships.

During their confrontation on Jerry Lawler's ‘King's Court,' we witnessed Flair attempt to put herself and her accomplishments above those of Stratus. This was a sure sign that what we were headed for, after years away, to Stratus' return to the ring in her hometown of Toronto - against someone who is arguably the face of WWE women's wrestling today.

Whether Stratus wins or loses, fans today will be reminded of how this woman came from being a fitness model and worked her way up to be seen as a credible competitor, and a multi-time champion.

#3 Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens

Will Owens keep his job or will he be forced to quit?

A growing frustration and a desire to reject authority on the part of Kevin Owens has resulted in this battle against the man who continues to use and abuse his power, Shane McMahon. Unlike their rivalry that took place a couple of WrestleManias ago which arose from Shane coming to the defense of his father, this is isn't about Owens beating up an old man, but rather fighting the fight for the entire SmackDown Live locker room.

This very clearly feels like a new Austin-McMahon rivalry, the part of Austin being played by Kevin Owens while the McMahon involved is not Vince, but his son Shane. They will undoubtedly be going at each other tooth and nail. The stipulation is that if Owens loses, he quits WWE completely. But that raised the question of what comes about if he wins? What hell could come Shane McMahon's way if Owens puts the best in the world in his place?

#2 Finn Balor vs. 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt

Wyatt returns to competing on-screen and fans have been chomping at the bit.

This match features the in-ring return of Bray Wyatt, in the wake of him undergoing the transformation to what he calls ‘the abomination' that is ‘The Fiend.' It will likely be the last match for Finn Balor for a few months, as he requested and has been granted a break. In the weeks since ‘The Fiend's' live debut when he attacked Balor, he has also attacked WWE Hall of Famers Mick Foley and Kurt Angle.

Wyatt's mask alone is enough to terrorize those watching at home, let alone the fans in attendance. While Balor may not walk away from this match as the victor, down the road that may lead to the return of a certain alter-ego of his. It appears as though Wyatt has adopted The Mandible Claw as his finisher, as a homage to Foley and his dark and twisted ways during the attitude era.

#1 AJ Styles vs. Ricochet

Will it be The Face That Leads The Place or The One and Only walking out WWE United States champion? Photo / WWE

When the two most athletically inclined men face each other for the United States Championship, fans will sit up and take notice. A committed change by AJ Styles along with fans' growing admiration for Ricochet and the result is an excited WWE fanbase awaiting a mouth-watering match.

Since regaining the WWE United States Championship, Styles has once again resumed his role as a premiere heel turning on the fans but at the same time, aligning with both Gallows and Anderson.

In comparison, Ricochet's stock continues to rise as fans are excited by seeing The One and Only do things so effortlessly that its actually become second nature. When comparing these two styles, we are likely to see a commitment to keep fans excited and interested throughout the match.

Will it be a case of Styles retaining the title or do we see Ricochet once again recapture the WWE United States Championship?