SummerSlam is in the books, and wow, did WWE bring it for the Biggest Party of the Summer. The momentum the company has carried the past year is amazing, and this show gave fans a glimpse of what the future will look like – and all signs point up. Storytelling in WWE has become immensely better under the watch of Triple H, and SummerSlam told audiences that predictability is no longer the standard.
Cody and Solo Shine, Roman Reigns Returns
The main event was (for lack of a better term) electrifying. Cody Rhodes does what he does best, showcasing his skills yet again. Solo Sikoa was an intense counterpart, not just being carried through the match, but showing his ascension to the top of the card was no fluke. When it looked like Sikoa had the advantage, Roman Reigns returned to a thunderous ovation, delivering a Superman Punch and a Spear to Sikoa – giving Rhodes the opening to retain his title – and perhaps kickstarting an all-Samoan Survivor Series showdown.
CM Punk and Drew McIntyre Continue Their Rivalry
Punk came out on fire, ready to show once and for all that he’s still the Best in the World. McIntyre had something to prove to everyone, most importantly himself, but the wild card in this fight was special guest referee Seth Rollins. While each competitor sought the edge, Rollins’ officiating became questionable as the match progressed, allowing more and more brutality. McIntyre took advantage of Punk’s biggest weakness in the match – his beloved bracelet. As Michael Cole pointed out, “Punk cost himself the match.” Something tells me this story is far from over, as McIntyre left the ring with the victory and Punk’s bracelet.
Mami and Damien Priest Receive Final Judgment at SummerSlam
Dom Mysterio lived up to his nickname and persona at SummerSlam, doing Rhea Ripley “Dirty” and aligning with Liv Morgan, helping Liv secure her title defense with an Oblivion to a steel chair. Mami will undoubtedly have something to say about this in the coming weeks, and Mysterio and Morgan will have nuclear heat on them going forward.
The long-simmering animosity between Priest and Finn Balor finally exploded at SummerSlam, with Balor costing Priest his title against Gunther. Balor’s sadistic smile as he screwed over Priest is a memorable image from the event, but Balor will have to look over his shoulder now that he has dethroned Priest. Will Priest and Ripley alight to bring down the Judgment Day?
Bron Breakker, Nia Jax, LA Knight All Crowned at SummerSlam
On a night when the mood was one of change in WWE, four new champions were crowned, leaving the door open for fresh stories and intriguing new rivalries in WWE.
Bron Breakker’s rise to the top of WWE continued, defeating Sami Zayn to win the Intercontinental Championship. Breakker’s charisma and intensity are off the charts, matched only by his in-ring skills and athleticism. There are two ways WWE could go with Breakker – a long title run similar to Gunther – or, if he keeps the momentum, a Royal Rumble date with destiny.
Nia Jax captured the Women’s Title from Bayley, in one of the more interesting spots of the night. A lot of questions will be answered going forward, but the most important one may be where does Tiffany Stratton fit into the picture?
LA Knight has flirted with gold a few times, finally capturing the elusive title over Logan Paul at SummerSlam. The two Superstars put on one hell of a show, and Knight’s first title run is sure to be full of great matchups, as Knight hasn’t disappointed since his star began to rise the last couple of years. It’ll be fun to see who steps up first to take on the new United States Champion.
Whatever happens in the aftermath of SummerSlam, WWE is hitting on all cylinders at the right time. There are so many possibilities in the coming months, a testament to the unprecedented talent on the roster and the ability to make everyone feel big, every moment feel huge; this was the formula when Triple H was on top of the world in the ring, and it feels like fans have something to look forward to for a long time.