WWE’s second biggest PPV of the year is here! SummerSlam features eight title matches and potential statement matches for budding names in the WWE in Shinsuke Nakamura and Finn Balor, the latter of which is seeking to regain the ground that was lost to injury. Will the champs retain or will there be a changing of the guard? Let’s dive in.
The Miztourage vs. The Hardy Boyz & Jason Jordan
SummerSlam unofficially began with this six man match. The Intercontinental Belt wasn’t at stake at this year’s SummerSlam but this match was a good opener that played out in a half empty Barclays Arena. The Hardys and Jason ran wild for a good portion for the match but the Miztourage came back and ultimately won the match thanks to a blind tag by The Miz that allowed him to give Jason a Skull Crunching Finale for the pinfall.
Winners: The Miztourage
WWE Cruiserweight Title Match
Neville vs. Akira Tozawa (c)
This scenario was the arguably the most improbable match of the night. Akira won the belt from Neville in an upset on last week’s Raw. Neville has had a stranglehold on the belt since winning it, which made the upset so much so. Neville entered the match unhinged and aggressive. The match was largely a back and forth affair that saw Neville focusing on Akira’s shoulder. Akira had an impressive showing nonetheless. He appeared to have the match until Neville countered his senton attempt to setup a pinfall via a Red Arrow. It’s likely not the end of this feud.
Winner: Neville
WWE Smackdown Tag Team Title Match
The New Day (c) vs. The Usos
This match should’ve been on the main card and is a prime example of the trend of questionable booking with the main roster PPVs. Xavier Woods and Big E competed in this one. Xavier started the match and held his own until the Usos were able to isolate him and overwhelm him. Xavier was eventually able to tag Big E in, who came in cooking with gas. The match broke down into chaos but New Day gained the upper hand and appeared to be on track to retain the belts. The Usos ultimately won thanks to their savvy and a double splash on Xavier Woods to regain the belts.
Winners: The Usos
John Cena vs. Baron Corbin
Baron Corbin entered the match with dwindling momentum. He cashed in his MITB briefcase but failed to beat Jinder Mahal for the belt thanks to a distraction from Cena. Baron was taunted by the crowd for much of the match. Corbin dominated Cena for a significant portion of the match but Cena was predictably able to come back and win emphatically as he won his first SummerSlam match in seven years.
Winner: John Cena
WWE Smackdown Women’s Title Match
Naomi (c) vs. Natalya
This match was heated from the start. Natalya attacked Naomi as soon as the bell rang. Noami was able to mount an offense and get back into the match. Natalya’s technical style was on full display as she ultimately won the match by countering Naomi’s moonsault attempt with her knees and forcing a submission with the Sharpshooter.
Winner: Natalya
Big Show vs. Big Cass
Big Show entered the match with his hand in a cast after Cass’s attack on Raw. Thanks to his (hand)icap, Show presented a slight challenge to Cass but he was noticeably behind the eight ball. Cass targeted Big Show’s hand for the duration of the match. The Big Show was limited to intermittent comebacks and a mild knockout punch that only served to delay the inevitable. The moment of the match was Enzo oiling himself to escape the cage to attack Cass. It was the biggest disaster involving oil since Deepwater Horizon. Enzo was predictably dispensed of with ease and The Big Show fell to the Empire Elbow. This is likely the last we’ll see of Enzo, at least for a time, on the main roster. His well documented friction with his peers will see him back to NXT sooner rather than later.
Winner: Big Cass
Randy Orton vs. Rusev
This match basically took place before the bell. Rusev attacked Randy during his entrance and beat down Randy for a about six or so minutes. Randy was able to get on his feet by the time the bell rang and he delivered a stunning RKO to Rusev to win in seconds.
Winner: Randy Orton
WWE Raw Women’s Title Match
Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Sasha Banks
This match was expected to be a war and it delivered. After an early exchange of stiff hits, Alexa dominated the match but couldn’t get the pin on Sasha. Sasha came back and the battle went outside the ring. The two brawled ringside but Alexa injured Sasha’s shoulder and left her outside for a count out. Sasha beat the count out and got work over some more by Alexa. Alexa connected with the Twisted Bliss and tried to give Sasha a DDT but Sasha reversed it into a Banks Statement for the win and the title.
Winner: Sasha Banks
Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt
This match served as yet another forum for Bray to put over the other guy. Finn came out in his Demon King persona and dominated Bray for the majority of the match after Bray tried stalling and playing to the crowd. Finn eventually finished him with a Sling Blade and a Coup de Grace. At this point, Bray really needs some momentum. This is especially true after the buzz he got after finally winning the title for a somewhat too brief title run.
Winner: Finn Balor
WWE Raw Tag Team Match
Sheamus & Ceasaro (c) vs. Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose
The fledgling prospect of a reunion of The Shield continued to build coming into this one. The match started out high-octane. Things were fast paced and both teams made quick tags. The Kingslayer and the Lunatic Fringe cleared the ring early to the delight of the crowd. Sheamus and Cesaro turned things around and isolated Seth. Seth was able to fend them off despite Ambrose being taken out for a stretch after getting a Brouge Kick from Sheamus. Ceasaro probably had the moment of the night and surely the fan interaction of the year by going into the crowd and taking and destroying a beach ball. By this time, Ambrose was able to come back and turn the match around. After some near falls, Rollins and Ambrose won after the Lunatic gave Cesaro a Dirty Deeds to win the titles. This match certainly provided good fuel for The Shield’s speculated reunion and likely allows time for Sheamus to take a leave of absence for filming.
Winners: Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins
WWE US Title Match
AJ Styles (c) vs. Kevin Owens
Special Guest Referee: Shane McMahon
This match was another match that was a war before the match officially started. AJ and Kevin started going at it before the bell rang and had to be separated for the match to officially begin. The match was fairly even throughout and Shane did not have to step in much. Kevin established himself early and set the pace. He couldn’t put away AJ and he argued with Shane. AJ came back but couldn’t finish Kevin off either. The match went back and forth for a time but AJ won after giving Kevin a Phenomenal Forearm to set up a Styles Clash. It remains to be seen if this feud is over, given how it’s delivered some top shelf matches.
Winner: AJ Styles
WWE Title Match
Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
The Artist got his first main roster title shot in this one against the Modern Maharajah. Shinsuke got the upper hand early and for most of the match. Jinder was able to generate little defense and offense. As usual, Jinder was bailed out by the interference of the Singh Brothers to retain the belt.
Winner: Jinder Mahal
WWE Universal Title Fatal Four Way Match
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman vs. Samoa Joe
The main event was the brawl that it was expected to be. Brock opened the match by suplexing Samoa Joe. He then went after Braun and got knocked out of the ring. Samoa Joe then tried to choke him out with the Coquina Clutch and both men were speared through the barricades by Roman Reigns. Braun Strowman was impressive and dominating the entire match. He overpowered Brock and everyone else. He put Brock out after putting him through the announcer’s table and slamming another table on top of him. Brock had to be carried away on a stretcher. The match settled down a bit after Braun was slowed down by Roman Reigns. Reigns and Samoa Joe fought each other in the ring and things really picked up when Brock returned to the ring. Brock cleaned house for the most part and slowed down Braun to eke out a come from behind victory courtesy of countering a Reigns spear attempt with an F5. It was certainly an exciting finish to a PPV whose main fault was booking a poorly ordered card.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
