8/23 Powell’s WWE SummerSlam 2015 live review: Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins vs. John Cena for two titles

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By Jason Powell

WWE SummerSlam 2015
Aired live on WWE Network and pay-per-view
Brooklyn, New York at Barclays Center

Lilian Garcia introduced show host Jon Stewart, who was already in the ring. He played to the crowd and they were ho-hum in their initial response. He said the difference between WWE and politics is that the WWE crew respects their audience. He ran through a list of wrestler names and the fans yelled “What?” after most of them. They mostly cheered Seth Rollins and booed John Cena, then cheered Brock Lesnar and Undertaker both.

Stewart said he’s still angry about Lesnar ending The Streak. He said he wanted to talk to Lesnar. He said he needed a good friend to serve as his backup. Stewart introduced Mick Foley, who headed to the ring to a good reaction while Michael Cole, JBL, and Jerry Lawler checked in on commentary.

Foley did a bit while talking about how he couldn’t hear Stewart during a phone conversation and thought that Stewart wanted him to help him interview The Rock rather than Brock. Foley said this conversation wouldn’t be happening if he had known it was Brock. Stewart asked if the great Mick Foley is afraid of Lesnar. “That’s exactly what I’m telling you, I’m terrified of Brock Lesnar,” Foley said.

Stewart brought up Foley being thrown off the Hell in a Cell structure by Undertaker. Foley said that was 17 years ago. He said the one place he hasn’t gone is Suplex City. He said Stewart is on his own. Foley’s entrance music played…

Powell’s POV: It was nice to see Foley. I felt bad for Stewart. He’s a legitimate pro wrestling fan and he was a really nice get for WWE, but the live crowd didn’t really care to see him. It probably doesn’t help that some of the fans have been in the building for an hour and didn’t get a match on the Kickoff Show.

The SummerSlam opening video package aired and focussed on the event and New York City… Pyro shot off on the stage…

1. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus. The bell rang and Sheamus went to ringside where he stood on the English speaking broadcast team’s table while telling the crowd he doesn’t look stupid. Orton went after him and they returned to the ring. Sheamus gained control and performed a top rope knee drop for a two count.

Powell’s POV: That was a cool move that should have meant more. The live crowd didn’t really react since it’s so early in the match, and even the broadcast team didn’t give it a lot of love. By the way, we’ve had some reports of network issues, so you’re not alone if you have/had any early issues. It sounds like it’s working again for people.

The crowd was quiet while Sheamus was on the offensive aside from singing the Ole song. They came to live when Orton came back. Orton dumped Sheamus over the top rope. Back in the ring, Orton did a hanging DDT with Sheamus on the top rope. Orton had a minor cut on his forehead. Sheamus went for a springboard shoulder block, but Orton hit him with the RKO at 9:45. Sheamus rolled out of the ring.

At 11:10, Sheamus performed White Noise for a two count. The fans chanted “You look stupid.” The guys at my house laughed at the fan wearing the Batman tank top with the gold chain for taking part in the chant. A short time later, Orton avoided one Brogue Kick, but Sheamus came back with two more and pinned Orton clean…

Sheamus defeated Randy Orton in 11:15.

Powell’s POV: Solid work from Orton and Sheamus, but nothing particularly memorable about the latest in a long line of matches between the two. Sheamus winning pretty much guarantees we haven’t seen the last of this never ending feud.

Footage aired of two fans who won a contest enjoying SummerSlam weekend…

New Day made their entrance and spoke as they walked to the ring, meaning no skip and clap. Fortunately, Big E shimmied while Xavier Woods spoke about how good they looked. Kofi Kingston said he was going to teach New York about “something called hip (pause) hop.” He said New York doesn’t know anything about it because it originated in the south.

Once in the ring, New Day said Jay Z tried and failed to do what they were about to do. New Day took turns singing “Let’s hear it for New Day” to the tune of the “Empire State of Mind” song. There were boos initially, but there were plenty of cheers by the end. They did the “New Day Rocks” chant…

Powell’s POV: New Day continue to be one of the most entertaining acts in pro wrestling today. I love that they are getting chances to do some outside the box bits. They are going to be the most popular team in the company in no time. Hell, they might be already.

2. The Prime Time Players vs. Kofi Kingston and Big E (w/Xavier Woods) vs. The Lucha Dragons vs. Los Matadores (w/El Torito) in a four-way for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Big E tried to pin Kofi, but it was broken up. No, that’s not a typo. Kalisto performed some crowd pleasing high spots early on. There was also a fun exchange with Kalisto and Darren Young that received a nice reaction.

At 6:15, Big E had Young in an abdominal stretch while slapping his side to “New Day Rocks.” Woods went off at ringside. Kingston tagged in and jumped off the top and came down groin first onto Young’s knee. Titus checked in and went on his usual offensive flurry. Titus destroyed all of his opponents for a big pop and then splashed Kofi and Fernando in the corner. Sin Cara checked into the match and went for a suicide dive on Fernando, only to be caught with a dropkick to the gut.

Woods pushed Fernando off the ropes. Torito tried to dive onto him, but Woods caught him and slammed him at ringside. Woods gloated and was then dropped by Young on the apron. Big E performed his spear through the ropes that took him and Young to the floor. The crowd chanted “this is awesome.”

The Lucha Dragons had Diego(?) on the ropes, but he fell to ringside. Fernando(?) appeared to improvise quickly by going after both of them and then taking the tower of doom spot that his partner was supposed to take with Titus underneath all three men. Titus hit his finisher on the Los Matadores member, but Kofi had tagged in and stole the pin…

New Day defeated Los Matadores, The Prime Time Players, and The Lucha Dragons in 11:20 to win the WWE Tag Team Championship.

Powell’s POV: An entertaining spot-fest made more fun than usual thanks to New Day’s antics. The right team went over. They are the best thing to happen to the tag division in ages. Now if WWE can just get another team over we could have a meaningful feud over the tag straps.

A shaving cream commercial aired (really)…

Backstage, Stewart and his son Nate were hanging out with Neville and Stephen Amell. Stewart claimed to be tight with Taker. The lights went out and Taker walked through the camera shot and smoke followed. After Taker was out of the picture, Stewart had Amell sign his son’s t-shirt and once again told him not to make it out to Nate…

Footage of the recent events involving Rusev, Summer Rae, Dolph Ziggler, and Lana…

3. Rusev (w/Summer Rae) vs. Dolph Ziggler (w/Lana). Lana came out wearing a blue and white outfit that made her look like she was on her way to a Def Leppard concert in 1988 (credit Hater Dave). Cole said no more business suits. Boo! Rusev was in control early. Dolph’s comeback was cut off by a spin kick from Rusev, who got a two count. Rusev went up top, but Ziggler cut him off with a facebuster and got a two count of his own.

Rusev performed a suplex and then followed up with a running senton that looked painful for Ziggler. Rusev got a two count and looked frustrated that he didn’t put him away. Ziggler dodged a kick and performed a sunset flip for two. Ziggler applied a sleeper at 8:55. Rusev escaped, then Ziggler caught Rusev with a Fameasser for two.

Rusev came back with kicks and then worked over the back of Ziggler before applying the Accolade in front of Lana. Summer went after Lana for lord knows what reason, but Lana slapped her. Rusev broke the hold like a dope and jawed at Lana. After a network glitch (at my house), Lana and Summer were both lying on the ground. Ziggler caught Rusev with a superkick. Ziggler tried and failed to return to the ring to beat the count, so both men were counted out. There was a brief exchange with Lana getting the better of Summer Raw afterward…

Rusev fought Dolph Ziggler to a double count out in 12:05.

Powell’s POV: The crowd rightfully booed the lame finish. I can’t say I’m surprised this feud is continuing, but I also can’t say I’m looking forward to future chapters. Rusev is better than this. Lana looks ridiculous in her ’80s rocker chick look that she stole from Ziggler.

A comic book style video package aired on the Stephen Amell and Neville vs. Stardust and King Barrett…

4. Stephen Amell and Neville vs. Stardust and King Barrett. Barrett came out wearing the Cosmic King shoulder pads. Awesome. Stardust added a black cape and wore a sleeveless body suit. Amell wore black shorts and black wrestling boots. After a brief exchange with Neville and Barrett, Stardust tagged in and immediately called for Amell, who springboarded his way into the ring.

Stardust shoved Amell to the mat. Amell kipped up (camera missed it live) and kicked Stardust. Barrett checked in and ended up catching Amell with a boot to the gut. Barrett took the actor to his corner and tagged in Stardust, who put the boots to Amell before tagging Barrett back in. Barrett kicked Amell to ringside and distracted the ref while Stardust worked over Amell on the floor.

Amell tagged in Neville, who eventually performed a crazy flip off the second rope. With both heels at ringside, Amell called for Neville, who tagged him in and let him dive onto both opponents off the top rope. Neville was tagged back in and performed the Red Arrow on Barrett for the win…

Stephen Amell and Neville beat Stardust and King Barrett in 7:40.

Powell’s POV: I enjoyed that and I’m not an “Arrow” viewer or even a comic book guy (though I do love good comic book movies). Amell looked like the novice that he is more often than not, but the live crowd was receptive throughout, particularly when he showed off his athleticism. The Neville move was essentially a reverse Phoenix splash off the second rope. That actually impressed me more than the awesome Red Arrow does, perhaps because it’s not something we see every time he wrestles. A fun celebrity match.

The Tough Enough finalists were shown in the crowd… A video package aired on SummerSlam getting mainstream attention…

5. Ryback vs. Big Show vs. The Miz in a Triple Threat for the Intercontinental Championship. Big Show performed a slow senton off the middle rope onto Ryback and clutched his back afterward. Miz covered Ryback for a two count. Ryback performed his top rope splash onto Miz, but he stood up and Show chokeslammed him onto Miz and covered Ryback for two.

Big Show went for the KO punch, but Ryback dodged it and performed a spinebuster. Ryback went for the Meathook Clothesline, but Show dodged that. Ryback performed Shellshocked on Big Show. Miz performed the Skull Crushing Finale on Ryback for a pop and got a two count. Miz took turns covering both men for two counts.

Ryback had Miz up for his finisher, but Show punched him. Miz ended up taking a KO punch. Ryback clotheslined Show over the top rope, then covered Miz for the win…

Ryback defeated Big Show and The Miz to retain the Intercontinental Title in 5:40.

Powell’s POV: The crowd got into the near falls. They also liked Ryback. It’s encouraging for Ryback that the New York crowd rallied behind him. Then again, they also cheered loudly when Miz performed his finisher for a two count. Quick and painless, aside from Show’s senton.

Backstage, Jon Stewart knocked on Brock Lesnar’s door. Paul Heyman answered and told Stewart that now isn’t really the time for the interview. Stewart said Heyman and Lesnar gave the fans coal on Christmas morning when Lesnar ended The Streak, then asked what Heyman had to say about that. Heyman chanted “Glory, Glory Brock Lesnar” and added, “I guess we couldn’t get David Letterman to host the show…

Powell’s POV: Hey, that was my line on Monday at Raw when they were teasing a certain someone making his first post talk show hosting appearance. Is it just me or was Stephen Amell more over with the live crowd than the usually well liked Jon Stewart has been thus far?

6. Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper. Reigns and Ambrose jumped out to the quick and crowd pleasing start. Wyatt cut off Reigns at ringside by slamming him onto the ring apron, then Harper caught Reigns with a suicide dive. Ambrose followed with a dive of his own, but the heels caught him and rammed him into the ring apron.

With Reigns down from being superkicked at ringside by Harper, Wyatt and Harper dominated Ambrose. Wyatt ripped Ambrose’s shirt off and suplexed on the floor. Harper caught Ambrose with a great big boot to the face. Harper catapulted Ambrose into the middle rope. The crowd started a loud “Roman’s Sleeping” chant since he was at ringside so long. Funny.

Reigns stumbled his way back into his corner just in time for Ambrose to make the tag. There were some boos as Reigns got the better of Harper. Ambrose was slowly getting to his feet when Reigns tagged him in and they performed a Doomsday Device on Wyatt (minus the flip). Harper went after Ambrose, but Reigns punched him and they performed a double team powerbomb on him. Wyatt got back to his feet and set up for his finisher, but Ambrose countered into Dirty Deeds. Reigns ended up spearing Wyatt and pinned him clean…

Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose defeated Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper in 11:10.

Powell’s POV: I’m somewhat surprised to see this match end so decisively, particularly with Wyatt taking the clean pin. I guess I shouldn’t be at this point simply because Wyatt is the guy who talks a lot and never backs up his words. It’s a shame. The character is amazing, but he never gains any real momentum.

A video package aired with John Cena narrating by talking about how great New York is and then footage aired of him and Seth Rollins…

John Cena made his entrance. The New York ass kissing in the video didn’t help. The crowd still booed and loudly sang “John Cena Sucks” as his music played. Cena looked at the front row on the same side as the hard camera and told someone he is so happy they made it and didn’t know they would be there. Rollins made his entrance wearing a white outfit with gold lining. Lilian Garcia handled the in-ring introductions for the title match…

Powell’s POV: I want to see Rollins ride a white horse for his WrestleMania 32 entrance. He’s like a modern day Double J.

7. Seth Rollins vs. John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and the U.S. Championship. Rollins had the first impressive offense of the match and capped it off with an impressive flip over the top rope and onto Cena at ringside. There was a loud “Let’s Go Rollins” chant. Cena came back with shoulder blocks and was booed.

After some good back and forth action, Rollins performed a running shooting star press on Cena for a two count. Rollins appeared to be a couple inches away from shattering his own nose on Cena’s knee. Speaking of noses, JBL played up the idea that Cena is afraid of being punched in the face because of his nose. Rollins positioned Cena between the ropes, gave him the “You Can’t See Me” gesture, and double stomped him for another two count.

Cena came back and performed his top rope leg drop onto Rollins and got a two count. Rollins came back with a Buckle Bomb. Rollins also performed a frog splash. Cena hoisted him up into Attitude Adjustment position and went for the move, but Rollins landed on his feet and caught Cena with a kick. Rollins performed the AA on Cena for a good near fall at 12:45. The live crowd loved it.

Rollins went up top and went for the Phoenix Splash. Cena moved and Rollins landed on his feet. Cena caught Rollins in the STF. Rollins reached the ropes to break the hold quickly. Cena came back with the Figure Four in mid-ring. “The Nature Boy is gonna be tied with his own move,” JBL said. Rollins rolled the Figure Four over to reverse it, but Cena reached the ropes to break the hold.

Cena went up top and Rollins caught him and superplexed him, popped up, and performed a tiger driver for two. Rollins performed a Phoenix Splash, but Cena moved. Cena hoisted him up for the AA, but Rollins legs bumped the referee. Cena performed the AA and got the visual pinfall, but the referee was down.

At 18:00, Cena picked up Rollins, who caught him with a knee to the side of the head. Cena sold it like Rollins caught his nose. Jon Stewart ran out with a chair. Stewart looked awkwardly at Rollins and Cena, then jabbed Cena in the gut with a chair. After Stewart left the ring, Rollins hit Cena with a Pedigree onto the chair and pinned him. The announcers said they didn’t understand why Stewart would help Rollins given the way Rollins has tormented Stewart. Cole said Stewart went from Daily Show host to SummerSlam criminal…

Seth Rollins defeated John Cena to win the U.S. Championship in 19:25.

Powell’s POV: Well, I guess that’s one way to make the live crowd like Jon Stewart. I loved the match up until the ref bump and Stewart’s interference. I guess it beats the happy ending finish with the celebrity helping the babyface, but I can’t say I am anxiously awaiting Stewart’s explanation. I am, however, anxiously awaiting the Rollins vs. Cena rematch. Keep in mind, I was the same guy who didn’t want to see this match initially because the match was previously overexposed. They won me over with their Raw match and this match was just as fun until the oddball finish. I can’t wait for the Seth Rollins statue.

A video aired for WWE Breaking Ground. The narrator said you like HBO’s Hard Knocks, you’ll love this show. They also plugged the Stone Cold Podcast with guests Edge and Christian, as well as Swerved… The pre-show panel discussed the finish of the previous match. There was a “thank you, Stewart” chant amongst the fans… A Divas video package aired…

8. Paige, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks, Naomi, and Tamina vs. Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, and Alicia Fox in a three-way Triple Threat. Team BAD worked over Lynch. Charlotte speared Tamina on the floor. Sasha and Naomi performed flip dives onto Charlotte and Lynch. Sasha appeared to come up short. The Bellas held up their fingers and waited for a reaction, then they performed dives to the floor. Fox was pushed off the second rope by Paige, then Paige slowly flipped off the top rope and onto all of the women at ringside.

Back inside the ring, Brie Bella performed a second rope facebuster on Tamina and pinned her at 6:40, so Team BAD is eliminated. Brie held up her hand and smiled, but he live crowd just kind of sat there. Later, Nikki performed a wicked Alabama Slam on Paige at ringside. Team Bella isolated Paige for the next few minutes. Paige eventually fought her way free and tagged in Charlotte.

Charlotte performed chops on Alicia, drawing “woooos” from the live crowd. Charlotte put her finisher on Alicia, but Nikki broke it up only to be knocked to ringside by Paige. Charlotte and Alicia caught each other with big boots. Becky was tagged into the match and ended up performing a one-armed slam on Brie and pinning her…

Paige, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch beat Sasha Banks, Naomi, and Tamina, and Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, and Alicia Fox in a three-way Triple Threat in 15:20.

Powell’s POV: The usual storyline mess in terms of it being impossible to figure out what Team Bella are supposed to be. Team Bella acted like babyfaces early on by playing to the crowd, but then I think they became the heels of the match while working over Paige, but I’m not really sure. Brie jumped off the ring apron rather than take a punch from Charlotte, so I guess she was a cowardly heel there? And I hate the idea of Becky pinning Brie rather than pinning Nikki. The only thing I really wanted from this match was for it to serve as a logical setup for a title match. I’m guessing Becky will get one, but this felt pretty meaningless.

More advertising for the video game and then the soda sponsor… Ring entrances for the Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro match took place. Highlights aired of Finn Balor beating Owens at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn. Cole noted that Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac were at the NXT live special…

9. Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro. Owens stood at ringside and jawed at the broadcast team during the opening minute, then Cesaro performed a spinning plancha onto him. Owens came back and performed a cannonball on Cesaro, who was seated against the barricade.

At 5:00, Owens performed a summersault into a leg drop onto Cesaro. At 7:45, Cesaro performed a gut-wrench suplex off the second rope for a two count. Owens performed a moonsault for a two count. At 10:45, Cesaro performed the springboard twisting uppercut for another near fall. Owens went to ringside, Cesaro followed and caught him with a running uppercut and then rolled him back inside the ring.

Cesaro performed The Swing at 11:40 for a pop, then applied the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring. Owens teased tapping out, but crawled to the ropes to break the hold. A short time later, Owens crotched Cesaro on the top rope, then performed a fisherman’s buster suplex off the middle rope and followed up with a Pop-Up Powerbomb for the win…

Kevin Owens defeated Cesaro in 14:20.

Powell’s POV: The live crowd seemed like they were into the match, but they weren’t very loud. I hope it’s not used against either wrestler because I really believe it was a case of the crowd liking both men and not really having a reason to cheer for one over the other. It seemed like the fans just sat back and watched the match while feeling content with whatever the outcome would be.

A commercial aired for Night of Champions airing on September 20. In a shocking development, Cole called it one of his favorite events of the year because every title will be defended…

Powell’s POV: Does that mean Rollins will defend both titles in one match or have two matches if he still holds both title belts? I thought we might be getting some type of bonus segment, but with video packages and Taker’s long entrance, it looks like they are going right to the main event.

A video package aired on the Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar feud… Ring entrances for the main event took place with Lilian Garcia handling the introductions. Lesnar and Heyman were out first, then Taker made his entrance. The hair he has in the SummerSlam poster was strangely missing…

10. Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Undertaker. As Taker was removing his hat in the ring, Lesnar attacked him. Taker fought back and caught Brock with a big boot and clotheslined him to ringside, then removed his trench coat. An Undertaker chant broke out. Once Brock returned to the ring, the bell rang to start the match.

Taker got the better of a striking exchange with Lesnar. The crowd had dueling “Undertaker” and “Suplex City” chants. Taker went for Old School on Lesnar, who pulled him down in F5 position. Taker ought out of that, then grabbed Lesnar for a chokeslam, but Lesnar avoided it.

Lesnar performed a belly-to-belly suplex at 1:30, then followed up with a German suplex. “Suplex City, bitch,” Lesnar said to cheers. Brock grabbed Taker from behind, so Taker fell forward and held Lesnar’s hands, causing Lesnar’s head to slam into the turnbuckle. Taker was in offensive control when they went to ringside.

Lesnar was bleeding from the forehead. Taker ran him into the edge of the ring, then performed his leg drop onto Brock, who was lying on the ring apron at 4:15. JBL noted that it was Taker’s first SummerSlam since 2008, and his first non-WrestleMania pay-per-view since 2010. The crowd chanted “You’ve Still Got it” for Taker.

At 5:00, Taker went for a chokeslam, but Lesnar avoided it and performed another German suplex. Lesnar performed another German suplex and once again said, “Suplex City bitch.” Taker struggled to get back to his feet. Once he did, Brock performed another German suplex. Taker took that one on his ass more than on his back. Lesnar smiled as he looked down at Taker, who rolled to ringside.

Lesnar followed Taker to ringside as the fans started up the dueling chants again briefly. Lesnar tore apart one of the foreign broadcast tables, but Taker caught him with a shot. Taker was setting up for a move when Lesnar recovered and performed an F5 that put Lesnar through one of the foreign broadcast tables. The crowd chanted “This is awesome.”

Taker struggled to get back to his feet. The bloody-faced Lesnar smiled, but Taker rolled in at nine to beat the count. Lesnar used great facial expressions while struggling to get back to his feet while Lesnar smiled and shuffled over him. Lesnar told Taker he would kill him. “You’re gonna have to,” Taker responded. Taker chokeslammed Lesnar.

At 10:00, Taker performed a Tombstone piledriver on Lesnar, then folded his arms on top of him before going for the pin, but Lesnar kicked out at two. Brock sat up and laughed. Taker did his classic sit-up, then mocked the way Lesnar was laughing at him. Brock got pissed and they treaded shots. The fans chanted “this is awesome” again.

Lesnar applied a Kimura while standing on the second rope. JBL called for the ref to break the hold since they were in the ropes. Once Lesnar released the hold, Taker performed the Last Ride from that position for a good near fall. Cole questioned what Taker has to hit Lesnar with to put him away since he’d already hit him with a Tombstone, a chokeslam, and a Last Ride.

Both men got to their feet and Lesnar caught Taker with a kick and an F5. Brock covered Taker for a near all. Lesnar was back on his feet first. He waited for Taker to get up, then performed the third F5 of the match for another near fall. Lesnar expressed shock and frustration over not being able to put Taker away.

Taker started coughing and the broadcast team spoke about how he was hurt. Suddenly, Taker grabbed Lesnar’s arm and put him in Hell’s Gate. Lesnar escaped the hold, then rolled him over and applied a Kimura lock. The fans began clapping, then Taker rolled Lesnar into pin position. Lesnar kicked out. The bell rang. “He tapped!” Heyman yelled.

Referee Charles Robinson walked over to the timekeeper and asked what the hell he was doing. Robinson said it was a one count and he never called for the bell. Taker low-blowed Lesnar, then applied Hell’s Gate again. As Lesnar was in the hold, he flipped off Taker and then passed out, giving Taker the win.

Undertaker defeated Brock Lesnar in 17:20.

After the match, a replay eventually showed that Taker clearly tapped out. Heyman eventually walked over to the timekeeper’s area and rang the bell several times before yelling, “No, no, no, no…” He said Taker tapped out and everyone saw it. Heyman proclaimed Lesnar the winner of the match…

Powell’s POV: So we’re getting Taker vs. Lesnar again, presumably at WrestleMania in the rubber match of their most recent series of matches. The finish was a huge letdown to an otherwise highly entertaining match. The positive of the finish is that Lesnar lost in a way where he loses nothing since it was anything but a clean loss. The replay finish makes Taker look less than honorable. I know there’s been a lot of fan speculation about him being a heel, but I just don’t see how they could play it that way when he’ll be such a big babyface in his home state of Texas at WrestleMania 32.

Overall, the entertainment value of the co-main events was top notch until their strange finishes. It’s a shame that both big matches on this show had overbooked finishes because both of those matches were a lot of fun until then. The rest of SummerSlam was just sort of there for the most part. It seemed like Taker and Lesnar were on the verge of pushing the show over the top before the deflating finish.

I will have a lot more to say about those finishes and SummerSlam itself in tonight’s member exclusive audio review with Jake Barnett (remember, you can sign up up for membership for $1 for one month via the link at the top of the page) and in Monday’s WWE SummerSlam Hit List. Thanks for spending your SummerSlam Sunday watching along with me.

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