By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE SummerSlam
Aired July 30, 2022 live on Peacock, WWE Network, and pay-per-view
Aired live from Nashville, Tennessee at Nissan Stadium
SummerSlam opened with a video package set to country music… Jimmy Smith welcomed viewers to the show and said there were over 40,000 in attendance. Smith was joined on commentary by Corey Graves and Byron Saxton at ringside.
Powell’s POV: There was not a Kickoff Show match. It was just a long, painful hour.
Becky Lynch made her entrance for the Raw Women’s Championship match. Graves recalled Lynch beating Bianca Belair in 26 seconds last year. Belair made her entrance…
1. Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship. Ring announcer Mike Rome delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Belair went for an early leapfrog, but Lynch tripped her. Belair targeted the left arm of Belair while the broadcast team explained that it plays into her finisher. Lynch drew solid heat early on.
Belair did a handspring into the ropes and then dropkicked Lynch. She followed up with a standing moonsault moments later and got a two count. Lynch rolled to the floor. Belair followed her and hoisted her up for a KOD, but Lynch landed on her feet in the timekeepers area and then pulled Belair into the barricade. Lynch followed up by dropping a leg over Belair, who was draped over the barricade. Lynch brought Belair back inside the ring and covered her for a two count.
A short time later, Lynch rolled Belair into a pin for a two count. Belair sat up next to the ropes and ate a dropkick. Lynch went up top and went for a leg drop, but Belair countered into a powerbomb while reaching through the ropes.
Lynch came back and booted Belair to the floor. Lynch dove at Belair, who caught her, and dropped her on the apron. Lynch ended up rolling Belair through the ring and held onto her braid, but Belair ended up suplexing her on the floor. Back in the ring, Belair performed a handspring into the ropes and then delivered a standing moonsault for a two count.
Lynch went for a crossbody block from the middle rope, but Belair rolled through and tried to power her up. Lynch escaped and then flipped over Belair after leaping from the middle rope and performed a Stunner for a near fall.
A short time later, Belair came back and went for a KOD, but Lynch held onto the ropes. Lynch rolled Belair into position for a Disarmer, but Belair reached the ropes, rolled to the floor, and brought Lynch with her. Belair put Lynch down with a KOD on the ringside floor. Belair tried to drag Lynch back to the ring, but she was dead weight. Belair gave up and returned to the ring, then Lynch barely beat the referee’s count.
Belair hoisted up Lynch and went for another KOD in the ring, but Lynch escaped. Lynch kicked Belair, who then put her down with a spinebuster. Belair went to the top rope and was cut off. Lynch stood on the middle rope and set up for a superplex. Belair fought her off, but Lynch pulled her into the ring by her braid and then hit a Manhandle Slam for a great near fall.
Lynch showed surprise and frustration over not getting the pin. Lynch threw punches at Belair while selling shoulder pain. Belair rolled up Lynch twice for a pair of two counts. Lynch caught Belair on the ropes and went for a Manhandle Slam, but Belair countered into a Spanish Fly. Belair hit the KOD in the middle of the ring and got the three count…
Bianca Belair defeated Becky Lynch in 15:10 to retain the Raw Women’s Championship.
After the match, Lynch approached Belair and offered a handshake with her left hand while selling her right shoulder. Belair was apprehensive, but she accepted. Lynch and Belair hugged. Lynch left the ring while Belair celebrated her win.
Bayley’s entrance music played and she walked out to a big pop wearing a white outfit. You know what that means! Oh, wrong promotion. Bayley smiled and played to the crowd. Bayley walked close to the ring and yelled hello to Belair and asked if she remembered her.
Dakota Kai made her entrance and had longer hair. Some in the crowd knew her, others didn’t seem to. Graves said he didn’t even think Kai was under WWE contract. Kai joined Bayley at ringside and they both glared at Belair.
Io Shirai’s entrance music played and then she made her entrance and is now billed as Iyo Sky. Saxton wondered what was happening. Graves said Saxton’s guess was as good as his. Sky stood between Bayley and Kai, and then they all started walking to the ring together.
Once in the ring, Bayley stood in the middle of Kai and Sky and jawed at Belair. Lynch returned to the ring and stood next to Belair. A “Becky” chant broke out. Belair and Lynch motioned for the trio to bring it, but Bayley made the call for her group to leave the ring…
Powell’s POV: A hot opening match with strong performances from both wrestlers. The finish was well executed and this was a very enjoyable match from bell to bell. The post match handshake and hug was unexpected, but it made a lot more sense once Bayley, Kai, and Sky showed up. Kai was released by WWE back in April, so obviously he’s been re-signed. I love it. Screw gradual change. The Paul Levesque Era of creative is truly underway.
A video package spotlighted the feud between Logan Paul and The Miz… Entrances for the match took place. The Miz had Ciampa and Maryse with him. He showed off a photo of himself hitting his finisher on Logan Paul…
2. The Miz (w/Ciampa, Maryse) vs. Logan Paul. Once in the ring, Paul stood on the middle rope and removed his jacket and tore off his t-shirt. Paul sent Miz to ringside early on and then performed a moonsault from the apron onto him at ringside.
Miz came back and threw some chops at Paul in the corner. Paul spun Miz around and returned the favor. Miz caught Paul on the middle rope and the pulled him into a Codebreaker style move. Miz jawed at the referee while Ciampa took a cheap shot at Paul.
Paul eventually avoided Miz going for a running knee in the corner. Paul ended up performing a second rope Blockbuster. Graves said it was a move that Miz taught Paul prior to last year’s WrestleMania. Paul followed up with an elbow, a clothesline, and a powerslam for a two count.
Paul threw Miz-style kicks (well, actually Daniel Bryan) at Miz. Paul put Miz down and applied a figure four. Graves said it was another move that Miz taught Paul. Miz reached the ropes to break the hold.
Paul performed a crossbody block from the top rope and then followed up with a standing moonsault for a near fall. Miz came back with a kick, but ran into an elbow that put him down. Ciampa climbed onto the apron and wound up to punch Paul, but the referee caught him and ejected him. Ciampa grabbed a chair and sat down on it, refusing to leave.
AJ Styles’ entrance music played. Styles showed up behind Ciampa and dove at him from the barricade. Styles threw Ciampa over the barricade and brawled with him, presumably to the back. In the ring, Paul performed a Phenomenal Forearm on Miz for a near fall.
Paul and Miz ended up at ringside where Paul tore off top of the broadcast table and placed Miz on top of it. Paul went to the top rope. He removed the turnbuckle pad and tossed it at Maryse, then performed a frog splash that put Miz through the table.
Paul brought Miz back to the ring and covered him, but Maryse distracted the referee. Paul got in Maryse’s face. Miz tried to hit Paul from behind. Paul moved and Miz stopped short of hitting Maryse. Paul performed the Skull Crushing Finale on Miz and pinned him.
Logan Paul defeated The Miz in 14:15.
After the match, Paul sat on the ring apron, looked into the camera, and said, “That’s how a champ does it” twice….
Powell’s POV: Logan Paul performed big moves used by other wrestlers and then dove from a high place through a table. In other words, Logan Paul is the new Shane McMahon. The live crowd rallied behind his big spots and cheered him afterward, so it was a success on that level. Paul got major air on that frog splash through the table and they got a great shot of it, so be ready to see that impressive clip for years to come.
A Maximum Male Models photo shoot was shown. Maxxine Dupri said he boys needed some water. A sponsor’s water bottles were handed to them. Mansoor and Mace poured the water over themselves while Max Dupri did a voiceover talking about the water. Max said the sponsor’s water was the official water of Maximum Male Models…
A Roman Reigns video package aired and chronicled his lengthy title reign…
Entrances for the U.S. Championship match took place. The sun was setting in Nashville. Theory came out first with his Money in the Bank briefcase. Lashley stood on podium in the entrance aisle and flexed while pyro shot off behind him…
3. Bobby Lashley vs. Theory for the U.S. Championship. Smith, Graves, and Saxton remained on commentary. Once Lashley was in the ring, Theory hit him with the MITB briefcase several times and told the referee to ring the bell. Unlike the Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus match on Smackdown, the referee checked on Lashley and then called for the bell.
Theory went at Lashley aggressively in hopes of taking advantage of his pre-match attack. Lashley recovered and ended up slamming Theory to the mat with a spinebuster. Lashley went to the corner and waited for Theory to stand up, but Theory stood behind the referee and then rolled to ringside.
Theory grabbed his MITB briefcase and indicated that he’d had enough. Lashley went to ringside and blocked Theory’s path. Theory threw the briefcase at Lashley, who swatted it aside. Lashley ran Theory into the ringside barricade and then tossed him back inside the ring. Theory did a somersault through the ropes and then dropkicked Lashley before covering him for a two count.
A short time later, Lashley performed a running powerslam on Theory. Lashley went to the corner, waited for Theory to stand up, then went for a spear that Theory leapfrogged. Lashley crashed in the corner. Theory rolled through the ropes again, but this time Lashley was ready and pressed Theory over his head. Lashley dropped Theory onto his feet and then put him in the Hurt Lock and got the quick submission win…
Bobby Lashley defeated Theory in 4:45 to retain the U.S. Championship.
Powell’s POV: Phase one of Theory’s plan for world (wrestling entertainment) domination is out the window. I don’t think he’s going to successfully cash in tonight, but it is worth nothing that they’ve set him up with a number of foes who could be future challengers for the would be vulnerable heel champion. Of course, those wrestlers could also line up to stop him from successfully cashing in tonight.
Entrances for the Mysterios vs. Judgment Day match took place. Nightfall has arrived in Nashville…
4. “Judgment Day” Finn Balor and Damian Priest (w/Rhea Ripley) vs. Rey Mysterio and Domnik Mysterio in a No DQ match. Smith, Graves, and Saxton were on the call. Balor and Priest jumped the Mysterios to start the match. The Mysterios battled back quickly and sent their opponents to the floor. Rey held the ropes open while Dom performed a suicide dive. Rey followed up up with an Asai moonsault.
Back in the ring, the Mysterios performed a couple of double team moves on Balor while Priest watched from his corner (which is bizarre, especially considering the No DQ stipulation). Priest ended up hitting Dom with a kick from the apron. Dom was isolated by the heels while Rey stayed in his corner for no good reason.
Balor taunted Rey by doing the Eddie Guerrero shimmy. He followed up with a Guerrero style suplex on Dom, then worked him over with chops in the corner. Rey eventually tagged in and worked over Priest. Balor tried to bring a chair inside the ring, but Rey kicked him, took the chair, and slammed it over the back of Priest. Rey then did a slide on the chair from the ring onto Balor at ringside. Cool spot.
Priest came back with a superkick and then covered Rey for a near fall. Balor checked in and had Rey down. Balor went to the ropes, but Dom cut him off. Balor fought off Dom. Rey executed a huracanrana from the ropes and then covered Balor, only to have Priest break up the pin.
The Mysterios ended up putting their opponents in position for stereo 619s. When they ran the ropes, Ripley tripped them up. Priest put Rey down with a uranage style slam.
Music played and then pyro shot off by the entrance area. Edge was raised onto a platform in between the fire. Edge wore red and black gear, a red jacket, and shades. Edge took out Priest at with a big boot at ringside, then Balor in the ring. Priest entered the ring and was speared by Edge. The Mysterios hit Balor with a double 619. Rey splashed and pinned Balor.
Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio defeated Finn Balor and Damian Priest in 11:05.
Edge stayed in the ring with the Mysterios and stared down the Judgement Day trio…
Powell’s POV: A solid match with some flawed logic due to the No DQ stipulation, but the live crowd didn’t seem to mind. I called the Edge return being the true reason for the No DQ stipulation, so that one was pretty easy to see coming. It will be very interesting to hear how Edge frames everything that has happened in his first promo, and to see whether there’s a Ripley vs. Beth Phoenix match at some point.
Michael Cole checked in for the first time and was at the broadcast table with Corey Graves, who plugged the Jason Aldean song that was used a theme for the show. Cole said his usual partner, Pat McAfee was in the next match. Cole also said that he and Graves would not be unbiased due to Cole’s friendship with McAfee, and Graves’ friendship with Happy Corbin. A video package recapped the feud between McAfee and Corbin…
Happy Corbin made his entrance wearing a new blue vest along with a white shirt and blue pants. A male choir dressed in black suits stood on a platform and sang “Bum Ass Corbin.” The choir then chanted while Pat McAfee made his entrance (it was cool, but not as cool as the “Seven Nation Army” entrance at WrestleMania)…
5. Pat McAfee vs. Happy Corbin. Corbin and McAfee went face to face in the middle of the ring where Corbin mouthed off. McAfee pointed to the crowd. Corbin took a shot at McAfee, who responded with a superkick. McAfee followed up with an early clothesline that sent Corbin over the top rope to ringside.
Moments later, McAfee went for a superplex. Corbin shoved McAfee, who did a backflip and landed on his feet. Corbin blasted him with a dropkick and went on the offensive. Corbin taunted Cole by asking, “How’s your boy doing.” Graves yelled one more time. Cole asked who was being biased now. Graves said he used to sleep on Corbin’s couch and asked how could he not be.
Corbin ended up putting McAfee on the broadcast table and then worked him over with punches. Corbin shoved Cole into his chair. Corbin tossed McAfee back inside the ring. Cole barked at Corbin to worry about McAfee, not about him. Cole said McAfee has been nothing but a bully throughout his entire career.
Corbin went to the ropes. McAfee shot up and joined him on the ropes and then superplexed him. McAfee draped an arm over Corbin and got a near fall. McAfee and Corbin traded blows in the ring. Corbin charged at McAfee, who moved, causing Corbin to crash in the corner and then tumble to the floor.
McAfee went up top, slipped, regained his balance, and then performed a Swanton onto a standing Corbin at ringside. McAfee threw Corbin back inside the ring and went up top again. Corbin got up and went to the corner, but McAfee leapt over him.
Corbin went for End of Days, but McAfee slipped out of it and shoved Corbin, who accidentally hit the referee. REF BUMP!!! While the ref was down, McAfee kicked Corbin in the balls. Cole said it was payback for Corbin doing the same to McAfee on Smackdown. McAfee performed a sunset flip from the middle rope and got the pin…
Pat McAfee beat Happy Corbin in 10:40.
After the match, Cole said it wasn’t pretty or a wrestling clinic, but it was effective and McAfee won again. McAfee walked over to the broadcast table. Graves told McAfee he got lucky. McAfee crotch chopped Graves and then shook hands with Cole and some people in the crowd behind the broadcast table. McAfee chugged a beer that someone had waiting for him before heading toward the back…
Powell’s POV: Cole was right about this one not being pretty, but McAfee matches continue to be fun. I think the finish was supposed to be a Code Red, but it looked more like a sunset flip. Even so, McAfee has a great connection with the fans and his special attraction matches should continue to be a draw if they do it right. You have to wonder if McAfee vs. Corey Graves will happen at some point given that Graves has been medically cleared. By the way, the ring has ring posts decorated in the SummerSlam colors rather than ring post casing.
Highlights aired of Drew McIntyre beating Sheamus on Smackdown to earn a shot at the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Clash at the Castle event…
Drew McIntyre made his entrance with the stupid sword. He stood in the entrance aisle and spoke about how he and Sheamus beat the hell out of each other. He said he could barely get out of bed today, but it was worth it because he has a shot at the championship.
McIntyre said he wanted to talk about the main event and said it was Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar “for the first time ever.” Then he added that it was the first time ever in Nashville, at Nissan Stadium, and asked a young fan his name, and said it was the first time ever in front of the fan. Funny…
Jeff Jarrett made his entrance and then highlights aired of the Uso and Street Profits finish at Money in the Bank. Tennessee Titans’ cheerleaders ran out and performed. The Street Profits made their entrance dressed in cool Titans themed gear. Cole recalled that Jesse Ventura was a special referee at a past SummerSlam (hey, I was at that show). The Usos made their entrance and their CGI monsters were shown…
6. Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso vs. “The Street Profits” Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles with Jeff Jarrett as the special referee. Cole and Graves called the match. Cole noted that this was the 376th day of the Usos’ run as champions. Jimmy roughed up Dawkins in the corner to start. Jarrett pulled Jimmy away and scolded him for not listening to him. Dawkins put Jimmy in the corner and then Jeff pulled Dawkins away.
Powell’s POV: It didn’t take long for them to go against Jarrett claiming he was only there to count the pin.
Dawkins was isolated. He eventually tagged in Ford, who worked over Jey with a variety of moves that were capped off by a standing moonsault for a two count. Ford performed a standing Blockbuster and got another two count. Graves praised Ford’s athleticism. Cole said something was different about Ford and said he’d been showing more intensity than he did in the past.
Jey rallied with a popup neckbreaker for a near fall. Jimmy tagged in. The Usos charged Ford, who ducked, causing them to tumble to the floor. Dawkins tagged in and did a flip dive onto the Usos at ringside. Back in the ring, Dawkins put Jey down with a spinning neckbreaker for a near fall.
Ford tagged in. Dawkins shoulder blocked Jimmy into the air and then Ford caught him with a suplex on the way down. The Usos hit the Profits with separate superkicks and then performed a double superkick on Dawkins. Jimmy splashed Dawkins from the top rope and got a near fall. Jimmy complained about Jarrett’s count. The broadcast team praised Jarrett for being in proper position and not backing down.
The Usos went to the top rope on opposite sides of the ring and performed a double splash onto Dawkins. Ford returned to break up the pin attempt. A short time later, Jey went for a superkick that Dawkins avoided. Jarrett caught the kick and then spun Jey around. Dawkins put Jey down and then tagged in Ford, who hit a top rope splash. Ford sold rib pain for a moment before making the cover for a near fall. The Profits both looked dejected. Ford barked at Jarrett about his count.
Ford tagged out. Cole said he didn’t understand what Ford’s argument was. Ford ran the ropes for a dive, but the Usos both kicked him from the floor and then tossed him over the barricade. The Usos double superkicked Dawkins and threw him back inside the ring. The Usos double superkicked Dawkins again, and then hit him with 1D. Jimmy covered Dawkins and pinned him…
Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso defeated “The Street Profits” Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins in 13:25 to retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles.
After the match, Cole spoke of the Usos being the best tag team in WWE history and questioned how you can beat them. The Usos left the ring and looked back at the Profits, who sold the agony of defeat…
Powell’s POV: A good match. I’m happy that Jarrett wasn’t a factor aside from the opening minute. Both teams complained about his count, but it came off like they were frustrated more than they actually had something to complain about. Ford’s frustration was was spotlighted and he just stared into space while sitting on the mat afterward. Given the frustration he showed and now that the Profits lost to the Usos again, you have to wonder if they are on the verge of breaking up.
A Charlotte Flair video package aired (presumably while ad-tier Peacock subscribers were seeing an ad)… Cole thanked Kid Rock for a theme song, and he was shown in the crowd. Kid Rock flipped off the camera and they cut to black for a moment…
Riddle entered the ring in street clothes without making an actual entrance. Trainers barked at him from ringside to leave the ring. Riddle told them to shut up. He said Randy Orton told him not to take crap from anyone. Riddle called out Seth Rollins, who then made his entrance.
Rollins was met by Adam Pearce and a group of referees. Rollins ran past them. Riddle ran toward Rollins and they fought in the aisle and into the ring. Rollins quickly hit Riddle with a Stomp. Pearce and others checked on Riddle while others made Rollins leave the ring. Rollins cackled as he headed to the back…
Powell’s POV: This was fine. It was disappointing that their match was pulled from the show and pushed back to the Clash at the Castle event, but at least the live crowd got to see them. Obviously, the angle gave Rollins more heat and made Riddle look sympathetic and also determined.
A video package set up the Smackdown Women’s Championship match… Entrances for the match took place…
7. Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey for the Smackdown Women’s Championship. Cole and Graves called the match. Cole said Morgan was competing in her first SummerSlam match. He also said Morgan, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch were the only wrestlers who have pinned Rousey.
Rousey took Morgan down to start. Rousey caught Morgan with a high knee to the head, then followed up with a quick slam and covered her for a two count. Morgan threw some flailing punches at Rouey and hit her with a step-up enzuigiri. Rousey knocked her right back down.
Rousey hoisted up Morgan for the Piper’s Pit, but Morgan elbowed her way out of it. Morgan hit a Codebreaker. Morgan went for her Oblivion finisher. Rousey stuffed it. Rousey put Morgan in an armbar. Morgan rolled out of it and countered into a submission hold, but Rouey powered up to her feet with Morgan on her back. Morgan performed a crucifix driver for a two count.
Rousey caught Morgan in an armbar while hanging over the edge of the ring and had to break the hold due to the referee’s count. Rousey took Morgan down again, spoke to the crowd, and then applied an armbar. Morgan scooted her way to the ropes and got her toes on the bottom rope to break the hold.
Rousey threw Morgan to the mat again and reapplied the armbar. Morgan rolled over and got her feet on the ropes to break it. Morgan sold the arm in the corner. The referee called for a trainer to check on her. Morgan said she was okay and wanted to continue.
Rousey fired up and immediately rolled Morgan into the armbar. Rousey’s shoulders were down and the referee counted to three. Morgan actually tapped out at the two count, but the referee was focused on Rousey’s shoulders.
Liv Morgan beat Ronda Rousey in 4:35 to retain the Smackdown Women’s Championship.
The broadcast team watched the match back from multiple angles and agreed that the referee blew the call. Rousey snapped and attacked Morgan. Rousey put referee Dan Engler in an armbar. Shawn Daivari and Jamie Noble ran in to talk down Rousey, who released the hold. Graves said Rousey was right to be upset, but this wasn’t the way to handle it. Morgan continued to sell her arm and then grabbed her title belt and smiled while sitting at ringside. She stood up and played to the crowd…
Powell’s POV: I like the finish. I don’t think Morgan gained much from the way she retained aside from being resilient enough to avoid tapping out sooner, but the more important thing in my mind is that it looks like Rousey is going to be properly cast as a heel.
Kane, who was standing in the ring dressed in a suit, was introduced by ring announcer Samantha Irvin. He said he was honored to announce the attendance of 48,449. He pumped his arms and pyro shot off…
A video package set up the main event… Cole said the main event would feature the first Last Man Standing match in SummerSlam history…
Roman Reigns made his entrance with Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and Paul Heyman. The champion raised their belts and then pyro shot off at the top of the stadium. Reigns and Heyman headed to the ring while the Usos stayed behind. Cole said Reigns is 3-1 in Last Man Standing matches. He also said that Reigns won his first world championship by beating Lesnar at SummerSlam. Graves said Lesnar also won his first world championship at SummerSlam.
Additional pyro shot off once Reigns entered the ring and raised one of his title belts over his head. “Nashville…SummerSlam, acknowledge me,” Reigns told the crowd.
Brock Lesnar made his entrance and Cole said it was the ninth time that Lesnar was headlining SummerSlam. Cole said Lesnar beat Roman’s cousin The Rock at SummerSlam. He said he couldn’t believe that Lesnar has never been in a Last Man Standing match.
Lesnar veered off the entrance path to a tractor that was on the stadium floor. Lesnar put his cowboy hat on, smiled, and drove the tractor down the entrance aisle while Reigns acted annoyed and Heyman looked concerned. Cole spoke about crazy things they’ve seen at SummerSlam, but he said he’s never seen anyone “drive a damn tractor to the ring.” Graves wondered if the tractor could legally be used and said he didn’t want to give Lesnar any ideas.
Lesnar climbed onto the front end loader bucket and looked down at Reigns while Mike Rome started to deliver in-ring introductions. Lesnar told him to shut up, then introduced himself as a big ass country boy who was there to kick Roman’s ass. Rome then delivered the introduction for Reigns.
8. Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Cole and Graves called the match. Lesnar dove off the tractor bucket onto Reigns and threw punches at him and the bell rang to start the match. Cole said a world championship has changed has 16 times at SummerSlam. Lesnar roughed up Reigns and ended up suplexing him off the bottom pice of the ring steps on the floor.
Lesnar suplexed Reigns onto a platform off the ringside floor. Lesnar climbed onto the platform and went for an F5. Reigns raked Lesnar’s eyes and shoved him into a steel trussing that the platform was on. Lesnar came right back and drove Reigns into the trussing, then shoved him down to the arena floor. Lesnar threw Reigns over the barricade. Lesnar slipped as he tried to hop the barricade, then cleared it on the second try. The broadcast team said Lesnar wouldn’t be happy about that and would take it out on Reigns.
Lesnar pulled a table out from underneath the ring and set it up on the floor. Heyman distracted him and then dropped to his knees and begged for mercy. When Lesnar turned back to Reigns, he was hit with a Samoan Drop that drove him through the table. Lesnar got to his feet at the referee’s eight count. Reigns picked up the ring steps and hit Lesnar with them. Reigns set up another table while Cole pointed out that referee Chad Patton’s only job was to count in this match. Reigns put Lesnar through the second table. Lesnar beat the referee’s count.
Reigns rolled Lesnar back inside the ring and joined him. Reigns set up in the corner and then hit Lesnar with a Superman Punch. Reigns acted surprised the Lesnar only dropped to one knee. Reigns hit him with another Superman Punch. Reigns let out the war cry and then speared Lesnar. Reigns motioned that this would end the match. Lesnar got up at the referee’s seven count and stumbled.
Reigns let out another war cry and charged, but Lesnar hoisted him up. Reigns slipped away, but Lesnar threw him out of the ring. Lesnar followed to the floor, picked up Reigns, and then drove him through a broken half of a table. Graves played up the way Reign landed and said he could have suffered a serious injury. Reigns got up at the referee’s five count.
Lesnar climbed onto the tractor and lowered the bucket on the front end. Lesnar hopped off, grabbed a piece of the ring steps, and slammed them onto Reigns. Lesnar picked up another broken piece of a table and hit Reigns with it. Graves said Reigns was out. Lesnar raised his arms. Reigns got to his feet at the referee’s nine count by pressing himself up on the bottom piece of the ring steps.
Lesnar threw Reigns inside the bucket of the tractor and then dumped him inside the ring. Reigns beat the referee’s count, but Lesnar immediately hit him with a German suplex. Lesnar performed another German suplex, waited for Reigns to stand up and then gave him a third. Lesnar had some blood on his back along with other scrapes. Reigns got back to his feet at the referee’s eight count.
Lesnar hoisted up Reigns and put him down with an F5. Reigns got to his feet the nine count by using the ropes. Lesnar showed frustration. Lesnar hoisted up Reigns and went for another F5, but Reigns countered into a guillotine. Lesnar slipped away and took Reigns down with a guillotine of his own. The referee told Lesnar that Reigns was out. Lesnar released the hold and then the referee started his count. Reigns stood up and then fell into the ropes. Lesnar acted like he won the match for a moment, but then realized Reigns beat the count.
Lesnar went back to ringside and hopped onto the tractor. Lesnar used the tractor to tip the ring over. Reigns tumbled out of the ring to the floor. Reigns left the ring tipped over. The referee counted, but Reigns got back to his feet by pulling himself up via the barricade. Lesnar cleared the broadcast table.
Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso showed up and attacked Lesnar, who quickly took them both out. Heyman got in Lesnar’s face, put the belts over his shoulders, and told them if he wanted them to take them. Heyman told Lesnar just to leave Reigns alone. Lesnar picked up Heyman and gave him an awkward F5 through the broadcast table. Reigns speared Lesnar. The referee counted while both men were down. Both men stood up at nine. Reigns fell down again.
Theory’s music played and he ran out with the Money in the Bank briefcase and another referee. Theory hit Reigns with the briefcase. Lesnar put Theory down with an F5. The Uso put Lesnar down with a double superkick. Reigns shook his head as Lesnar pulled himself to his feet, then ran over and speared him. Lesnar stood up at nine. Reigns threw a fit. Reigns picked up the MITB briefcase and hit Theory with it, then beat Lesnar with it repeatedly. “Count his ass down,” Reigns barked. Lesnar got to his feet at nine.
Reigns grabbed one of his title belts and slammed it over the head of Lesnar. The referee counted again. Lesnar beat the count and then fell back to one knee. “Don’t ever come back, you aren’t welcome here,” Reigns barked at Lesnar before hitting him with a title belt. Reigns and the Usos started to pile various objects, including the broadcast table, on top of Lesnar. Reign stood on top of the pile that was covering Lesnar, who was finally counted down.
Roman Reigns defeated Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match in 23:00 to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Cole spoke about everything it took to beat Lesnar. Graves said that if Heyman ever regained consciousness he would be a happy man. Cole worked in a plug for Reigns vs. McIntyre at Clash at the Castle. Cole said he’s been calling matches for 25 years and head never seen anything like this. Cole pleaded with some to help Lesnar. Graves said he could have a broken leg and needed help. Lesnar posed with his title belts in the entrance aisle while pyro shot off to end the show…
Powell’s POV: Wow, what a ridiculously over the top spectacle, and I mean that in a complimentary way. That was a blast. It felt like an absolute war and Lesnar was thoroughly protected by all the interference. The tractor was unexpected fun, and I’m still shocked that they actually lifted up the ring the way they did. I feel bad for fans who had tickets on the tractor side of the ring because they likely spent the remainder of the match watching the big screen, but it was a blast to watch at home.
Overall, SummerSlam delivered in a huge away. Everything met or exceeded expectations. Both women’s championship matches were memorable and set the table for some interesting things to come. This was a hell of a show and I look forward to breaking it all down with Jake Barnett in our same night audio review for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons).
Join me for my live review of the Ric Flair’s Last Match event on Sunday night.
Worst booking ever!
What were they thinking?
Saw that “surprise” coming!
Tony Khan, ammirite?
(Pre-emptive complaining exercise so everyone can just enjoy the show)
In a world where too many “wrestlers” are just bland, boring nobodies who do the same shit that everyone else does and all look alike, Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair look like stars and carry themselves like stars.
Really good opener. I guess that means Becky is a face again? I was enjoying Big Time but fans will take to her again without any issues.
Standing next to Bayley you see just how ridiculously small Kai and Io really are.
Great to see Bayley back though.
The HHH PPV era starting off right with a great women’s match.
And then the return of DAKOTA KAI…..and IO SHIRAI to the main roster as well.
Dakota is back! I do not care what happens the rest of the night, this show get a f’n A!!
This PPV just got interesting! And they got to keep their names too!
I thought I heard the announcers saying Io Sky, but maybe they did keep Shirai.
You know what, Logan Paul may be very unlikable but damn can he wrestle. Dude took this seriously and not just some quick cash in like some celebrities of the past.
Styles is coming out to even the sided against Miz?
Logan Paul is doing a frog splash through the announce table?
I would never have guessed that he was a perfect fit for pro wrestling.
BTW, right now Nashville SC is playing a home match across town in their stadium and they’ve got a near sellout in a place that holds 30k. Hell of a night for that city.
Logan Paul may be the new Shane McMahon, dudes got no fear.
Yeah I thought I heard him call her Sky as well but then I was thinking I was just caught up in the moment and heard him talking about Kai. Either way. Super hyped they’re around!
Great show so far. Vince has always been their problem. Now that he’s gone, the shows will rock!
Rhea Ripley is twice the man Dominik Mysterio will ever be.
It’s a very very small thing. But Cole seems to be mentioning more history tonight and that includes people who would not normally be mentioned (ie the Hardys and Jesse Ventura)
There’s definitely a more chaotic feel to things tonight. Riddle just popping in through the crowd like that was great. I don’t know the real reason for scrapping that match, but it was a solid little spot there to put even more heat on Rollins.
“I like the finish. I don’t think Morgan gained much from the way she retained aside from being resilient enough to avoid tapping out sooner, but the more important thing in my mind is that it looks like Rousey is going to be properly cast as a heel.”
Agreed. I was wondering how they would get out of this without putting the belt back on Rousey, and this at least lets Morgan hold the belt for another month or so.
There was no doubt Vince was gonna have Ronda win so HHH was booked into a corner here so I think while a lame finish it makes sense the way they did it just because Ronda is so dominant. She did get screwed but she also did get pinned from the Refs POV so just like last month at MITB the ref made the call he saw.
Smiling babyface Brock is just the weirdest, best thing ever.
That’s one of the most spectacular visuals ever.
THIS IS AWESOME
That was a ri-goddamn-diculous spectacle of a main event match, and to be honest, I expected nothing less after what we’ve seen of them in the past.
Good-Great show overall
Just imagine if Vince was still there.No Dakota,Shirai,or even Bayley probably.Rousey would’ve won,some 24/7 madness,and perhaps NO TRACTOR!
What a joke!!!!!
Is WWE in with Tiny Kahn on making big hours bukkshit with run in interference!
They took a great bout and smashed it with bullshit.
Small thing, but maybe others noticed. If not, please go rewatch the Mysterio tag match just for this- the referee is the worst I’ve ever seen. There’s absolutely no way she should be in the ring again in front of people for a long long time. She was lost the entire time, visibly turned on her communication device and openly relayed what she heard in her ear to the wrestlers. I mean, damn was this bad! Go reeatch the match and try to disagree.
Amazing show. AEW could never.
On her Twitter account, Io Shirai is now going by “Iyo Sky” so people did not hear wrong.
If the opening women’s match, with the exact same moves and the exact same sloppy spots, was in AEW with two of their talent, TheGreatestIdiot would have had an aneurysm over it. Here, he blows his load.
Goat Blower says what?
What sloppy spots? Belair and Lynch had a contest where two people were struggling to win. AEW’s women’s matches are two unathletic midgets literally looking at their feet and counting the steps to their next move like someone taking their first dance lesson.
Now go upstairs and tell your mom to pack you an extra hot pocket before you pull your next shift at GameStop as a 40 year old loser.
“Goat Blower says what?” HAHAHAHHAH!. I would safely assume your last paragraph is absolute projection after reading that. Keep up the piss poor rhetoric.
Edge was dressed like the “cool dad” at the metal show
I see no one noticed Doudrop sitting with Kid Rock? Oh, wait… my bad
What is the significance of wearing white? The “wrong promotion” thing?