By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE SummerSlam
Cleveland, Ohio at Cleveland Browns Stadium
Streamed live August 3, 2024 on Peacock
WWE SummerSlam Countdown Show Notes
-The pre-show set was outside the stadium. Michael Cole, Big E, Wade Barrett, and Pat McAfee were the hosts.
-A pre-taped interview with Seth Rollins aired. Rollins told Michael Cole that he wished there was a way that both CM Punk and Drew McIntyre could lose. Rollins also said he looked up to Punk at one time because Punk acted like he cared about the industry, but Rollins said Punk only cares about himself. Rollins said he could sort of put himself in Drew McIntyre’s shoes but not Punk’s shoes. Rollins said he would let it ride as the special referee. He said he wants Punk and McIntyre to hurt each other.
-A video featured Damian Priest and Peter Rosenberg strolling through Priest’s old neighborhood and discussing his childhood. Priest also recalled Paul Levesque telling him that he saw a lot in him. He said it added pressure because he didn’t want to fail for himself or for Levesque. Priest said he will be a loyal soldier until the day he dies. The interview also featured footage of Priest and Rosenberg speaking on the field at Yankees Stadium, as well as from the Damian Priest Live event.
-Peter Rosenberg and Jackie Redmond replaced Michael Cole and Pat McAfee at the desk after the first hour.
-Jackie Redmond’s interview with Rhea Ripley aired. Ripley said she knew immediately that her shoulder was injured during the backstage segment with Liv Morgan. Ripley declined to say whether her shoulder was fully healed, instead staying in character and stating that she knows Morgan will target the shoulder during their match. Ripley also spoke about how the two years with Dominik Mysterio have been the best in her life. She said she grew to love him and he believes he grew to love her. Ripley said it made her extremely excited, aroused, and happy when Dom told Morgan that he hates her.
-Cathy Kelley interviewed Liv Morgan in the backstage area. Morgan said she couldn’t care less what Rhea Ripley thinks. Morgan cut off the interview quickly.
-Michael Cole spoke at ringside and set up his interview with CM Punk that he taped over a week ago. Cole asked Punk how he’s changed since he left WWE over a decade ago. Punk asked Cole how much time he had. Punk said the Punk today is the same person idealistically, but he still has a temper, which he feels makes him must see television. He said the Punk today is not fully satisfied, yet more satisfied. He said he realized that the job and his career are fleeting.
Cole asked Punk if he grew up. Punk said he doesn’t want to say grew up, but he feels matured is a much better word. Punk spoke about his tattoos and said he regrets none of them because they are a roadmap of where he has been. Cole asked Punk about dealing with different opinions regarding his return. Punk said it was overwhelming. He said he doesn’t listen to most of the critics. Cole asked what he would say to critics who are waiting for the old Punk to walk out on the company and be disgruntled and bitter. Punk said they are bigger fans than most of his biggest fans. He said nobody watches closer than haters. He said he is polarizing.
Cole asked if the naysayers push Punk, who asked what’s more motivating when someone says you can’t do something. He said he has never taken no for an answer. Cole asked Punk what he was thinking when he was injured. Punk said he said “no” repeatedly, then reached over and felt a quarter-sized hole in his arm. Punk said it was already gone, so he wanted to get through the match. Cole asked Punk how he dealt with not being able to headline WrestleMania. Punk said it was a disappointing loss and yet his friend won. Punk said he was crushed because he was injured more so than because he lost. Punk said he learned from not being able to work WrestleMania. Cole said more of the interview would air later in the show and said it’s “explosive” due to what Punk says about Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre.
-Seth Rollins joined the panel at their desk briefly.
-Sean “X-Pac” Waltman joined the panel shortly before the start of the final hour of the pre-show. Redmond noted that SummerSlam will be in Minneapolis in 2026 and noted that Waltman is a Minneapolis native. Waltman said his favorite SummerSlam moment was teaming with Kane against Undertaker and Big Show in Minneapolis at SummerSlam 1999. Waltman said they got beat up, but he got paid a lot.
Barrett praised Logan Paul’s high flying ability. Waltman agreed and raved about how quickly Paul has taken to the industry. Waltman said he’s an LA Knight fan and has known him for a long time. Waltman said Paul has a lot on his plate outside WWE.
-Footage aired of Logan Paul and Jackie Redmond at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Paul said he sang for a band called The Dropouts. Redmond asked if he was on a path to being a rock star. Paul said no. He said he tried and knew when to quit. Redmond asked him when he started thinking about turning WWE into a career. He said it was after his first match at WrestleMania. He said it’s everything he loves with showmanship, physicality, and storytelling. Paul said wrestling gives him a rock star feeling because of the way he can control the crowd through what he is doing. He said he is living out his rock star dreams by being a WWE wrestler.
-Joe Tessitore joined Michael Cole at ringside. Tessitore said you haven’t lived until you go through the entranceway with Cole. Tessitore said he is blessed and honored to be a part of WWE. He spoke about his fandom as a child and said he’s been coming to WWE for many years. Cole announced that Tessitore will start on the Monday, September 2 edition of Raw, while Cole will be shifting over to Smackdown.
-Jackie Redmond announced that the Women’s World Championship match with Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley will open the show.
-Jelly Roll performed “God Bless America” inside the ring to close the countdown show.
WWE SummerSlam Main Card
Michael Cole welcomed viewers to the show. Paul “Triple H” Levesque made his entrance and then stood in the entrance aisle while doing his “Are you ready?” routine…
Jelly Roll and his band performed the song “Liar” in the stage while clips were shown of the wrestlers on the show. There was a small drum riser set up inside the ring. Jelly Roll and the rest of the band performed while standing in the ring…
Powell’s POV: A good and well received performance by Jelly Roll. Just an early warning that the forecast in my area calls for some nasty weather a couple hours from now. So if I stop updating, it would be due to a power outage. Thanks for joining me tonight. I encourage you to also check out Colin McGuire’s live blog, which he is writing from inside the SummerSlam press box.
SummerSlam host The Miz stood in in the crowd and hyped that the biggest show of the summer starts right now…
Rhea Ripley was shown walking backstage. Dominik Mysterio greeted her and they walked through the Gorilla position area and then made their entrance.
The broadcast team of Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Pat McAfee checked in from ringside. Cole introduced Eddie Orengo and noted that he had a small “referee cam” in his ear. Liv Morgan made her entrance…
1. Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley (w/Dominik Mysterio) for the Women’s World Championship. Ring announcer Samantha Irvin delivered in-ring introductions for the match. Morgan ducked out to ringside after the opening bell. Morgan smiled and invited Ripley to join her, then ran and rushed back inside the ring once Ripley took her up on the offer.
Ripley showed frustration and then returned to the ring. Morgan ducked out the other side of the ring and was booed. Rinse and repeat with Ripley rolling to the floor while Morgan rolled back inside the ring, and then Morgan rolled to the floor again when Ripley returned to the ring.
Ripley teased rolling out of the ring and stopped, which tricked Morgan, who rolled in the ring and was face-to-face with Ripley. Morgan was roughed up by Ripley. They both ended up at ringside where Ripley taunted Morgan by kissing Dom on the cheek. Ripley worked over Morgan on the floor and slammed her head on the ring steps before rolling her back inside the ring.
Ripley headbutted Morgan and then picked her up and slammed her on the top turnbuckle. Ripley went for her Riptide finisher, but Morgan slipped away. Ripley charged the corner, but Morgan rolled out of the way and Ripley crashed and burned. Morgan ran Ripley through the ropes so that her surgically repaired shoulder hit the turnbuckles.
Ripley said her shoulder was out, but she declined when the referee asked her if she wanted to stop the match. Ripley rolled to the floor. Morgan sent Ripley into the steps. Ripley sold her shoulder on the floor while Morgan laughed. Morgan kicked Ripley, whose bad shoulder hit the ring post. Morgan tossed Ripley back inside the ring and covered her for a two count.
Morgan performed a Codebreaker on Ripley’s bad shoulder. Ripley threw a kick at Morgan that knocked her down. Ripley went to ringside and held her shoulder while Dom comforted her. Morgan went for a suicide dive, but Dom shoved Ripley out of the way and was hit by the diving Morgan.
Ripley tossed Morgan back in the ring and then pulled a WWE version of Martin Riggs by slamming her own shoulder into the broadcast table with the idea being that she popped it back in place. Ripley returned to the ring and had a run of offense on Morgan that led to a near fall.
Morgan came back with a DDT that led to a two count. Ripley caught Morgan with a kick. Morgan went to the middle rope and was pulled down by Ripley, who put her in the Prism Lock. Cole noted that Ripley was unable to use her right arm effectively. Morgan rolled out of the hold, which sent Ripley’s bad shoulder crashing into the corner.
Morgan used a crucifix driver to get a near fall. Morgan went for a crossarm breaker that Ripley blocked by locking her hands together while Morgan threw kicks at her. There was an overhead shot that showed off the Prime logo and logos from two other companies on the canvas.
Ripley powered up and slammed Morgan to break the hold and covered her for a near fall. Morgan headbutted Ripley and went to the apron. Ripley went after Morgan, who wrenched Ripley’s arm over the ropes.
Morgan grabbed a chair from the timekeepers area and entered the ring with it. Ripley slammed her shoulder into a turnbuckle a few times, then booted the chair out of Morgan’s hands. Ripley hit her Riptide finisher. Ripley eyed up the chair that Morgan dropped and then picked it up.
Ripley wound up to hit Morgan with the chair, but Dom took the chair away from her. The fans booed while Dom told Ripley that she couldn’t win the title if she used the chair. Ripley indicated that she understood. Morgan dropkicked Ripley into Dom, then hit Ripley with Oblivion for a great near fall. The fans popped big when Ripley kicked out.
Dom climbed on the apron. With the referee distracted, Morgan hit Oblivion onto the chair. The referee turned around and made the three count.
Liv Morgan defeated Rhea Ripley in 15:55 to retain the Women’s World Championship.
The broadcast played up Dom inadvertently helping Morgan retain the title again. McAfee said it was a carbon copy of the way Dom helped Morgan beat Becky Lynch to win the title.
At ringside, Dom kissed Morgan on the lips while Ripley stood in the ring and watched. Dom and Morgan smiled while facing Ripley as they backed their way up the entrance aisle. Cole questioned whether it’s been a ruse all along. McAfee called Dom a piece of shit…
Powell’s POV: A very good opening match for what it was with Ripley selling her shoulder effectively. The only thing I didn’t care for was Dom saving Ripley from the suicide dive early in the match only to turn on her in the end. Otherwise, this was all really well well done. I guess this means The Judgment Day will not be the same going forward.
Sami Zayn was shown warming up backstage… A video package set up the Intercontinental Championship match while Peacock’s ad-based subscribers saw commercials…
Damian Priest had a meltdown inside the Judgment Day clubhouse over Dom turning on Ripley. Priest grabbed Finn Balor and asked if he knew. Balor took issue with Priest asking the question and then said of course not. Balor said he, JD McDonagh, and Carlito would go find Dom. Priest said he was going to kill that kid…
Entrances took place for the Intercontinental Title match…
2. Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship. Cole mentioned that the referee was Daphanie LaShaunn. Breakker went for a spear when the bell rang and then crashed into the corner when Zayn jumped over him. Breakker rolled to the floor and was hit by a flip dive.
Zayn rolled Breakker back inside the ring and went up top. Zayn jumped over Breakker, who then hit him in the corner. Breakker avoided a Helluva Kick. Breakker pressed Zayn over his head and then released him because his shoulder gave out. Breakker came right back with a clothesline using the same arm.
Breakker caught Zayn on the top rope and executed a Frankensteiner (huracanrana) that led to a two count. Zayn blocked a bulldog attempt and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb. Breakker came back with a leaping knee strike. Zayn responded with an exploder suplex.
Zayn went for the Helluva Kick, but Breakker speared him. Breakker lowered the straps on his singlet. Breakker ran the ropes and speared Zayn again before getting the three count.
Bron Breakker defeated Sami Zayn in 5:40 to win the Intercontinental Championship.
Breakker sold his shoulder afterward and then celebrated once the referee handed him the title belt…
Powell’s POV: A brief match that was fun while it lasted. I’m all for Breakker winning the championship, especially since it seemingly frees up Zayn for an eventual reunion of the original Bloodline crew.
The broadcast team spoke at ringside. Cole griped and how he and Graves had to spend hours doing voiceovers for Pat McAfee and his boys being in the video game…
Stephanie McMahon was shown applauding while sitting in the front row…
A video package set up the U.S. Title match…
Logan Paul made his entrance to boos in his hometown stadium despite wearing Cleveland Browns colors. Paul stopped and greeted a security guard, then approached another security guard who had his head covered and his back turned. The security guard revealed himself to be MGK (Machine Gun Kelly) and he headed to the ring with Paul.
Backstage, LA Knight exited the Prime truck that he stole on Smackdown. Paul said the tinted windows bothered him because he couldn’t see anything through them. Knight used a pole to smash the driver’s side window and then made his entrance. MGK was shown in the front row.
Paul hit Knight when he was on the apron. Referee Ryan Tran barked at Paul, who was pulled to ringside by Knight. Paul fought back, but Knight ran Paul into the ringside barricade and then slammed his head on the apron.
Knight ran Paul into the hydration station and then ran the cart into him. Knight jawed at Paul’s entourage. Paul spat his drink in Knight’s face and then ran him into the side the ring. Paul cleared the broadcast table, but Knight slammed his head on the table several times and then hit him with a Prime bottle.
Knight stood on the broadcast table and put Paul on his shoulders, then hit a neckbreaker on the table. The table did not break and McAfee wondered who actually got the worse of it. Knight rolled Paul inside the ring and joined him to officially start the match.
3. Logan Paul vs. LA Knight for the U.S. Championship. Knight performed an early inverted atomic drop and a clothesline and then covered Paul for a two count. Paul ran Knight through the ropes and Knight’s shoulder hit the ring post casing (another shoulder injury?).
The crowd taunted Paul with “F— you, Logan” and then “You suck” chants. Paul soaked up the latter chants and posed. Knight and Paul traded punches. Knight got the better of it, but Paul executed a gut-wrench suplex and got a two count.
Paul mocked Knight’s mannerisms and then ran the ropes and was powerslammed. Knight drove Paul into the corner and threw several punches and then kicks at him. Knight threw a running knee at Paul, who was seated in the corner.
Knight performed a Side Effect, which Graves said we haven’t seen for a long time. Knight performed a top rope elbow drop and got a near fall. Knight set up for a neckbreaker, but Paul slipped away. Paul sent Knight to the apron and then hit him with a clothesline that sent him to the floor.
Knight performed a great springboard moonsault onto Paul on the floor. Back inside the ring, Paul stuffed a BFT attempted and used a backslide to get a two count. Paul blasted Knight with a knockout punch and covered him for a near fall. Paul acted stunned that Knight kicked out.
Paul rolled through a frogsplash attempt that Knight avoided. Paul stuffed another BFT attempt and put Knight down. Paul went to the ropes, but Knight joined him and superplexed him, which led to a near fall.
Paul rolled to the floor. When Knight grabbed him, Paul raked his eyes while the referee was shielded. Paul looked to his posse in the crowd for help while Cole vented about one of them being the goof that helps Paul in all of his matches.
Knight pulled two of the posse members over the barricade and put the boots to them. Paul hit Knight from behind and ran him into the ring post casing and then tossed him back inside the ring.
MGK hopped the barricade and handed brass knuckles to Paul. Knight grabbed Paul and went for a move, but Paul hit him with the brass knuckles. Paul went for a Buckshot Lariat, but Knight stuffed it, hit the BFT, and scored the pin.
LA Knight defeated Logan Paul in 12:00 to win the U.S. Championship.
Knight celebrated his win while a dejected Paul left the ring…
Powell’s POV: A good match capped off by the crowd pleasing title change. The finish felt a bit wonky in that Knight was hit with brass knuckles and was just fine a second after kicking out and was then just fine after the match. Otherwise, this match was fun. It will be interesting to see if this leads to Paul taking a bit of a hiatus or if he will continue to be a semi-regular.
The winner of the SummerSlam t-shirt design contest winner was shown in the front row with his son…
A sponsored segment for a grooming company aired that involved Apollo Crews, Baron Corbin, Otis, Akira Tozawa, and Maxxine Dupri. Otis shaved his stomach with one of the products, causing Crews and Corbin to make their exit…
A video package set up the WWE Women’s Championship match…
Nia Jax made her entrance wearing her Queen of the Ring crown. A graphic noted that Jax is 5-4 in singles matches against Bayley, who then made her entrance. A graphic listed Bayley’s title reign as being 118 days…
4. Bayley vs. Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship. Samantha Irvin delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Cole identified Jason Ayers as the referee. Jax went for an early powerbomb, but Bayley countered into a jawbreaker. Jax came right back with a Samoan Drop.
Jax bodyslammed Bayley and then played to the crowd for heat before dropping an elbow on her. Jax had Bayley in a seated position in the corner when she rubbed her backside in her face. Jax applied a Cobra Clutch. They cut to a shot from behind the seats on the main floor and there were a lot of empty seats (a bathroom or merch break match for some?).
A short time later, Jax had Bayley’s head draped over the apron and went for a leg drop that Bayley avoided. Bayley kicked Jax into the barricade, then jumped off the ring steps onto her. Bayley rolled Jax back inside the ring and then went up top. Jax cut off Bayley and then went for a suplex, but Bayley countered into a guillotine. Cole said Bayley once forced Jax to submit to the same move.
Jax escaped the hold and then executed a senton and a leg drop for a near fall. Jax went to the middle rope and looked to the crowd before attempting a leg drop that Bayley avoided. Bayley hit a Bayley to Belly for a near fall.
Jax stuffed a Roseplant attempt and then slammed Bayley with a uranage. Jax hit the Annihilator, but Bailey kicked out at two. Jax acted stunned. Moments later, Jax charged Bayley, who moved, causing Jax to slam into the ring post. Jax went to the floor.
Bayley went for a suicide dive, but Jax caught her and performed a Samoan Drop on the floor. Jax rolled Bayley back inside the ring and joined her. Jax hit Bayley with a hip attack in the corner. Jax went to the ropes, but Bayley shot up and hit her.
Bayley slipped under Jax and then powerbombed her for the biggest pop of the match. Holy shit chants followed. Bayley pulled herself up and then went to the top rope and hit an elbow drop for a good near fall.
Tiffany Stratton’s entrance music played. Stratton ran out with the Money in the Bank briefcase and a referee by her side. Stratton was knocked off the apron by Bayley, who then avoided a charging Jax and rolled her up for a two count. Bayley ran the ropes and was powerbombed by Jax.
Jax powerbombed Bayley again and then dragged her to the corner. Jax hit the Annihilator and then hit the same move again and got the three count.
Nia Jax defeated Bayley in 12:30 to win the WWE Women’s Championship.
After the match, Stratton entered the ring and celebrated with Jax. The broadcast team wondered if Stratton’s cash-in tease was part of a plan between Stratton and Jax to distracted Bayley. Jax went to ringside and hugged what appeared to be Rock’s mom and another woman…
Powell’s POV: The title changes continue. Bayley and Jax had a solid match, but the live crowd was really quiet early on. The fans did get more invested as the match went on. The dynamic between Jax and MIBT contract holder Stratton should be interesting going forward.
Cole hyped NXT premiering on The CW on October 1… Cole noted that it was 79 degrees and said there was a nice breeze. McAfee compared Cole to Al Roker…
A video package set up CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre…
Seth Rollins made his entrance and wore the ear camera and a black and white robe. Rollins removed his robe and had a bedazzled WWE logo on his referee shirt with no sleeves. Cole spoke about Jesse Ventura, Shawn Michaels, and Triple H being SummerSlam referees. Graves said the Rollins’ shirt is better than HBK’s shorts. “I still have nightmares,” Graves said in the line of the night.
Drew McIntyre made his entrance as the sun was nearly down in Cleveland. A graphic noted that this as McIntyre’s fourth time competing at SummerSlam. McIntyre immediately approached Rollins and spoke to him once he was in the ring. “Bring that bitch out here,” McIntyre said. McIntyre looked at Rollins and told him all he has to do is ring the bell and count to three.
CM Punk entered to “Cult of Personality” and did the Clobberin’ Time routine before heading to the ring. Cole said it was the first time in ten-and-a-half years that Punk was in a singles match on WWE television. A graphic listed Punk as having a 4-4 record at SummerSlam. He also noted that Punk walked out of WWE in Cleveland. Punk tossed his jacket at Rollins, who simulated wiping his ass with it…
5. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre with Seth Rollins as special referee. Rollins looked to the crowd as the fans on the main floor stood and cheered before he called for the bell. Cole said there was a big fight feel. Punk got McIntyre down in the corner and put the boots to him. Rollins pulled Punk way and told him to listen to him as the referee.
McIntyre hit a distracted Punk and then put the boots to him in the corner. Rollins counted to five and then pulled McIntyre off of Punk and reminded him that he runs the show. Punk put McIntyre down with a clothesline and threw punches at him. McIntyre did a double thrust to Punk’s throat. McIntyre ran the ropes, but Punk followed and clotheslined him over the top rope.
Punk jumped from the apron and hit McIntyre on the floor. They ended up in the timekeepers area. Punk tossed McIntyre over the barricade and back to the ringside area. McIntyre fired back, but Punk shoved him face first into the ring post casing while Rollins laid over the top turnbuckle.
Punk asked Rollins if he should keep going and Rollins indicated that he could. Punk worked over McIntyre on the floor while a chant for tables broke out followed by the fans chanting Rollins’ entrance theme. McIntyre slammed Punk on the apron and then swung him into the side of the broadcast table twice. Graves said Punk tried to protect himself with the arm that was injured.
Rollins stood on the apron and teased stopping McIntyre, then told him to go ahead. McIntyre catapulted Punk’s head into the ring frame. Back inside the ring, Punk swung wildly and missed and then McIntyre drilled him with a chop. McIntyre suplexed Punk and covered him, but Punk rolled away before Rollins could make a one count.
McIntyre suplexed Punk and went for a cover, but Punk kicked out before Rollins dropped down to count. McIntyre stood Punk up and slapped him. Punk responded with slaps and a back fist. Punk went for a running knee in the corner, but McIntyre powerbombed him and covered him for just a one count. Rollins told McIntyre that he was counting and was there.
McIntyre executed a sit-out powerbomb for a two count. McAfee said it seemed like Rollins was counting at normal speed. McIntyre approached Rollins, who said he didn’t like Punk but he had to give it to him for kicking out. McIntyre went to ringside and grabbed a chair while Rollins had his back to him.
McIntyre entered the ring with the chair. Rollins spotted it. McIntyre told Rollins that he wanted this just as much as he did. McIntyre encouraged Rollins to turn around and let him use the chair. Rollins turned his back. McIntyre wound up to use the chair, but Rollins turned around and took it away. “Shades of ’97,” Cole said.
McIntyre pie-faced Rollins, who then wound up to hit him with the chair. McIntyre moved and then Rollins stopped short of hitting Punk. Cole noted that it was appropriate that Punk was wearing Bret Hart inspired colors. Punk rolled up McIntyre, but Rollins had his back turned and was slow to make the count.
McIntyre came back briefly and looked to the bracelet he stole from Punk, who then got the better of him and hit him with three running knees in the corner. Punk clotheslined McIntyre and then went up top and blew a kiss at Rollins before executing a an elbow drop that resulted in a two count.
Punk tried to apply the Anaconda Vice. McIntyre blocked it initially, but Punk was able to apply the hold. Punk ripped the bracelet off McIntyre’s wrist and released the hold. Punk picked up the bracelet and then turned into a Claymore Kick that resulted in a good near fall.
Cole said McIntyre was ready to tap to the Anaconda Vice, but Punk let his emotions get the best of him by going for the bracelet. McIntyre picked up Punk and looked at Rollins before going for a Future Shock DDT that Punk slipped out of. Punk dodged a charging McIntyre, who crashed in the corner.
Punk signaled for his finisher and then hoisted up McIntyre. Punk looked at Rollins and spotted that Rollins was wearing the bracelet. Punk dropped McIntyre and went face-to-face with Rollins. McIntyre drove Punk into Rollins. McIntyre set up for the Future Shock DDT, but Punk slipped away.
Punk hit the GTS and got the visual pinfall, but Rollins was down at ringside. Rollins returned to the ring and made the count, but McIntyre kicked out. Punk barked at Rollins about his count and asked if he was messing with him. Punk continued to jaw at Rollins.
Rollins barked back at him that he said it’s his ring and his rules. Rollins said they don’t want or need Punk here. Rollins told Punk to focus on what he was doing, then said, “It’s not all about you, asshole.” Punk hoisted up Rollins and hit a rough looking GTS. “It’s not always about me, but it’s never about you,” Punk said. Punk removed the bracelet from Rollins’ wrist and put it on his own.
Punk approached McIntyre, who kicked him in the balls. McIntyre hit Punk with a Claymore Kick and got a visual pinfall of his own. Rollins slowly crawled over and made a two count, hesitated, and then made the three count.
Drew McIntyre defeated CM Punk in 17:00.
Cole said he hated to say it, but Punk cost himself the match. Rollins headed to the back. McIntyre took Punk’s bracelet from him, put it on his own wrist, and kissed it. McIntyre put his foot on Punk and held up his fist. McIntyre simulated wiping his feet next to Punk before leaving the ring…
Powell’s POV: So Punk screwed Punk while wearing Bret Hart colors. This was a hot match with good use of Rollins in the referee role. Punk shouldn’t lose much given the story that he cost himself the match. It will be interesting to see if Punk blames himself or if he tries to blame Rollins for the loss. I’m curious to see where they go next with these three. Obviously, a Triple Threat feels like a strong possibility.
Inside the Judgment Day clubhouse, Finn Balor told Damian Priest that he looked everywhere for Dominik Mysterio and couldn’t find him. Priest assumed that Dom left. Priest apologized for what he said earlier. Balor said he was sorry too. Balor said he would be there if Priest changed his mind about needing help during his match. Priest said he appreciated it…
Powell’s POV: Just a reminder that we are expected to get some bad weather in my area shortly. If I stop updating it’s due to a power outage. Hopefully my concern is much ado about nothing. Colin McGuire will keep you updated in his blog from the SummerSlam press box, which I encourage you to check out either way.
Entrances for the World Heavyweight Championship match took place with Gunther coming out first. Legends Dallas Page, Sean Waltman, Scott Steiner, Rick Steiner, and Kevin Nash (perhaps others) were shown watching in a private box type area. Damian Priest made his entrance…
6. Damian Priest vs. Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. Samantha Irvin delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Priest dropped Gunther with a punch to start the match. Gunther fired back with forearms. Priest hit Gunther with a leaping elbow in the corner. Priest went for a chokeslam, but Gunther fought out of it.
Priest hit a Flatliner. Gunther rolled to the floor. Priest followed and ran over the ring steps and hit Gunther. Priest set up for a move, but Gunther shoved his back into the ring post casing. Gunther slammed Priest on the ring apron. Gunther shoved Priest’s back into the apron and then chopped him before returning to the ring.
Gunther threw more chops and then suplexed Priest and covered him for just a one count. Cole noted that the referee was Chad Patton (it’s cool that the referees are being mentioned by name after all those years where they went nameless on television). Gunther hit Priest with a big boot.
Gunther went to the ropes and was cut off by Priest, who hit him with forearms. Priest went to the ropes and was caught briefly in an armbar. Priest performed a huracanrana from the ropes and then hit a Broken Arrow for a two count.
A short time later, Gunther had a trickle of blood on his chest and seemed to check it out via the big screen before he wiped it away. Gunther threw chops at Priest and went for a powerbomb, but Priest slipped away and hit a spinning kick. Priest hit the South of Heaven chokeslam and made the cover for a two count.
Gunther went for a sleeper, but Priest threw him off. Gunther blocked a kick and then hit two clotheslines and got a near fall. Priest motioned for Gunther to bring it. Gunther responded with a kick to the face. A kneeling Priest motioned for more. Gunther drilled him with a chop to the chest that knocked him down. Priest got back to his knees and was lit up with another chop.
Finn Balor showed up at ringside and pounded the mat in support of Priest. Gunther chopped Priest and held onto his arm. Priest looked at Balor and nodded at his attempts to fire him up. Gunther chopped Priest again. Priest fired back from his knees, but Gunther put him down with a kick.
Gunther jawed at Priest and booted him again. Gunther waited until Priest was on all fours and then kicked him in the ribs. Gunther threw a kick through the ropes that knocked Balor down at ringside.
Priest fired up. Gunther kicked Priest, who lowered the strap on his is gear and stood up. Priest hit back-to-back clotheslines and then performed the Razor’s Edge. Priest hit the South of Heaven chokeslam. Gunther rolled toward the ropes. Priest made the cover and then Balor put Gunther’s foot over the bottom rope.
Priest watched the replay on the big screen. Balor made his evil face while turned away from the ring. Priest tried to go after him, but Gunther grabbed him and locked in a sleeper. Balor shot the evil face while watching Priest fade in the sleeper hold. Priest fired up and the crowd popped.
Priest rolled onto Gunther and got a two count. Priest darted toward Balor and grabbed him by the throat through the ropes. Gunther grabbed Priest and powerbombed him and then applied the sleeper again. The referee checked Priest’s arm and called for the bell…
Gunther defeated Damian Priest in 16:40 to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
After the match, Gunther went to ringside and kissed his wife (former NXT UK wrestler Jinny) and greeted someone else in the crowd. Gunther climbed onto the broadcast table and posed with the belt around his waist…
Powell’s POV: Was the trashed Judgment Day clubhouse on Raw our last big clue that the split was coming? First Dom turned on Rhea and now Balor turned on Priest. I better hear someone do their best Hannibal impersonation on Raw by saying that they love it when a plan comes together. I like the way Priest went out. His character put up a good fight with Gunther and the idea is that he may have won had it not been for Balor. Gunther was such a dominant Intercontinental Champion and such a dominant wrestler overall that it won’t hurt him in the least to not win the championship in clean and decisive fashion.
Cole hyped John Cena hanging up the jorts at the end of 2025. Cole also hyped the premiere of Smackdown on USA Network on September 13…
McAfee recapped Dom turning on Ripley and kissing Morgan after the Women’s World Heavyweight Championship… Graves thanked Jelly Roll for the “Liar” song that was used as the SummerSlam theme…
SummerSlam host The Miz and R-Truth stood in the ring and were introduced by Irvin. Miz told the Cleveland crowd that SummerSlam was in “our house.” Truth said Miz has a big house and wondered how many people it held. Miz announced that Cleveland set a new record for SummerSlam and listed the attendance as 57,791.
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory showed up at ringside with microphones and mocked Miz, Truth, and Cleveland as they entered the ring. Theory got the easy heat by saying the Cleveland Browns are the worst team of all-time. Cole said he agreed.
Theory said all the people looked like Jelly Roll, who was shown giving a thumbs down. Waller said he wouldn’t let Theory disrespect Jelly Roll. They said Jelly Roll’s music was even worse than R-Truth’s music and said MGK weren’t much better.
R-Truth thought Waller and Theory were “The Rock-n-Roll Express” Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson. Miz corrected him. Jelly Roll entered the ring with a chair and ended up slamming it over the backs of Waller and Theory. Jelly Roll grabbed Theory by the neck and chokeslammed him. Jelly Roll held up his hand and did the “You Can’t See Me” bit with Miz and Truth. They all hit Theory with a triple Five Knuckle Shuffle…
An ad aired for WWE Bash in Berlin for Saturday, August 31…
Powell’s POV: I can’t wait for Bash in Berlin. Why? I’ll be taking a rare day off for my main league’s fantasy football draft while Colin McGuire tackles the live review for you guys. I have four weeks to prepare. I’ll definitely be using all the tools available at MyFantasyLeague.com, which hosts all three of my leagues. Yes, that was a cheap plug for a great fantasy football website.
A video package set up the main event…
Solo Sikoa made his entrance. Cole listed a list of top wrestlers that Sikoa has beaten and noted that this would be his first SummerSlam match.
Cody Rhodes was shown seated in his tour bus. The camera followed as he exited the bus and then took the leash for his dog Pharaoh (no pyro, please!) and walked him through the backstage area. Graves said this is Pharaoh’s final road trip and said he has been Cody’s best friend (awww, enjoy your retirement from the road, buddy).
Speaking of friends, Arn Anderson was waiting for Cody and they shared a hug. Anderson said Cody has been a great champion, but he has four pissed off island boys who want to destroy the memory of Roman Reigns. Anderson said he still has some connections and Cody has some friends, including some that he knows about.
Cody gave Pharaoh’s leash to another man and then a woman handed him his ring jacket, which he put on before hugging her. Cody made his entrance and wore an American Nightmare mask. Cody removed the mask and left it as he made his walk to the ring…
7. Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa in a Bloodline Rules match for the WWE Championship. Samantha Irvin delivered in-ring introductions for the championship match. Dan Engler was the referee and Cole reminded viewers that his job was essentially to make the three count.
The wrestlers worked a slow pace early with Sikoa getting the better of Rhodes. The slow pace with Sikoa working over Cody continued. Sikoa had good heat with the crowd. Sikoa hit Cody with a hip attack in the corner and then jawed at the crowd. Cody kicked him and set up for a Pedigree, but Sikoa avoided it. Sikoa performed a big uranage slam for a near fall.
Cody battled back until Sikoa put him down with a Samoan Drop for a two count. Sikoa tied up Cody in the tree of woe and then hit him with a diving headbutt. Sikoa jawed at Cody and then performed another diving headbutt. Sikoa told Cody to give up.
Sikoa went for a third diving headbutt, but Cody pulled himself up to avoid it. Cody pulled himself up to the top rope and performed a twisting crossbody block. Cody pulled himself up and looked to the crowd. The fans were quiet at this point. Sikoa came back with a uranage slam for a near fall.
Sikoa went to the apron and held up his index finger for boos before going to the ropes. Cody cut him off and threw punches at him from the middle rope. Sikoa shoved Cody down, but Cody returned to the ropes and superplexed him. The crowd came to life a bit.
Cody and Solo traded punches while the crowd did the yay/boo bit. Cody got the better of it and went for a a Cody Cutter, but Sikoa caught him. Cody countered into CrossRhodes.
Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa hit the ring and attacked Cody. Loa, who was wearing an eye patch, turned Cody inside out with a clothesline. Tonga hit an assisted neckbreaker. Solo covered Cody for a near fall. Tonga and Loa went back to put the boots to Cody.
Kevin Owens’ entrance music played and he ran to the ring while McAfee wondered what type of condition he was in after being a Bloodline victim. Owens worked over Tonga and Loa.
Randy Orton’s music played and he jogged to the ring once Owens fell victim to the numbers game. Tonga met Orton at ringside and was quickly put down. Orton entered the ring and hit the RKO on Loa. Tonga entered the ring and took a Stunner from Owens. Sikoa went after Owens and was put down and hit with a Swanton.
Cody hit Sikoa with CrossRhodes for a near fall. Orton and Owens tossed Tonga and Loa over the barricade and followed them, leaving Cody and Sikoa alone in the ring. Cody removed the top piece of the ring steps and threw them in the ring.
Cody entered the ring, picked up the steps, and rammed Sikoa with them. “Go down!” Cody yelled before hitting Sikoa with the steps again. Cody tried to hit Sikoa with the steps again, but Sikoa speared him for a near fall.
Solo placed Cody in front of the steps in a corner of the ring and then went for a hip attack that Cody avoided. Cody hit CrossRhodes and then picked up Sikoa and performed the move again. Cody picked up Sikoa and wanted to perform the move again.
Jacob Fatu entered the ring and hit Cody with a spinning kick. Fatu hit a triple jump moonsault on Cody, then pulled Sikoa on top of Cody, which led to a near fall. Fatu picked up Cody and knocked him to ringside. Fatu followed and superkicked Cody on the floor.
Fatu cleared the broadcast table. Graves rushed to the barricade while also selling the danger of Fatu on commentary. Fatu superkicked Cody, who was left lying on the table. A “we want Roman” chant started. Fatu went up top and splashed Cody through the broadcast table. Fatu came up clutching his leg. Fatu tossed one of the broadcast team’s chairs and told Sikoa to finish Cody.
Back in the ring, Sikoa performed a top rope splash on Cody for another near fall. The replay showed Fatu performing the top rope splash and it looked like his shin hit the side of the table. Cody bounced back and executed a jump from the top rope into a Cody Cutter that left both men down.
Roman Reigns’ entrance music played and the “Head of the Table” graphic appeared on the big screen. Roman Reigns walked out wearing an “OTC” t-shirt (presumably Original Tribal Chief). The broadcast team questioned who Reigns was there for.
Reigns ran and then entered the ring and dropped Sikoa with a Superman Punch. The crowd popped big. Reigns let out the war cry and then speared Sikoa. Reigns turned and looked at Cody, who was still down in the corner. Reigns looked down at Sikoa and then left the ring. A “thank you, Roman” chant broke out as Reigns stood at ringside.
Cody and Roman had a long distance look at one another. Cody hit CrossRhodes on Sikoa and then looked at Reigns while pinning Sikoa.
Cody Rhodes defeated Solo Sikoa in 29:10 a Bloodline Rules match.
After the match, Cody stood up and went back to looking at Reigns, who eventually nodded approvingly before walking toward the back. Highlights aired of the match. They shifted to the SummerSlam post show…
Powell’s POV: The main event felt flat until Roman Reigns arrived. The interference involving Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu, Kevin Owens, and Randy Orton was all expected. Owens and Orton received solid reactions, but the crowd popped huge when Reigns came out. In fairness to Cody and Sikoa, the fans likely picked up on the fact that nothing really mattered until the outside interference started.
Overall, this was a good and newsworthy live event with title changes and the Judgment Day shake up that should make for an interesting follow-up. I will have a lot more to say about the show when Jake Barnett and I team up for our same night audio review for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let me know what you thought of SummerSlam by voting for the best match and grading the show below.
Jellyroll ‘s got a good voice. Well done
Saw the sign of the night “Judy Bagwell Endorsed”. And the Judgement Day soap opera gets more intriguing.
End of Judgment Day unless Finn Balor is retaking the reigns.
Oh, I think there were several turns here.
New Judgement Day is
• Balor
• Morgan
• JD Funko
• Carlito
• The dirtiest Dom
What a boring match with Priest and Gunther. And Gunther not turning botching the end and forcing Priest to push him haha. It was bad.
Meanwhile, it’s running away with the voting for best match. I had it second, but it was really good.
“Temu BloodLine” sign behind Solo for the Win!
The only thing missing from the Miz/R-Truth segment was Truth referring to Jelly Roll as the One Man Gang.
Or Akeem..
Who’s Arn gonna get for Cody?
Tully and Barry?
Paul Roma probably needs work.
While I like Orton & Owens, they were a seriously dissapointing “surprise”.
J. Fatu injured himself legitimately?!?!
Looked like it. Could be the tibia or the knee. Hopefully it’s not too bad, Roman and Jacob could be a huge match.
Jacob musta got hurt with the table move because Roman coming back to just take on Solo was flat. I think he was supposed to take on solo and fatu. but he got hurt!
Welp. The Bloodline’s 0-2 in Bloodline Rules matches.
Whenever they want a Bloodline Rules match, EVERYONE should take them up on it.
Loves this show until the last match. Jason nailed it – the fans expected shenanigans and until they started, Solo and Cody could have put on a 10 star match and no one would have cared. Let’s put and end to these BS interference title matches please as it’s tainting Cody
Totally agree. I watched on delay and fast forwarded 20 mins to get to the inevitable interference finish. Every. Damn. Title. Match.