SummerSlam is in the books and it was a goodie! Four new champions, CM Punk returns to the ring and Roman Reigns returns.
Triple H up next
First he thinks the sponsors and the media before getting into the events of SummerSlam.Biggest he thinks the fans of Cleveland for helping them put on a great show. The fans were allowed at most times in Cleveland should get credit.He said they continue to set records in attendance and revenue from PLEs. He then thanked Jelly Roll for making the show extra special not only singing, but getting involved physically. Triple H really says nice things about Sami Zayn. Good to hear. He also says Bronn Breakker is a star and he's 100% right. Triple H then runs down the show and sing the Praises of just about everyone who competed. They all deserve it he's not lying in any way. Triple H runs down the rest of the year PLEs and says fans have a lot to be excited for.
The first question compares the main roster right now to NXT when Triple H ran it. It's a great question because the WWE main roster PLEs have been top notch since Wrestlemania 40. Even before that they were great but the new format of running a few matches but making them all important has made the shows more enjoyable from where I sit. To ask why WWE has been working with TNA Wrestling. Triple H says we're open for business. He said they're going to look at what's best for WWE and if it benefits them he will work with anyone. He said working with other promotions gives his younger guy reps and that's how you get better. He said for other people to grow they need to create opportunities. And working in for a live crowds does just that. He's asked if Stephanie McMahon has a role in a company after she appeared on camera. He said she does not but he loves to see her around and that she loves the business. I'm not sure if he delayed his answer but you can tell he loved having her there. That's pretty adorable! He said we'll see what the future holds and he expects to see her around because she loves being around wrestling. Long time wrestling reporter Bill Apter was asked where John Cena was. Triple H says he'll be back by the Royal Rumble to begin his Last Dance. He said he's looking forward to crafting the story and praised Cena for his incredible career. He was asked if SummerSlam will be two nights from here on out. He says as they continue to grow he'll take it step by step. He said he's excited about the opportunity to see what happens.
Bronn Breakker up next
Bronn Breakker talks about having his dad Rick Steiner and at two nights match uncle Scott Steiner. He said he was happy to have them there it's such a big moment of his career. Breakker looks very happy about his championship win, he can't stop smiling. You're always trying to BigE really says some nice things about the new Intercontinental Champion and since the sky is the limit for him. Big E would know, he was quite the champion. Monday night he wants to elevate the IC championship that'll be tough considering with the past two Champions have done. But for him the sky is the limit as Big E said. Breakker then talks about Sami Zayn giving him a chance and says he respects him. It was a great answer for a young guy and he's going to do wonders for the championship.
Cody Rhodes up next
It sounds like Cody Rhodes will be the final wrestler taking part in a presser. I was hoping we'd get Roman Reigns but I understand why we don't. I assume we'll find out why he did what he did on SmackDown. It'll be a long six days!The first question is about Cody's dog. They said this is his final premium live event. I was worried he was sick but luckily it sounds like he just retiring. Congrats Pharaoh! Cody says he is 2-0 in Bloodline rules matches. He credits Roman reigns with helping him keep the championship tonight. Did you ever think that would happen at Wrestlemania 40 when you saw Cody the feet Roman. He said WWE fans wanted Roman and boy was Cody right. Cody is asked they go from here, he said he doesn't know but acknowledged Roman Reigns deserves a rematch. He prayed Roman for being a great wrestler and said wrestling him is hard. Roman might get a title shot but I think he's going to be busy with Solo and Bloodline 2.0 before he turns his attention to the American Nightmare.
They ask Cody about on Anderson. He said Arn is a huge part of his story. He said since his dad can't be with him he's happy to have a guy who was close to his dad you with him. He said Arn is a visionary and brought up the promo in AEW where Arn Anderson talk about appointment gun. He talks about having a hall of famers at tonight's show, then said he hopes we see more of Arn Anderson in the future.
He talks about the future and really seems excited. Cody has been a workhorse since coming back to WWE minus the time on the shelf with his injury. He'd lose a lot of credit for carrying the company doing a very important time. he certainly has help but he's been the man.
LA Knight wins US title! Yeah!
LA Knight is up next. He said he's been drinking Hard Lemonade to prepare for the presser but he looks fine. He's asked about beating a guy who is new to the business while he is a long time veteran. "The things that I'm looking for maybe not quite getting the recognition of looking for out at the same time if I don't see it the damn sure nobody else can see it so for me and he I don't know if I'm empty headed or what but I don't have to quit." He talks about never quitting even as a kid. He proved that tonight by winning the US championship. Anyway this is the first time I remember LA Knight doing a presser. He's very well spoken, he gives good interviews and he's truly a star. And we work for this, happy to see it! Knight is asked who is next challenger should be if it's not Logan Paul. He said he just won the damn thing before saying there are many different contenders for the championship. He said anybody who wants to challenge him will get a shot. That was the last question and he's out. Yeah!
Gunther celebrates
They ask Gunther if his championship match with marred by Finn Balor turning on Damian Priest. Gunther says no and he's right. It's not his job to make sure his opponent has friends he can depend on. Priest is great but he lost. Gunther had nothing to do with that.
McIntyre speaks after beating Punk
Drew McIntyre praises CM Punk, and Wade Barrett celebrate with Drew. They show Punk listening to Drew's presser and he looks unhppy. Who can blame him. Not only did he lose but there was no sign of Larry in Cody Rhodes was allowed to bring his dog to the match. Doesn't seem fair to me. McIntyre says it's funny that punk doesn't drink but spends all his time in rehab, alleging he's always hurt. Punk, McIntyre and Rollins have been , incredible, and it appears this feud will continue. We all win.
Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax start presser
Jax starts by asking where her congratulations is.Jax gets emotional when talking about how she went from unemployed to Queen of the Ring and champion.They asked Nia a question but she defers to Tiffy. She said she helped my Jax win the title. They then talk about Stratton's new pink Money in the Bank briefcase. How long until wrestling dolls come with that?Stratton said she was handpicked to be Nia Jax's bestie. They do look like they're having fun together. Nia really goes out of her way to praise Tiffy. Let's hope it turns out better than last time she had a bestie.
Overall Summerslam thoughts
I was excited going in and the show exceeded my expectations. Roman is back, Judgment Day might be dead, Gunther is a new champion, so is Nia Jax, LA Knight and Bronn Breakker, Dirty Dom has a new girlfriend and nothing has been settled between CM Punk, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre. Great night of wrestling and lots of issues to still work out. Great PLE. Only downside, man I like Roman Reigns has a bad guy. He has a lot of work to do to be as good a good guy as he was during the past 4 years and the biggest jerk in the game. If anyone can do it it's him.
Cody Rhodes defeats Solo Sikoa
He needed to help arguably his biggest rival in WWE but Cody Rhodes walks out of SummerSlam with the title. Solo did himself well, look strong and never looked at a place. He's come a long way since making his debut two years ago and he'll continue to be a big player in WWE.
Roman Reigns is back
Roman Reigns' music hit and he's slowly makes his way down the aisle. The head of the table has returned to claim his seat. But he has issues with both guys so who will he go after? It's solo and he hits a Superman punch and the tribal Chief is a good guy. He hits a spear glances over at Cody, acknowledges the crowd and walks to the back. The best wrestler in the past five years has returned and WWE just got even better. But Cody still has work to do.
Cody hits another Crossrhoads and pins Solo. He locks eyes with Roman Reigns as he gets his hands raised. You have to think Roman has issue with Solo but he'll eventually won his belt back. Welcome back Roman Reigns.
Cody Rhodes defeats solo Sikoa
It took some help from Roman Reigns but Cody Rhodes defeated the fake Tribal Chief with help from Roman Reigns. Good match that had some moments but obviously the best part was Roman returning. This will set up roaming against Solo at some point and gives WWE yet another top guy -- actually the top guy. You were missed Roman, welcome back!Score: 88 out of 100.
Solo Sikoa vs. Cody Rhodes, Bloodline Rules!
This is going to be a wild ride! Last Bloodline Rules match was incredible. This should be just as good! Solo lives up to his name, coming out alone. That likely won't last. Cody comes out with his dog. WWE does a great job promoting stars with dogs. If you want to be like them, visit your shelter and get a homeless dog or cat. You won't regret it. Arn Anderson is there! He's giving Cody a pep talk! This is great! Anderson says Cody has friends. Wonder who he is acknowledging? I hope they smash em. Cody has defended the title four times since winning it. Does that mean live events are nontitle or they don't count? Bell rings and we are off! Cody Rhodes hits a couple shoulder blocks but Solo Sikoa shake them off. The fans are really going nuts early in the match. They lock up again Cody goes to slap the Sikoa in the face but he blocks it and they're back to square one. Sikoa takes over on the outside. He Rams Cody's head into the steps and ass fans to acknowledge him. They respond telling him they'd rather not. Sikoa hits a nice spin kick and gets a two count. Then he hits a big back body drop. Cody Rhodes is in trouble. He hits a Samoan drop and shows off the Samoan Spike but Cody avoids it and drills a Cody cutter. Solo is sent to the floor and Cody goes to work ramming him into the barricade and now get hydrated and hits Solo with a drink. Solo hits a power bomb and gets a two count. If Rhodes doesn't start making a comeback, it might not matter that this is Bloodline Rules. Because right now Solo looks like he needs no help. Another Samoan drop in Solo looks to have this match in hand. Of course Cody Rhodes has been down before. I almost feel like I'm waiting for interference instead of enjoying this match. Eric Bischoff said this week that fans wearing clamoring for Roman Reigns to come back. I like Eric Bischoff, I enjoy his podcast and I think he was great in WCW, but he couldn't be more wrong about fans not wanting Roman Reigns back. You want him back, I want him back and anyone who loves wrestling wants him back. He was so good at champion and I can't wait to see what he does tonight. Assuming he comes back.
Solo is really putting on a good match here. He's another guy who's really stepped up. They have an abundance of big guys, many are young and can really go. It's exciting to see where this roster will go because there's no shortage of stars.Cody hits a superplex and both men are looking for a second wind. Crazy how easy these guys jump up to the top rope. I remember when only Rob Van Dam could do that. Now you got 300 pounders doing it and Cody just made it look very easy. Cody hits a Crossrhoads, and two members of the Bloodline interfere. You know how they say the war games have now begun? Well Bloodline Rules has now begun! They hit a double team move but Cody kicks out. And here comes Kevin Owens.Owen goes after all three members of the Bloodline. Only Jacob Fatu is missing. Owen takes control but eventually gets cut off so who's next? It's Randy Orton and he's jogging to the ring to even out the odds. Orton hits an RKO then Owens hits a stunner. I would assume this would bring out Jacob for two because now Orton hit the power slam on Solo followed by a senton on Solo. Cody hits another Crossrhoads in Solo kicked out. Solo ain't no job or he looks good. RKO battles back to the locker room with the two members of the Bloodline as Cody looks to win the match. He brings in the steps and stalks a Solo. Steps in the Solo's face and does it again. He goes for a third with Solo spears him. He's Now setting up the steps in the corner and he does not look like he has good intentions. Cody hits a third Crossrhoads. A fourth. And before you can hit a fifth he gets crushed by a Jacob Fatu flying somersault off the top rope.But Cody kicks out before solo can pin him. Who is coming out next? I think it's the former champion of the winners' bracket.
Jacob Fatu it's a super kick putting Cody on the table and we know Fatu can fly. He just put Cody through a table and it appears he hurt his ankle but he's popping up because he's a warrior. Cody is a warrior too but he can't get up, he was just smushed. Solo hits a frog splash but Cody kicks at out at two. Will Cody get some help? Believe that!Cody hits a super kick and a Cody cutter. And there we have it stand up and throw your ones up. The Tribal Chief has returned!
Awesome Truth appear to talk SummerSlam attendance
It's announced 57,701 people are there. A-Town Down come out to talk trash to the former champs. They rip the Browns, which is fair. Then Jelly Roll. Truth calls A-Town Down the Rock and Roll Express. Jelly Roll hits both members of A-Town Down with a chair and they celebrate!
Gunther defeats Damian Priest to win championship
It took Finn Balor turning on his Judgment Day teammate, but Gunther is your new world heavyweight champion. Glad Balor is getting elevated to a big feud, glad Gunther got the belt and happy for Priest, who isn't a potential star. He's a huge star. Score: 87 out of 100
Gunther vs. Damian Priest
This should be another classic. There are as many top guys in WWE now than ever before. That's a bold statement, but true. And two of the best are ready to battle it out for the title. Challenger is out first, followed by the champ. Priest goes to work on Gunther. They're going back and forth. These are two of the best hosses in the game. So far it's what you would expect, two big dudes pounding on each other. Gunther is bleeding, but he's not backing down, hitting Priest with chops. Priest is doing soccer kicks. For as big as these dudes are, they can move! Fans are quieter for this match, they shouldn't be. Now they're getting behind them. That was fast! Priest hits the chokeslam but can't get the pin. Gunther is pounding Damian, and things look bleak for the champ. Finn Balor comes to ringside. Gunther continues the beatdown. Balor encourages Priest, but Gunther cheapshots the Irishman. Priest with two viscous clothesline. Then a chokeslam. Balor puts Gunther's foot on the rope. That's not nice! Priest sees the replay. Balor and Priest lock eyes, but Gunther pulls him in and chokes him out but he recovers and kicks out. But Gunther hits a powerbomb when Priest attacks Balor and he gets put choked out. We have a new champ.
Drew McIntyre pins CM Punk
Rollins leaves after counting the three. Now Punk has a serious problem. He lost, he's made an enemy out of Rollins, and McIntyre gets the win and takes back the bracelet. How did Larry make that? That's a talented dog. McIntyre puts his foot on Punk's chest and walks out. Punk looked good, there were lots of bells and whistles, and all three men still have issue with each other. Great match. Score: 92 out of 100.
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins special guest referee
Rollins has a smoking hot referee jacket. He looks like he's ready to do his job! McIntyre out next, and he looks unhappy as always. Crazy that this match is No. 3 on the card. Shows how deep and talented the WWE roster is. I hate to sound like Gorilla Monsoon, but this could be a main event anywhere in the country! McIntyre requests Punk make his entrance and just like that we hear Cult of Personality. Punk says it's clobbering time and he's headed to his first singles match at a WWE PLE in a long time! And they're off beating each other up. Punk takes over and is thrown out of the corner by Seth. As he argued, McIntyre takes over. Punk hits a flying clothesline and is punching him. Drew hits a throat shot and then a nasty chop. Punk throws him out. This is fun. But Punk looks beat up. He hits a flying clothesline off the apron. This is going to be a slobberknocker, JR! Rollins has a wardrobe malfunction and his tending to his shoes as Punk hits some cheapshots on the stairs. Fans are singing Rollins song and this is a giant party in Cleveland. McIntyre swings Punk's head into the announce table, and he has the edge. Rollins is an incredible wrestler, but not very good as a ref. He just let McIntyre slingshot Punk into the ring apron. That's allegedly steel! Punk throws a wild punch ala Terry Funk! Love it! Punk is taking a beating and is thrown across the ring. Rollins didn't make the count. He's struggling in his first night as a ref. We can criticize, but we've never done it! McIntyre gets warned by Rollins, now he's grabbing a chair. Wonder if it's shaved down? Rollins and McIntyre discuss the chair situation, and McIntyre says if he does it, their problems go away. He's got a point. He allows it, then doesn't, grabbing the chair. They're yelling more. Rollins really needs to study before reffing his next match. This isn't his calling. McIntyre puts on Punk's bracelet and calls for the kick, but Punk is the one who delivers a kick. He then hits a neckbreaker and he's in control. Punk is taking over. He's now going for an elbow drop. He blows a kiss to Rollins and delivers it. But Punk kicks out. He goes for the anaconda vice and then he reclaims his bracelet. But turns around and eats a Claymore kick, but kicks out at 2. McIntyre goes for a DDT, but Punk escapes. He goes for a G2S, but sees Rollins wearing the bracelet. He drops McIntyre and goes after Rollins. Rollins is bumped to the outside, Punk hits a Go To Sleep, McIntyre kicks out after a delayed count. Rollins and Punk are arguing again. Rollins hit him in the chest, which is unprofessional. Punk hits a G2S on Rollins, which was uncalled for. Then he puts on the bracelet and goes after McIntyre who kicks him low. Then he hits a Claymore. Rollins counts out Punk. What a match!
Hawk Tuah girl at Summer Slam
The 'Hawk Tuah' girl who went viral with a funny video a few weeks back is at SummerSlam. Haliey Welch is her name and while she went viral for a strange reason, she's made the most out of her new found fame. She's also given back, donating her time and money to animal rescues. Glad she's a wrestling fan!
Nia Jax defeats Bayley for WWE Women's Championship
Bayley took a licking and eventually couldn't keep on ticking. Jax overpowered her and thanks to the Tiffany Stratton failed attempt to cash in, Nia keeps the belt and Tiffy keeps the briefcase. Score: 71 out of 100.
Nia Jax vs. Bayley
The challenging queen is out first. Heavy is the head of she who wears the crown, but in this match, that would be Bayley, right? Bayley starts out hot but Jax overpowers her pretty easily. Jax hits a stinkface in honor of her cousin. Or uncle. Someone in her bloodline did that. Bayley is taking a whooping here, but she fights back with a choke. That's turned into a standing gourdbuster and Jax hits a senton. Wow, that looked painful! But not enough for a three count. Still, Jax has control. She missed a Matt Hardy leg drop, and Bayley hits the Bayley to belly but gets a two count. Three wrestlers used that as a finish, her, Magnum TA and Shane Douglas. Who had the best? Jax back in control now. She goes for a sitdown splash off the second rope, nails it but only gets a two count. I'm not sure I ever saw anyone kick out of that before. Jax is still in control. Bayley hits a dive to the floor, but Jax catches her and hits a Samoan slam on the floor. Bayley is earning her check tonight. Jax goes for another, but Bayley hits a powerbomb out of the corner. Bayley is strong! Macho Man elbow and scores a two count. They're working hard! Wait, it's Tiffy Time! She tries to cash in, but Bayley cuts her off. She then tries to take over on Jax, but she eats a powerbomb. Another powerbomb. Then a sitdown splash. And another. It's over. Queen Nia is the champion!
WWE Judgement Day
Is this the end of the Judgement Day? With Dirty Dom Mysterio turning on Rhea Ripley, someone is obviously out. But what happens to Damian Priest, who still has a huge match tonight? He yelled at the other members of the faction after Ripley was defeated. Will this be the end of the Judgement Day? I hope not, they've been fun, but you have to think they'll at least look different at Monday Night Raw.
Will Roman Reigns come back at SummerSlam 2024?
Nothing is official, but he has to right? Solo Sikoa has run the Tribal Chief down, he's beaten up Paul Heyman, he's called himself the Tribal Chief and he said Roman isn't coming back. If he doesn't, maybe Sikoa is officially the new Tribal Chief. But I think he does. And I think he's the reason Cody Rhodes wins.
LA Knight defeats Logan Paul for US championship
Knight has been hot for more than a year now, and he finally cashes in with a championship. Logan Paul has been a fine champ, but Knight deserved this one. Score: 81 out of 100.
LA Knight vs. Logan Paul with Machine Gun Kelly
Logan Paul is coming out with Machine Gun Kelly. Paul is letting MGK carry the championship to the ring. This is something I bet a lot of old school fans love! LA Knight comes in the Prime Mobile, breaks out the windows and heads to the ring. YEAH! Knight starts off strong outside the ring, bouncing the champ around ringside. Knight continues to pour it on, hitting a TKO neckbreaker on the table. It doesn't break and both men are banged up. YEAH! The two have battled back and forth, lots going on but nobody close to winning. In fact, it's been a very back and forth affair thus far. Paul can really wrestle. Knight can too. Logan Paul is showing courage in this match, unlike this week when he tweeted an incorrect statement about an Olympic boxer, then apologized for being wrong, but wouldn't allow comments and made the tweet about something else completely. Sorry, X. He does hit a springboard moonsault and drilled Knight. Paul hit a big punch and got a two count. Knight beats up Paul's entourage, but MGK is giving Paul brass knuckles. That's unsportsmanlike. He nails a punch, goes for the slingshot clothesline, but walks into a LA Knight finisher and he wins. It's Knight time in Cleveland! New US champion.
Bronn Breakker wins Intercontinental championship
Breakker ends Zayn's title reign that began at Wrestlemania 40. He's also been featured on just about every PLE since winning the title, and has had some amazing matches on Raw. Great run for Sami, but Bronn Breakker is a star and this belt is a stepping stone to bigger things. He's a top guy waiting to happen. Score: 75 out of 100.
Rick Steiner, Scott Steiner must be proud
The Steiner brothers are among the greatest tag teams in wrestling. And tonight, Scott's nephew, Rick's son, Bronn Breakker won his first main roster title. Scott Steiner is an all-time great as Big Poppa Pump, and his nephew has the skills to surpass him. Congrats, Steiners.
Bronn Breakker vs. Sami Zayn
Breakker is out first. Zayn out next and the champion starts out hot, hitting a plancha on the bigger challenger. Breakker is favoring his shoulder, but he is able to dodge a Helluva kick. Breakker hits a FrankenSteiner and he might be the best athlete in wrestling. That's a bold statement, but I can't see anyone his size who can do the things he can do. It's sick. Zayn recovers and hits a Blue Thunder Bomb, but only gets a two count. Breakker hits a spear that is nastier than any other spear you'll see. He hits another and wins the belt.
Damian Priest unhappy with Dom
Damian Priest comes in the Judgment Day locker room and he's livid about what happened. Finn Balor says he had no idea Dom Mysterio was going to do that. Priest stormed off. He has bigger fish to fry, he can't get involved in these affairs of the heart! Good news for Buddy Murphy, I guess, he gets his girl back. It shows that no matter how bad of a guy you are, you can always make a heel turn!
Liv Morgan defeats Rhea Ripley with help from Dirty Dom
It was a good match, both worked hard and the story continues. Score: 86 out of 100
Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan
Rhea comes out with Dirty Dom Mysterio. They look quite the happy couple. I guess Michael Cole likes Rhea's outfit, he said it looks like the Badda Bing. Whataya gonna do? Liv is out and looks very happy for a woman who was recently dumped on national TV. I wonder what helped her get over him. Ripley dominated early, but she hurt her recently healed shoulder and now Liv is going to work. Liv worked on Rhea's arm, but when she went for a suicide dive, Dom took the bullet for Rhea. Oh my god, Rhea just popped her shoulder back in by ramming it into the announce table. That looked so painful. Rhea takes control, and goes to hit Morgan with a chair. Dom stops her! Tells her you can't win the title that way. Dirty Dom has a point. Morgan hits her finisher, but Ripley kicks out! Dom tosses a chair in, Morgan hits her finisher again, this time on a chair, and she wins. Dom helped her, but not obviously. I blame Ripley, she introduced the weapon! Liv Morgan defeats Rhea Ripley. And then Dom gives her a big kiss. Michael Cole with a great call! Ripley is crying, but not tears of sadness. Tears of anger. Liv and Dom walk out together. Ripley looks bad ass with lipstick on her teeth, crying. Pat McAfee doesn't care for Dom, apparently! I thought this finish was too obvious, but I'm happy the feud is continuing.
SummerSlam match order
Fightfulselect.com is reporting the match order for tonight's show.
Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley
Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker
Logan Paul vs. LA Knight
Bayley vs. Nia Jax
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre
Damian Priest vs. Gunther
Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa
Is SummerSlam sold out?
WWE is hot right now and its been selling out just about everywhere they go. But is SummerSlam a sellout? It wasn't as of an hour ago, but it was pretty darn close and after walkups, it very well could be.
WWE SummerSlam
Sat • Aug 03 • 6:30 PM
Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OHAvailable Tickets: 2,626
Current Setup: 56,646
Tickets Distributed: 54,020📈 | +3,472 since the last update (2 days ago)
⏮ | Last year's SummerSlam: Ford Field, Detroit, MI 51,477
💰 | Resale:… pic.twitter.com/7T6CxLlWkp— WrestleTix (@WrestleTix) August 3, 2024
Triple H welcomes fans
In what is becoming a tradition for big PLEs, Triple H made his way before the crowd prior to the start of SummerSlam. He asked Cleveland if they're ready. They let him know they were on board. He gave a shoutout to Jelly Roll for his performance of God Bless America and then Jelly sang another song. They interviewed him prior to the show, he's a huge WWE fan. Good for him. But if I said I liked this song, I'd be a Liar.
How long is SummerSlam 2024?
Traditional PLEs under Triple H have featured five matches and three hours. With SummerSlam starting at 7 p.m., it's safe to assume with seven matches, we will see a show that will run around four hours.
What will open SummerSlam?
The first match of the night will be Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley. This is a great call. I'd argue this is the hottest feud of the night. I guess Drew McIntyre-CM Punk has the same momentum heading into the show, but Ripley has gotten more popular since her injury and Morgan has been so entertaining as a bad girl. She's been so much fun, and this match is going to be the perfect way to open the night. We'll likely see a surprise in this match, and I know people think Dirty Dom will turn on Rhea, but I'd like to see them stick together and have Rhea be the bad girl.
Jelly Roll to kick off SummerSlam
Pat McAfee interviewed Jelly Roll prior to the show and it was announced that he'll open the show with a song. Pretty cool interview, McAfee is one of the top stars in media, and Mr. Roll is one of the top musical performers right now. Very cool.
SummerSlam 2025 location?
OK, so we know in two years, SummerSlam becomes two nights when it comes to Minnesota, but where will SummerSlam be next year? WWE hasn't released that information, but possibly we'll hear it tonight.
Summerslam Preshow Matches?
Unlike in previous years, this year's preshow is a straight up preview show. It includes interviews and recaps and predictions, but there are no matches scheduled.
Is SummerSlam free on Peaco*ck?
If you want to watch tonight's SummerSlam in the United States, you need Peaco*ck. The NBC streaming service no longer offers a free trial, but if you sign up, you get SummerSlam as well as the Olympics. To watch, you can sign up here.
SummerSlam Match Order
It's hard to predict the order of this. But we'll give it a shot. And we've already established that we've earmarked Cody Rhodes-Solo Sikoa as the main event.
For the opener, we'll go with Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan. I think this has the best story going in, so this has earned a marquee billing. After that, we'll go Logan Paul vs. LA Knight. This keeps the crowd alive with a local guy who sounds like he'll be the bad guy. Thought Cleveland was loyal to their won, but not according to the cheers thus far! Next up, Bayley vs. Nia Jax. The other women's match has the most buzz, this match to me has the least. But Jax has improved a lot this time and Bayley never has a bad match. Next up it's time for Damian Priest vs. Gunther. The only reason this isn't in a main event spot is because of the competition. I could see Bronn Breakker vs. Sami Zyan as the next match, followed by the CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre match. Pretty outrageous the level of matches on this show, there isn't a bad one listed. Then throw in a segment with the Miz, he should be allowed to come out and put on a little show in his hometown, nobody deserves it more. Then send out the Bloodline!
He's the Miz and he's awesome
I'm glad they found a prominent role for the Miz. I've interviewed him in the past and you can tell he's a good guy. Whatever role they throw at him, he stars. Good guy? He can pull it off. Bad guy? Few are better. Tag team? Sure. World champion? He was good. IC champ? One of the best. Zombie match? He did it! Movies, interviews, MizTV, reality show, he's done it all and done it all well. He's getting his accolades more and more these days, and he's earned it. By my favorite part of the Miz? He's probably the most popular wrestler among his peers. That's great to see.
What will main event SummerSlam?
There are at least three matches that could main event tonight, and I'm excited to see what will. Either big title matches, Cody Rhodes-Solo Sikoa and Damian Priest-Gunther could headline, yet so could CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre with Seth Rollins serving as ref. It's CM Punk's first singles match on TV in WWE in a long time. Gunther winning the title could be as important a moment in WWE as Brock Lesnar beating the Rock at SummerSlam. Sounds crazy, but why couldn't Gunther grow into that kind of star? And the match with the best storyline is arguably Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan. Probably a long shot to be the main event, but who doesn't want to see that match? I think they'll go with the Bloodline Rules match, and if Roman Reigns returns, I think it's the right call.
Bloodline Rules?
Love the switch to Bloodline Rules. Think it was very stupid of Cody Rhodes to accept it, but it opens up so many possibilities. I predicted a lot of interference earlier, but this makes it legal. And this makes Roman Reigns' return easy to see. I hope that happens, but I hope he stays the Tribal Chief, the guy who was a total jerk. And I think he will. Just good to have him back.
Special guest SummerSlam refs
This is the third time that I can remember when one of the top SummerSlam matches featured a special guest referee. In 1997, Shawn Michaels was the ref in the championship match between the Undertaker and Bret Hart, and a few years later, Jesse Ventura officiated the title match between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Mankind and Triple H. Tonight will be the third with Seth Rollins calling the match between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. For a minute I felt bad for Rollins, not being in a match, but in this PPV, it's almost like the refs have been bigger. Rollins might be the best all around performer in the sport and any role he gets, he'll star.
When is WWE SummerSlam?
SummerSlam will be held Saturday, Aug. 3.
Where is SummerSlam?
SummerSlam will be held at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
What time does the SummerSlam Preshow start?
The SummerSlam Preshow starts at 4 p.m. It will last three hours.
What time does SummerSlam start tonight?
SummerSlam begins at 7 p.m. after a two-hour countdown show that begins at 5 p.m.
What channel is WWE SummerSlam on?
In the United States, SummerSlam will stream live on Peaco*ck. It will also be available on traditional pay per view at a price of $44.99. Internationally, it will be available on WWE Network.
Peaco*ck: https://imp.i305175.net/k0JJ1x
SummerSlam match card
Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa, undisputed WWE championship match, to be contested under Bloodline Rules
Damian Priest vs. Gunther, World Heavyweight Championship match
Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley, Women's World Championship match
Bayley vs. Nia Jax, WWE Women's Championship match
Sami Zayn vs. Bronn Breakker, WWE Intercontinental Championship match
Logan Paul vs. LA Knight, WWE United States Championship match
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins as special guest referee
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: WWE SummerSlam results: Roman Reigns returns; four champs crowned