Top five best WWE SummerSlam endings
(Courtesy : WWE)
WWE SummerSlam is WWE’s second-largest event
WWE SummerSlam is a highly anticipated event with a track record of great moments and dramatic endings. SummerSlam, which debuted in 1988, has staged some of professional wrestling’s most memorable contests and heartbreaking ends. Every year, fans eagerly anticipate the end of fierce rivalries, unexpected twists, and spectacular battles that leave an unforgettable impact.
Over the years, SummerSlam has had several jaw-dropping finishes, whether crowning new champions, settling hot feuds, or setting the basis for future storylines. These climactic moments are indelible in WWE history, cherished by fans and frequently replicated because of their sheer intensity and significance.
As we prepare for another edition of this summer extravaganza, let’s go down memory lane and look at the top five best closures to the WWE SummerSlam event that have defined and captivated fans all over the world.
5. WWE SummerSlam 2011 – Alberto DelRio cashes in on CM Punk
Alberto Del Rio utilized his contract to eliminate CM Punk at the height of his man-of-the-people popularity, cashing in only seconds after The Second City Saint defeated John Cena in a thrilling Undisputed Championship match. So points are rewarded for bold timing.
However, this cash-in suffered because Del Rio immediately discovered that it was more difficult to hold the crown than to win it. The Essence of Excellence played hot potato with the title in the months that followed, eventually losing it to Punk, who began his record-breaking reign as a result.
4. WWE SummerSlam 2022 – Roman Reigns establishes himself as the TOP GUY
After turning heel, this was the biggest match and the ending began Roman Reigns’ real reign of terror as the Tribal Chief. Reigns won a Last Man Standing match against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam 2022 to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
The bout began with Lesnar riding a tractor to the ring, with which he lifted one end of the ring off the ground, and witnessed Theory attempt (and fail) to pay in his Money in the Bank briefcase.
The match concluded with Reigns, who was assisted by The Usos, hitting The Beast Incarnate in the head with multiple belt shots before burying him under a mountain of tables, ring steps, chairs, monitors, and other debris as the referee counted to ten, ending WWE SummerSlam 2022 with Lesnar on the floor.
3. WWE SummerSlam 2002 – Brock Lesnar beats The Rock
SummerSlam 2002 was a stacked pay-per-view. The first three battles were Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho vs. Ric Flair, and Edge against Eddie Guerrero. On any other card, they are all major occurrences.
We also had Rob Van Dam, Booker T, Goldust, Christian, Lance Storm, Test, The Undertaker, and, of course, Shawn Michaels and Triple H in an unofficial bout.
With all of the incredible talent and fantastic bouts on display that night, it’s no surprise that the main event has been lost in the mix.
When a young Brock Lesnar faced The Rock, Brock ended up receiving applause. He defeated The Rock, sending him to Hollywood to become the next legend of the organization.
2. WWE SummerSlam 1992 – British Bulldog overcame Bret Hart to win IC Title
Many fans have rated this encounter as one of the finest in WWE history. It has been acclaimed for the high quality of its action, excellent storyline, and devoted audience. It was believed to be the ideal main event match. And one of the two men involved described it as his favorite match of his career.
Hart and Bulldog had been good friends (and brothers-in-law) for many years. They trained together at the Hart Family Dungeon, and Bulldog later married Bret’s sister Diana. By 1992, Bret had achieved almost everything in WWE except winning the world championship.
But to achieve that level, he had to give up the Intercontinental Championship. To capitalize on WWE’s growing worldwide popularity, WWE decided to schedule SummerSlam in the United Kingdom, where Bulldog would be greeted as a hero.
The match started with both men doing excellent maneuvers but as Bret went for a sunset flip to end the match Bulldog countered it into a cradle pin to win the match and become the new IC Champion.
1. WWE SummerSlam 2013 – Triple H screws Daniel Bryan
SummerSlam 2013 featured one of the most shocking endings in WWE history. Daniel Bryan defeated John Cena to win the WWE Championship in a hard-fought, exhilarating match. However, the celebration was cut short when special guest referee Triple H betrayed Bryan with a Pedigree.
Randy Orton then cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, swiftly pinning Bryan to become the new WWE Champion. This dramatic conclusion not only stunned the WWE Universe but also marked the beginning of The Authority’s reign, setting the stage for Bryan’s ultimate redemption at WrestleMania 30.
The double turn of Triple H and Orton solidified their villainous roles, creating a memorable and impactful moment that resonated with fans for years.
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