SummerSlam 2024 is anticipated to be one of the biggest ones in WWE history, with multiple storylines and classic matches expected to take place in Cleveland this weekend.
Let’s rewind for a bit and check out the 10 best matches in SummerSlam history.
10. Brock Lesnar vs CM Punk. No Disqualification match. SummerSlam 2013
Our first match in this top 10 list is a clash of two Paul Heyman guys. Brock Lesnar being the brutal force of nature he was, and CM Punk, fresh off a return was among the most popular stars in the company. There was an obvious uneasiness about whether Punk would be made to look like just another one of Lesnar’s hapless victims. The match quickly dissuaded those fears with a resilient CM Punk coming out blasting on all cylinders. There were plenty of close calls and Punk got to prove once again why he was as beloved as he was. In the end however, despite looking like he’d triumph, a few interferences by Paul Heyman would cost him the match, with Lesnar taking advantage by delivering an F5 to him on a chair to end it.
9. Triple H vs Shawn Michaels. Unsanctioned match. SummerSlam 2002
Over the course of their illustrious and legendary careers, one thing is clear. Shawn Michaels and Triple H tend to bring the best (and worst) out of each other. The two managed to deliver something straight out of a novel. Triple H at this time was firmly into a heel run which would define his entire career. In the case of Shawn Michaels, it was his grand return to the ring after 4 years of being on the shelf due to a back injury. The former DX members put on an instant classic, with great focus not only on Michaels’ injury but their well known friendship. This emotional rollercoaster ended with a hard fought win for HBK, but the war was far from over.
8. Razor Ramon vs Shawn Michaels. Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship. SummerSlam 1995
The sequel to another legendary ladder match from Wrestlemania X, this match was added to give the SummerSlam ‘95 card a bit of a boost. In a match where the ladders did not always want to cooperate, Shawn Michaels defended his title against a very calculating Razor Ramon. Once more we had one of HBK’s body parts being targeted, with Ramon being acutely focused on his opponent’s knee. It was a beautifully told story of the babyface overcoming the odds, ending with Razor Ramon handing Shawn Michaels the belt in a show of mutual respect.
7. John Cena vs AJ Styles. Singles Match. 2016.
AJ Styles was already considered one of the best wrestlers on the planet long before he came to the WWE. Putting on iconic matches in TNA and New Japan, the phenomenal one was always seen as the antithesis to John Cena, who was essentially the personification of WWE itself. In a collision of two great wrestling identities, both engaged in a delightful show of oneupmanship. Momentum constantly changed hands and it seemed like it could end anytime. AJ kicked out of an Avalanche AA, then countered another to hit his iconic Styles Clash, which he then added onto with a final phenomenal forearm to claim the win and the respect of the WWE.
6. The Undertaker vs Edge. Hell In a Cell. 2008
Another amazing match to another amazing feud, this was the final of 5 PPV matches the two had against each other that year. It all started 9 months ago with Edge marking his return by costing the Deadman his World Heavyweight title to Batista in another Hell in a Cell Match. This decider was a good old slobberknocker, with The Undertaker mainly beating on Edge, but due credit to the Rated R Superstar for his sheer tenacity. While the bout officially ended with a classic Tombstone Piledriver via The Undertaker, the lasting image of the match was the deadman chokeslamming Edge off a ladder which sent him through the ring.
5. Kurt Angle vs Stone Cold Steve Austin. Singles match for the WWF Championship 2001
Despite having a somewhat iffy finish, this match is a certified classic. Held during the ill fated WCW/ECW invasion era, this match gave us Stone Cold and Kurt Angle at their very best. We had a crazed heel Steve Austin, WWF champion and leader of the WCW/ECW alliance facing off against the babyface Kurt Angle defending the honour of WWF. The 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist displayed grit and tenacity throughout, taking everything the rattlesnake could throw at him. It could have done with a better finish though, with Stone Cold being “disqualified for assaulting referees” a bad end to a good story
4. Bret Hart vs Owen Hart. Steel Cage match for the WWF Championship. 1994
In what has to be one of the greatest “Sibling Rivalry” storylines of all time, two of the greatest students of the acclaimed Hart Dungeon faced off in an enthralling display of technical prowess and mindgames. While the fact that it was a Cage match could have easily led to a more bloody, violent match, all that was cast aside in favor of utilizing what these brothers were the best at. Technical skill, and the sheer aura they could exude. After a grueling and intense back and forth display, it was Bret Hart who would retain his title by escaping the cage by trapping Owen’s legs in the side of the cage.
3. John Cena vs Daniel Bryan. Singles match for the WWE Championship with Triple H as Special guest referee. 2013
It is a well known fact that WWE simply did not believe Daniel Bryan had what it took to be the star the rest of us could clearly see he was. This match and what followed is a perfect encapsulation of it all. Fans at this time had grown tired of WWE’s booking decisions and were fully behind Daniel Bryan. To his credit, John Cena saw this and handpicked the leader of the Yes movement as his opponent. Bryan took everything Cena could throw at him and emerged the victor. This was however short lived, with Randy Orton cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase and crushing our hopes within 8 seconds.
2. The British Bulldog vs Bret Hart. Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship. 1992
A highly charged capacity crowd in London’s iconic Wembley Stadium turned up to cheer on their hometown hero who challenged the greatest gem of the man who trained him, Bret “The Hitman” Hart. It was another display of technical skill combined with family drama. This match was so historic in fact that it was also the first ever Intercontinental title match to headline a PPV. The Bulldog reigned supreme and The Hitman arguably looked better in defeat. An instant classic.
1. The Hardy Boyz vs The Dudley Boyz vs Edge & Christian. TLC match for the WWF Tag Team Championship. 2000.
Quite possibly one of the most revolutionary and awe-inspiring matches of all time, the first-ever Tables, Ladders and Chairs match is simply amazing. What started as the combinational use of all three teams’ signature weapons led to the greatest Summerslam match of all time. Tables got destroyed, ladders were fallen off of and many a chair shot were struck. Edge and Christian came out on top in a match that would earmark everyone involved in it for legendary status.
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