‘SummerSlam’ Hints to Start of New Exciting Era for WWE TV
SummerSlam marked a new era for WWE as the first major show without Vince McMahon. It was also the first major show under Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s as executive vice president of creative.
His fingerprints could be found sprinkled throughout the show. During the Pat McAfee versus Happy Corbin match Corey Graces was even heard telling broadcast partner Michael Cole that he liked him better when he couldn’t have an opinion. Cole responded with, “That’s changed. A lot has changed.”
Glenn “Kane” Jacobs, Knox County mayor, reported that 48,449 fans packed Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Saturday, July 30, to witness the “Biggest Party of the Summer.” Among them was WWE Hall of Famer Kid Rock, who played tonsil hockey with his lady friend while on camera.
But that’s not all. Let’s unpack a night of surprises, upsets, and tractors flipping over rings. I’ll explain below.
Just When You Thought You’ve Seen It All…
WWE
Brock Lesnar, complete with a cowboy hat, drove a tractor with a front-loader on it to the ring for his last-man-standing match with Roman Reigns. The self-described big-ass country boy and the “Tribal Chief” turned Music City into Smashville. At one point, Lesnar lifted Reigns up into the front loader and dumped him in the ring. Then he took it a step further moving and lifting the ring while Reigns was inside it.
Theory looked to be cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase when both champion and challenger were incapacitated. Things didn’t pan out for the Raw superstar, falling victim to an F5. From the tractor to the Usos to Paul Heyman to tables to steps, it ultimately took everything for Reigns to keep “The Beast Incarnate” down for the 10 counts. The stage is set for Drew McIntyre to challenge next at the Clash at the Castle on September 3 before a massive crowd in the United Kingdom. After the cameras stopped rolling, cowboy Brock climbed to the top of the tilted ring and sat there for a moment, soaking in the scene wearing his cowboy hat again. He’ll live to fight another day.
Bayley’s Back…and She Did Not Come Back Alone
WWE
The opening match was a rematch from last year’s SummerSlam where Becky Lynch returned to defeat Bianca Belair in 26 seconds. This time around Belair got a decisive victory over “Big Time Becks.” Lynch showed a sign of respect with an embrace. Bayley emerged shortly after and came with Io Shirai (now Io Sky) of NXT and Dakota Kai, who was released from the company earlier this year. The line was drawn with Bayley, Kai, and Shirai against Beliar. Lynch came back to the ring evening the odds. The Raw women’s division just got a huge shot in the arm.
Edge Comes for Payback
WWE
After weeks of teasers, the Hall of Famer emerged for the first time since The Judgement Day turned on him. Somehow Edge always finds a way to evolve in a new incarnation cooler than the one prior. He helped Dominik and Rey Mysterio defeat Damian Priest and Finn Balor. Mysterio is still smooth as ever and comes up with moves that innovate. It was 20 years ago that Mysterio first worked at SummerSlam.
Logan Paul Is for Real
WWE
The social media star showed he is taking his new career path seriously, defeating The Miz with his own move. He even busted out a moonsault to the outside and delivered a frog splash on Miz through the announce table. AJ Styles evened the odds for Paul against Team Miz, running off Ciampa. Maryse attempted to stop Paul from defeating her husband but to no avail.
Liv Upsets Ronda Again
WWE
Liv Morgan shocked the world by cashing in the Money in the Bank briefcase a few weeks ago on Ronda Rousey, and did it again at SummerSlam. The champion tried everything to fight off Rousey’s onslaught. Morgan to her credit kept up with the UFC Hall of Famer. Rousey had an armbar locked to the point Morgan tapped. However, the ref was too busy counting Rousey’s shoulders to the mat to see it. The challenger Rousey then went on a rampage taking out officials.
The Usos Are the Ones
WWE
The Usos and Street Profits, known for putting on classics, added another to their series of matches. This time around WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett was called upon as a special referee. Montez Ford hurt his ribs after a spectacular frog splash. The Usos took advantage. Their dominance of the tag team divisions lives on.
Bum Ass Corbin
WWE
Pat McAfee and Happy Corbin, two former NFL teammates, collided. But not before a choir sang “Bum Ass Corbin.” McAfee, now a SmackDown broadcaster, knows how to work for a crowd and excel as a budding professional wrestler. He stood victorious over Corbin, who is no longer happy.
Losing Theory
WWE
Bobby Lashley retained the United States title with the Hurt Lock on Theory. The champ showed the Money in the Bank holder why he is called “The Almighty.”
