WWE SummerSlam 2021 Review

Welcome to the 2021 WWE SummerSlam review on TJRWrestling with the biggest crowd in WWE this year so far with over 50,000+ fans expected to fill Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, home of the NFL’s Raiders.

It was the first time SummerSlam is on a Saturday because Vegas likes big shows on a Saturday, so that’s what we get.

This was written live when the show took place in 2021.

KICKOFF SHOW

Big E made his entrance for the Kickoff Show match. A woman named Raine Cruz won a TikTok contest to be the guest announcer and she did a great job. Baron Corbin made his entrance with no theme music with Corbin holding the Money in the Bank briefcase in his arms. The briefcase legally belongs to Big E. The Smackdown announce team of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee called this match.

Big E vs. Baron Corbin

Big E tackled Corbin into the turnbuckle followed by a shoulder tackle and then Corbin hit a shoulder tackle. Big E caught Corbin his arms leading to a belly to belly suplex. Big E with a belly to back suplex for two. Big E set up Corbin on the apron with a running splash attempt, but Corbin moved and Big E splashed the apron instead. Corbin sent Big E into the ring post. When Big E got back in the ring, Corbin sent Big E shoulder first into the ring post two times in a row. Corbin sent Big E into the turnbuckle for a third time. They showed the MITB briefcase on the announce table while Corbin slapped on a chinlock. Big E charged with Corbin picking him up and hitting a sidewalk slam. Big E countered a Chokeslam attempt into a Stretch Muffler submission, but Corbin kicked himself free. Big E charged right into a Deep Six slam by Corbin for two. Corbin tried to leave with the Money in the Bank briefcase, but Big E stopped him and hit him with a shoulder tackle into the barricade. Corbin still had the briefcase in his hands and then Big E hit a running Spear on the apron to knock them both down. Back in the ring, Big E clapped leading to loud “New Day Rocks” chants and Big E hit the Big Ending for the pinfall win. It went 6:35.

Winner by pinfall: Big E

Analysis: ** Easy win for Big E. Corbin got some offense like the Deep Six slam that always gets a two count, but then Big E managed to hit some big moves to get the win as he should. That’s the right finish.

They showed Logan Paul at ringside and the fans booed him being shown on camera. Big E left the ring and got the Money in the Bank briefcase back. Good.

There was more talking by the Kickoff Show panel. It was time for the main show. They let us know that Styles/Omos vs. Orton/Riddle is up first.

=====

WWE SummerSlam
From Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada
August 21, 2021

The opening video package hyped up the big matches coming up tone show. They had a bit of a poker chip theme due to gambling being a popular thing in Las Vegas. I enjoy Vegas.

They went into Allegiant Stadium with a shot of the crowd. Cool setup. There’s not a big stage, but the entrance is long. It started with “BRO” for Riddle, which led to loud chants. Randy Orton’s music was next as Riddle sang some of Orton’s song and Riddle made his way down to the ring with Orton. The Raw announce team of Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton were at ringside to welcome us to the show. Riddle had a scooter of course. Orton did his patented in-ring posing with Riddle marking out for it as much as the crowd. AJ Styles and Omos made their entrance as the Raw Tag Team Champions.

Raw Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Omos vs. Randy Orton & Riddle

Styles and Orton started as they exchanged punches leading to Orton hitting a suplex. Riddle tagged in with Orton assisting leading to a corkscrew splash for Riddle for two. Styles was frustrated, so he left the ring and went back in to bring in Omos. Riddle ran right into a shoulder tackle by Omos. Omos with a big body slam across the ring. Riddle managed to counter Omos for a sleeper, but Omos pulled him off the back and Omos hit a running backsplash against the turnbuckle. Styles tagged in with a Tornado DDT for a two count. Styles jumped over Omos or on his shoulders before he hit the DDT. Styles hit a backbreaker on Riddle. Riddle fought out of a chinlock, Styles with a corner whip and Riddle hit Omos with a knee. Riddle sent Styles out of the ring and Riddle hit a knee on Styles. Orton tagged in with punches, a forearm for Omos and a back body drop on Styles. Orton with a corner clothesline followed by a powerslam and Orton kicked Omos off the apron. Orton hit the draping DDT on Styles off the ropes. Orton set up for the RKO, but Omos pulled Styles out of the ring to save his partner. Riddle went after Omos, which was a bad move because Omos hit a Chokeslam on Riddle on the apron. Styles drove Orton neck first into the top rope. Riddle managed to send Omos into the ring post. Styles jumped onto Riddle leading to a reverse DDT on the floor! Great spot. Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm, Orton moved and wanted an RKO, but Styles avoided it. Styles got a rollup, Orton broke free and Orton hit the RKO on Styles for the pinfall win! New Raw Tag Team Champions! Big pop for that. It went 7:05.

Winners by pinfall AND NEW Raw Tag Team Champions: RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle)

Analysis: *** It was a fun tag team match with the right result because it was time for new Tag Team Champions. Riddle has wanted to team with Orton for a while, Orton finally embraced it leading to this title match and now they are the champions. This has been one of the better storylines on Raw in recent months. Since Omos is protected as a monster heel, they don’t want him to get pinned, so that’s why Styles has to take the RKO for the finish. The pop for the finish showed that the fans wanted this result and WWE gave it to them. It was the right decision, which I predicted as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-ihwlx6Q6I

Post match, Orton and Riddle did some posing together, so Orton was finally able to embrace being a part of RK-Bro with Riddle. That’s the evolution of the story.

There was a commercial for the John Cena NFT available at wwe.com/NFT for more details. There was a Charlotte Flair commercial promoting a WWE credit card. There was a commercial from AutoZone as well.

A video aired about Eva Marie getting mad at Doudrop last week on Raw.

Eva Marie made her entrance with her buddy Doudrop joining her. They are both in wrestling gear. Alexa Bliss was next with her evil doll Lilly joining her.

Alexa Bliss vs. Eva Marie (w/Doudrop)

Eva charged, Bliss moved and when Eva charged again, Eva went running out of the ring to the floor. Bliss countered a waist lock with an elbow to the face and a drop toe hold. Eva actually got some offense with a knee to the ribs and a head slam into the mat. Eva grabbed Lilly the doll and slapped it repeatedly. The fans booed that. Eva laughed about it while Bliss was angry and Eva hit Bliss with the doll. Bliss with shoulder tackles and punches. Bliss with a flipping splash for two. Bliss put the doll back on the turnbuckle again. Eva charged into a drop toe hold into the turnbuckle. Bliss took way too long going to the top and missed Twisted Bliss because Eva moved. Eva got a two count. Bliss was back up with a kick to the gut and a DDT for the pinfall win. It went 3:50.

Winner by pinfall: Alexa Bliss

Analysis: 1/2* A short match that actually went two minutes more than I thought it might go. They tried to do moves, which was not a good decision. I liked Bliss when she’s a normal character. Eva isn’t that good in the ring, though. We know that. Anyway, maybe it’s the end of this lame feud.

After the match, Doudrop announced that Eva Marie was the loser of the match. Doudrop put on Eva’s jacket and left with it. Eva was not happy about it. Eva: “I made her.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVJJ_olVbZY

Analysis: Eva made her? This is bad. Whoever created this storyline shouldn’t be bragging about it.

Some more commercials aired.

Mario Lopez (always AC Slater from Saved by the Bell to me) was in the backstage area wearing a Hart Foundation shirt. Mario interviewed the RK-Bro team of Randy Orton and Riddle that won the Raw Tag Team Championships. Orton said that they were back, he meant what he said and it will be smooth sailing for him and his partner because they’ll use the R-K-Bro. Riddle was happy about that. Riddle said that is Viper code for Riddle is his best friend. Riddle said he has a surprise for Orton on Raw.

Damian Priest was up next as the challenger for the US Title. That led to the United States Champion Sheamus making his entrance with the black protective face mask for his formerly broken nose.

United States Championship: Sheamus vs. Damian Priest

Priest had some cool gear with the USA and Puerto Rico flags on his blue pants. Sheamus bounced off the ropes with a shoulder tackle, Priest came back with a jumping back elbow and they exchanged punches. Priest hit a running back elbow against the turnbuckle. Priest hit a sitout suplex for a two count. Priest sent Sheamus to the apron, then he hit a forearm to the face and Priest jumped off the middle rope inside the ring into a flip over the top onto Sheamus on the floor. Priest took a hard bump on his lower back/hip area. Priest with kicks, then a forearm and Sheamus caught him leading to a slam into the ring post. Sheamus picked up Priest with a belly to back suplex. Sheamus avoided a kick and hit a backbreaker leading to Sheamus posing in the ring. Sheamus pulled back on Priest’s neck with a chinlock, Priest got out of it and hit a hurricanrana to get out of it. Sheamus countered Priest again with a spinning powerslam for two. Sheamus pulled on the mouth of Priest for the Dublin Smile and Sheamus worked over Priest with forearms to the chest, but Sheamus stopped when the crowd was chanting with him. Priest charged at Sheamus leading to a Tornado DDT. Priest with forearms and two clotheslines to knock Sheamus down. Sheamus sent Priest onto the apron, Priest came back with a roundhouse kick and Priest went up top with a spinning heel kick for two. That looked good as a nearfall. Sheamus had Priest on the shoulder leading to a rolling senton slam. Sheamus went up top, Priest got back up and Sheamus ended up sending Priest throat first into the top rope. Sheamus jumped off the top with a clothesline. Sheamus with an Alabama Slam for a two count. Sheamus delivered a headbutt with the protective “steel” mask to the head. Sheamus charged, Priest hit a kick to the head and Priest hit a South of Heaven sitout Chokeslam for a two count. The fans reacted to that two count well. Priest with a boot, then he went for a springboard attack and Sheamus got a jumping knee, but Priest shot his right shoulder up at two. Sheamus was mad at the referee. The fans thought that was it. Sheamus went for the Cloverleaf, Priest countered into a cradle and Sheamus applied a heel hook submission on the leg. Priest got out of it by taking off the mask that was on Sheamus’ face with Sheamus acting shocked by that. Priest with punches, Priest sent Sheamus into the top turnbuckle and a spin kick. Priest hit Reckoning for the pinfall win at 13:50. New champion.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW United States Champion: Damian Priest

Analysis: ***1/4 This was very good by the end of the match. They started a bit slow and the fans weren’t into it that much, but then there were some believable nearfalls for both guys and the crowd got into it by the end. Sheamus got that two count after the jumping knee with the fans really buying that as a possible finish. Priest sold the back injury well and he was able to overcome it for the clean win. This was the popular prediction choice with the established guy Sheamus putting over the newer guy Priest. It was the right way to book it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ_WTJWaVTk

There were more commercials including a commercial for the WWE 2K22 video game in March 2022. Also a commercial for NXT Takeover 36 on Sunday.

The Smackdown announcers Michael Cole and Pat McAfee were at ringside talking about Takeover on Sunday.

Rey and Dominik Mysterio were backstage ahead of their match. Rey said he needs Dominik to stay focused. Rey said that they never quit because that’s the Mysterio way. Rey asked Dominik if he’s ready to bring back the titles to his family and Dominik said he is ready.

The Mysterios entered first to a good pop. The Usos were the heel Smackdown Tag Team Champions looking confident as usual.

Smackdown Tag Team Championships: The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) vs. Rey & Dominik Mysterio

The Mysterios quickly sent both Usos out on the floor leading to Rey sliding under the ring onto both Usos. Dominik with a springboard attack off the middle rope onto both Usos. Back in the ring, Dominik with a springboard cross body block. Dominik with the Eddie Guerrero three suplexes leading to “Eddie” chants. Jey made a blind tag as Dominik went up top and Jey shoved Dominik off the top into the barricade at ringside. Jey whipped Dominik into the ring post. Jey stayed in control with a chinlock. Jimmy got the tag and jumped off the top with a double axehandle on Dominik. Jimmy with a running headbutt on Dominik for a two count. Dominik fought out of the heel corner with elbows, but then Jey decked him with an uppercut. The announcers freaked out about that uppercut shot. Jey with a suplex to Dominik, then he did some trash talk and said that Dominik was not on their level. Jey with another suplex. Dominik countered a suplex into a neckbreaker. Rey got the hot tag against Jimmy with Rey hitting elbows and an incredible Tornado DDT for a two count. Rey went up top, he hit a senton splash, Rey punched Jey off the apron, Rey with a kick and Jimmy hit a superkick for two. Rey countered Jimmy with a headscissors, Jey was legal, Rey with a kick for him and then Rey went for a springboard attack, but Jey kicked him in the face. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash for a two count. That is what Jey uses as a finisher. Dominik went after Jey on the apron, but Jey slammed Dominik on the apron. Jimmy missed a top rope splash, Rey sent him into the turnbuckle and Rey hit the 619 kick. Rey went up top and went for a Frog Splash, but Jimmy countered with knees to the ribs. Jimmy with a superkick. Jey tagged in leading to a double superkick. Jey went up top and hit the Uso Splash for the pinfall win at 10:52.

Winners by pinfall: The Usos (Jimmy & Jey)

Analysis: *** This was the usual good tag team match between these two teams that have wrestled a lot. Rey did a great job after getting a hot tag, but every time it looked like Rey/Dominik got the momentum, they were cut off by The Usos. There were a couple of times where I thought The Usos were going to win, then they didn’t and eventually they found a way to get the job done. This is probably the end of the feud. I expected The Usos to retain here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evB5vQ_z7IY

There were more commercials.

They showed actress Tiffany Haddish in the backstage area for an interview with Damian Priest. Priest said that for all the haters out there, he got his opportunity, he didn’t miss and he’s the new United States Champion.

Rick Boogs was in the ring playing his electric guitar. Boogs said that this is a musical interlude so we can all rise for the one true king of WWE and the brand new Intercontinental Champion King Nakamura. That led to King Nakamura making his entrance with the Intercontinental Championship. Nakamura was not scheduled for a match. Pat McAfee was dancing on the announce table as usual with Cole wondering what he was doing. That led to Boogs and Nakamura going over to McAfee to do the dancing routine at ringside.

Analysis: There wasn’t a Nakamura match scheduled on the show. It was just a way to fill five minutes. Nice job by everybody involved as usual. It’s fun to watch.

A video package aired for the Smackdown Women’s Championship match between champion Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks, who turned heel by attacking Belair after they won a tag team match.

Bianca Belair made her entrance as the Smackdown Women’s Champion. Belair did her usual thing of waving her long hair. Cool tights on Belair with the SD Women’s Championship on the tights just like the title was in her hand.

It was announced by ring announcer Greg Hamilton that Sasha Banks was unable to compete. There were boos for that. (It was rumored over the last week.) That led to the introduction of Carmella as Bianca’s opponent. Belair has beaten Carmella many times including on Friday at Smackdown. Belair was not happy about it. Belair said that it may not be today, but she will get her hands on Sasha Banks someday.

Then there was a surprise! It’s Becky Lynch. The music of “The Man” hit and the stadium erupted in cheers as Becky Lynch made her way down to the ring looking ready to kick some ass. The announcers freaked out and the fans were going wild for her. Lynch was wearing a shirt saying: “The Man’s Back in Vegas” for Becky as the fans exploded in cheers for her!

Analysis: That was cool. What a nice surprise. People guessed about her return and there’s no doubt this was the right time and place for it. Becky has been gone for about a year and a half due to having a baby girl with husband Seth Rollins. The baby was born last December. Now she’s back. It’s great to see her.

Becky took care of Carmella by sending her out of the ring and sending her into the steel steps. Becky went into the ring to face off with Belair. The fans were cheering this. The women looked out at the crowd reacting to them and they were soaking in the moment.

Lynch did a promo: “What do you say, the EST and The Man blow the roof off this joint? For the Smackdown Women’s Championship.” Belair was hesitant, but then she agreed to it. It’s official.

Becky took care of Carmella by sending her out of the ring and sending her into the steel steps. Becky went into the ring to face off with Belair. The fans were cheering this. The women looked out at the crowd reacting to them and they were soaking in the moment.

Lynch did a promo: “What do you say, the EST and The Man blow the roof off this joint? For the Smackdown Women’s Championship.” Belair agreed to it. It’s official.

Smackdown Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch

They circled eachother a bit and then they shook hands. Lynch hit Belair with a forearm to the face and then a Manhandle Slam (that’s what Cole called it) like a Rock Bottom and that was enough to get the pinfall win after 27 seconds.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW Smackdown Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch

Analysis: That was quick! No point in rating it since it was so quick. A shocking finish and title change. I know a lot of people hated this. I would have liked a competitive match too, but I think they kept it short to put over that it was so shocking with Bianca not being ready for it and maybe they can build off it.

Lynch celebrated with the Smackdown Women’s Title while Belair had a shocked look on her face looking like she didn’t believe that actually happened. Lynch continued to celebrate saying she was back and better than ever.

Analysis: I think that was a moment that people are going to remember for a long time. However, some of them are going to remember it because of how much it angered them. I originally wrote “cool moment” because I was happy for Becky being back for her first match as a mom, but I didn’t think of the other side enough when I wrote that. I think bringing Becky back at this show was smart since it was a major event. I just think they could have done it differently. It sucks for Bianca Belair, but I also she can bounce back. Maybe it will lead to Belair turning or evolving as a character. I hope it works out well for her, but I understand why some fans are mad about it right now. I certainly got a lot of angry tweets about it! All I really did was celebrate Becky’s return because I missed her. If you listened to the crowd, some of them loved Becky’s win, but as I watch it again (on Sunday morning) there were also fans that clearly didn’t like it. I know some fans that hated it too because of how it hurts Bianca to lose a title like that. I totally get it. A lot of it depends on how they follow up. There’s no question that if Becky did that against a heel champion and won the title like this then I doubt there would be as much anger, but doing it to a likable babyface that has had a good year like Bianca, it is understandable why there are some angry fans with regards to what happened here. While I’m happy Becky back, I think based on the reaction from fans that hated this, they probably should have handled this differently. Maybe turn it into a tag team match somehow or do something that doesn’t cost Bianca her title just because Banks was unable to compete for some reason. Anyway, like I said how they follow up on it will be key.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5CYy_2Kmqw

A commercial aired for WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia in October. They didn’t list an official date, but October 21 is what has been reported.

They introduced US Women’s Freestyle Wrestling Champion Tamyra Mensah-Stock and US Men’s Freestyle Wrestling Champion Gable Steveson. Tamyra had her gold medal with her while Gable did not. Gable and Tamyra went in the ring to acknowledge the crowd while the announcers put them over. I’m shocked that Steveson wasn’t part of an angle. No angle. Just waving to fans and then they cut away.

Analysis: It’s well known that WWE really wants to sign Gable Steveson, so maybe that will happen one day. He’s only 21 years old with a bright future and a lot of options if he wants to go into MMA or something else. Gable’s brother Bobby was a collegiate wrestler that is already hired by WWE in their developmental system. The announcers said that Tamyra had an interest in being a WWE superstar some day.

There was a commercial for WWE Extreme Rules on September 26.

Jinder Mahal was up next on his own because Veer & Shanky are barred from ringside. Those guys appeared at the entrance, but then they went to the back. Drew McIntyre got a nice ovation from the crowd with his sword as part of the entrance as usual.

Drew McIntyre vs. Jinder Mahal

Drew McIntyre slammed Mahal into the turnbuckle and a clothesline. McIntyre with a suplex into a slam across the ring. Mahal bailed to the floor to avoid a Claymore Kick tease, which led to Jinder tripping Drew on the apron. McIntyre came back with a belly to belly suplex on the floor. Back in the ring, Mahal shoved Drew to void a DDT and Jinder hit a kick to the head for a two count. Mahal with a knee drop. Mahal choked McIntyre across the middle rope followed by multiple knee drops along with some choking. Mahal with a hard corner whip followed by forearms to the head. McIntyre broke free with a back elbow, then a headbutt and McIntyre with four straight belly to belly suplexes across the ring. McIntyre hit the Future Shock DDT. McIntyre set up in the corner with the three, two, one leading to the Claymore Kick for the pinfall win at 4:40.

Winner by pinfall: Drew McIntyre

Analysis: ** A dominant win for McIntyre as expected. Mahal got some offense in, but really had no chance here. It was what it needed to be with Drew winning easily.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tjFkq_oKz4

Post match, Veer & Shanky went to ringside to check on Jinder. They were about to attack, but Drew got his sword and the heels ran away.

There was a video about the Raw Women’s Championship match.

Nikki A.S.H. was up first as the Raw Women’s Champion, then Rhea Ripley was next and Charlotte Flair was last. The announcers made the usual point about how the champion doesn’t have to be pinned or submit to lose the title. The three women stood in the ring for the championship introduction.

Raw Women’s Championship: Nikki A.S.H. vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair

Flair shoved Nikki down, Ripley hit a dropkick on Flair and Nikki got a pin attempt on Ripley for two. Flair sent Nikki out of the ring, Ripley with shoulder tackles on Flair and Nikki was back in to kick Charlotte off the apron. Nikki got a sunset flip on Ripley, Flair sent Nikki into Ripley and a clothesline on Ripley. Flair with an overhead suplex on Nikki. Flair with a backbreaker and she sent Ripley into the turnbuckle. Flair with a knee to the ribs of Nikki and Flair slammed Nikki onto Ripley. Flair went up top for a moonsault, Ripley got a boot up and Nikki got a pin attempt, but Ripley got a hold of Nikki. Headscissors by Nikki on Charlotte. Ripley kicked Nikki, but then Charlotte came back with a boot to the face of Ripley for two. Ripley with two clotheslines, then she punched Nikki off the apron and Ripley hit a dropkick. Ripley with a Northern Lights Suplex on Charlotte got a two count. Flair with a whip into the turnbuckle with Ripley bumping out of the ring. Ripley was on the apron, so Flair booted her to knock her down. Nikki hit a Tornado DDT out of the corner and a dropkick to knock Ripley into the announce table. Flair went for a move, but then Ripley got back in there with a German Suplex on both women at the same time while Flair did a fallaway slam to Nikki. Ripley up top and she hit a missile dropkick for two. They left the ring with Flair driving Ripley into the side of the ring apron. Nikki went up top and hit a cross body block on both women on the floor. Back in the ring, Nikki and Ripley wanted a delayed vertical suplex, but Charlotte countered with a DDT on both women. The fans reacted to that in a big way because it was a cool move. Flair worked over both women with chops, then Flair tossed Nikki out of the ring and Flair sent Ripley over the top to the floor. Ripley was holding her right leg after a landing on both legs. Flair went up top and hit a twisting moonsault on both women at the same time. They shot it from a bad angle, but then the replay looked more impressive as Flair’s body landed on Cross. Ripley was back up to kick Flair down. Nikki got a pin attempt on Ripley for a two count. Ripley kicked Nikki followed by Ripley applying a submission on the legs and Flair broke that up. Ripley hooked Flair’s legs into a submission, but Flair countered that into a Figure Eight submission on Ripley. That led to Nikki jumping off the top with a splash on the legs of both women. Nikki hit a twisting neckbreaker on Flair for a two count as Ripley made the save. Ripley went for the Riptide, but Nikki hit a DDT with Ripley bumping to the floor. Nikki went up top, she went for a cross body block, Flair moved and Nikki hit the mat. Flair applied the Figure Eight submission, Nikki was crawling towards the ropes and then Nikki tapped out to give Charlotte Flair the win. It went 13:05. A new champion.

Winner by submission AND NEW Raw Women’s Champion: Charlotte Flair

Analysis: ***1/2 This was a very good match. It followed the usual triple threat formula with two people in the ring and another on the floor for most of it, but then they had some cool nearfall spots by the end. Charlotte Flair is so talented and really shined in this match. I know people hate her because she is pushed a lot, but when you watch her performances, I think it’s fair to say she is the best among the women on Raw right now. Ripley and Nikki did well in the match too, but Charlotte was the centerpiece of the match.

Charlotte Flair celebrated with the title for her 12th Women’s Title reign in WWE counting her main roster title wins.

Analysis: I picked Nikki A.S.H. to win, but that didn’t happen. Nikki’s title reign only lasted one month. Nikki wasn’t winning the fans over that match, so that played a part in her losing I think. The fans just weren’t buying into the character. That led to WWE going back to Charlotte Flair, who might get a significant reign this time since her last title reign lasted just one day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pce1urdr2-M

There was a video of WWE community work with Titus O’Neil.

Three matches left at this point with a video package airing for Edge’s match against Seth Rollins. I have liked this feud a lot.

Seth Rollins made his entrance showing a lot of confidence as usual. Michael Cole commented on how silly it looked and McAfee didn’t get the reference he made. Edge made his entrance to the Brood theme song where he got to rise out of the ground to come out of the fire. As Edge continued his entrance, the classic Edge theme song played and Edge was fired up. It was weird seeing no fireworks for the entrance, but they didn’t have fireworks for him.

Seth Rollins vs. Edge

The fans were cheering as the wrestlers stood across from eachother. Edge decked Rollins with a punch. Edge with a clothesline that sent Rollins over the top to the floor, so Rollins regrouped a bit. After Rollins got back into the ring, Edge with a back body drop that sent Edge over the top to the floor. Edge sent Rollins into the announce table, ring apron and barricade. Edge with a knee that sent Rollins out of the ring. Rollins got a hold of Edge on the floor and shoved the back of Edge’s head into the ring post. Rollins sent Edge’s head into the steel steps repeatedly. Back in the ring, Rollins hit a neckbreaker for two. Rollins drove Edge’s neck against the ropes. Rollins bounced off the ropes and hit the Slingblade that is like a neckbreaker. Rollins hit another neckbreaker for two. Rollins with a boot to Edge’s face and Rollins jumped off the top rope with a knee to the head for a two count. Rollins went for another neckbreaker, Edge countered it into a backslide pin and a flatliner drove Rollins into the mat. Edge with a running shoulder tackle. Edge set up Rollins on the turnbuckle, Rollins elbowed him down and Rollins hit a Frog Splash off the top for a two count. The replay showed the Rollins got a lot of height on that leap. Edge rolled under the ropes to avoid a Stomp attempt. Both wrestlers were on the top rope, and Edge hit a swinging neckbreaker that put down both guys. Cool spot there that was well executed.

They got back up, Edge sent Rollins into the ropes, Edge with a boot to the face and Edge hit the Edgecution DDT for the two count. Rollins came back with a flatliner that sent Edge into the turnbuckle. Edge with a sitout neckbreaker for a two count. Edge was on the top rope, Rollins came back with a popup superplex and a Falcon’s Arrow slam for two. That’s a sequence of moves that Rollins has done many times leading to a two count like that. Rollins set up in the corner, he went for The Stomp, Edge countered and Edge hit a Glam Slam for a two count. The Glam Slam is the finishing move used by Edge’s wife Beth Phoenix. That was a great nearfall. Rollins hit a neckbreaker using the ropes. Edge managed to stagger Rollins on the apron and Edge hit a running Spear to send both guys to the floor! Great spot. Big E does that, but it still worked here too. Edge sent Rollins back first into the LED boards on the apron. That got a two count. Back in the ring, Edge charged for a Spear and then Rollins countered it into a Pedigree! That got a two count. Great nearfall there. Rollins went up top, he jumped off with a corkscrew moonsault, Edge moved and Edge hit a Spear for two! The fans were shocked by that. They also chanted “this is awesome” as the match continued. Rollins countered a move with a forearm to the back and a spinning forearm to the back of the neck. Rollins with a superkick to the head. Rollins set up for The Stomp, Edge spun around onto his back and caught the foot to block. Edge applied the Edgeucator submission hooking the legs and Rollins got out of it. Edge applied a Crossface submission in the center of the ring and Rollins was able to pry the hands apart. Edge rammed Seth’s into the mat repeatedly. Edge applied a sleeper/rear-naked choke-like move and Rollins tapped out at 21:11.

Winner by submission: Edge

Analysis: ****1/4 This was an awesome match. The pace was slow early and I don’t think the crowd was into it right away, but then the match really picked up with the fans loving it. Rollins worked on the neck the whole match, Edge kept on fighting back, Rollins wanted The Stomp and Edge avoided it throughout the match. I liked the story of Edge continuing to avoid The Stomp, then he hit a Spear and it only got a two count. I really liked seeing Edge using the Glam Slam that his wife Beth Phoenix used. It’s a cool-looking move, so it was a nice tribute to her career as well. Edge getting the win with a submission like that surprised me a bit, but I think it was done that way to show that Rollins was tough to put away by pinfall, so Edge had to keep going for submissions to wear him down. Edge winning made sense to me since he got screwed by Rollins at Money in the Bank, which meant this was payback for Edge. I know the older guy Edge shouldn’t win that much, but the story made more sense for the babyface Edge to get the victory here. I liked it a lot. It was clearly the match of the night at this point.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Cf7mWbNpYg

Edge celebrated the win in the ring while Rollins left the ring holding his neck to sell the submission.

There was a commercial letting us know Money in the Bank PPV is coming to Allegiant Stadium during July 4 weekend in 2022.

Analysis: A stadium show for Money in the Bank is pretty huge. The fans know Money in the Bank is a big deal, though, so that just adds to it. Doing it during July 4 weekend will lead to travelers possibly making the trip as well. That’s a good strategy by WWE. July 4 is a Monday, so I assume they will go with Saturday or Sunday for the PPV.

The attendance was announced by ring announcer Mike Rome: 51,326 people. They usually fabricate that number.

There was a video featuring The Miz and John Morrison from the Kickoff Show earlier in the night. They promised the biggest and wettest celebration in history.

The Miz and John Morrison were in the ring for one of their comedy sticks. The Miz told us to be prepared to see the Drip Stick 2000. Morrison said that he didn’t have them. The Miz wondered who has them. That led to Xavier Woods showing up with a Pure Life crate of water on his back and a Drip Stick connected to it. Woods had his hair like Scott Hall, plus he had a gold chain and a toothpick. Woods asked the crowd what they wanted to happen. Woods sprayed Miz and Morrison with the Drip Stick 2000 leading to some comedy bumps.

Analysis: A waste of time. I like all three guys, but this was silly and a waste of time when it was three hours into the show.

The video package aired for WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defending his title against Bill Goldberg.

The All Mighty WWE Champion Bobby Lashley made his entrance with his buddy MVP in a suit. Lashley looked intense as usual. The fans were chanting for “Goldberg” even before his music played. Once the music played, they cheered for Goldberg and chanted his name some more. It also felt like this entrance took a long time because of how long the entrance is. The wrestlers stood in the ring for the championship introductions from Mike Rome.

WWE Championship: Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) vs. Bill Goldberg

They did a lock up that led to Goldberg putting Lashley up against the turnbuckle. Goldberg with a shoulder block and Goldberg hit a jumping shoulder tackle. Goldberg with a powerslam followed by a front slam. Goldberg hit two clotheslines. Lashley got a front facelock teasing a Jackhammer slam, but Goldberg blocked it. Lashley came back with a flatliner into the mat. Lashley with forearms to the back of Goldberg’s neck. Lashley went up top, which was not normal for him and Goldberg slammed him across the ring. Goldberg set up for a Spear and MVP pulled Lashley out of the ring. The fans cheered that! They do not want Goldberg now. Goldberg left the ring and hit a Spear on Lashley on the floor. Goldberg sent Lashley back into the ring, Lashley left the ring and MVP hit Goldberg in the knee with the cane that MVP has. Lashley with a chop block to the left knee. Lashley hit a huge spinebuster. Lashley went for the Hurt Lock submission, Goldberg with elbows (the fans booed) and Lashley did another chop block to the knee. Goldberg rolled out of the ring favoring his left knee. Lashley picked up Goldberg on his shoulders and drove Goldberg’s left knee into the ring post. Lashley did it again as he drove Goldberg’s left knee into the ring post. Back in the ring, Goldberg couldn’t even stand as he collapsed to the mat while grabbing his left knee. When Goldberg tried to stand, he fell back down again and the referee Chad Patton called the match off. It 7:10.

Winner by referee’s decision: Bobby Lashley

Analysis: *3/4 The right guy won. I didn’t think they would go for that type of finish, but at least it’s something different. They probably didn’t want Goldberg tapping out, so that’s why it had to be something like that. Goldberg actually did a nice job of selling the knee injury. I’ll give him credit for that. I’m glad Lashley retained.

Post match, Lashley used a steel chair to clip the back of the left knee. Lashley hit Goldberg’s left knee with the chair a few more times. Lashley used the chair to hit Goldberg in the left knee two more times. Lashley hit Goldberg in the left knee again. Goldberg’s son Gage, who is a teenager, went into the ring and jumped on Lashley’s back, so Lashley got a hold of him and put him in the Hurt Lock. After Lashley let him go, MVP said that there was no way that Bobby could have known that was Goldberg’s son, who is a teenager. That led to Goldberg realizing what happened and he checked on Gage down in the ring. Lashley was cheered by the fans. Goldberg said “I’m going to kill you” to Lashley, so maybe the feud will continue.

Analysis: I really don’t want the feud to continue, but it looks like it will. The fans were strongly for Lashley and against Goldberg. I liked MVP’s line about how Lashley didn’t know it was Goldberg’s son, which is what set off Goldberg at the end there. I guess Goldberg might be working one more match this year, probably the Saudi show in October.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M_1yml_5Vo

There was a commercial for WWE’s WWE 24 documentary about WrestleMania 37 earlier this year.

There was another commercial for the Extreme Rules PPV on September 26.

It’s time for the main event video package for Roman Reigns facing John Cena.

John Cena made his entrance to a huge ovation from the crowd. Cena had a new shirt that specifically pointed out his 16 WWE/World Championship wins in his career. This would be the record #17 if he gets the win. Cena was fired up and ready to go. I was told by people that Super Mario Bros 3 inspired that Cena shirt, so there you go.

The Universal Champion Roman Reigns was next as he made his entrance with Special Counsel Paul Heyman by his side along with the Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Usos, who are Roman’s cousins. Reigns stared at Heyman, so Heyman talked to The Usos and The Usos went to the back while Heyman went with Reigns. The Reigns walk is a slow one as we all know. The wrestlers stood in the ring for ring announcer Greg Hamilton to introduce Cena first and then Reigns. The fans were firmly behind Cena here.

Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) vs. John Cena

The crowd was loud with Cole mentioning it’s a “big fight feel” as usual and it was fitting for this match. Reigns with a shoulder tackle. Cena got a rollup for a two count. There was another two count for Cena. Reigns with a kick to the gut and a punch to the head. The fans were booing Reigns as he tried to taunt them a bit. Cena got another rollup for two with Reigns getting back up and hitting a back elbow to the head. Reigns with a hard whip into the turnbuckle. Reigns with a suplex for a two count. You could tell Cena was talking to Reigns after he kicked out there, so Reigns tossed Cena out of the ring. Reigns followed Cena out there, Cena tried punches and Reigns tossed Cena into the steel steps. Reigns tossed Cena into the steel steps. Reigns stood on the steps and held up the Universal Title. Cena got an inside cradle on Reigns for two, but then Reigns came back with a forearm for two. Cena went for the Attitude Adjustment, Cena slipped out and Reigns hit a DDT. Reigns spoke into the camera telling movie executives that he’s going to hurt this man. Reigns told them you can have him, but not Reigns. Cena with punches, then he bounced off the ropes and Reigns hit Cena with an uppercut punch. Cena got another rollup for two leading to Reigns applying a sleeper hold. That lasted for about a minute until Cena drove Reigns back first into the turnbuckle. Cena with two shoulder tackles with a spinning slam. Cena signaled for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, Reigns applied the Guillotine Choke, Cena turned it into a pin attempt and Reigns hit a Superman Punch. Cena countered a charging Reigns with a boot to the face followed by the Five Knuckle Shuffle fist drop. Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment for one…two…and no. Reigns got the left shoulder up. Cena applied the STF submission, Reigns was near the ropes and Reigns got his hand on the bottom rope to break the hold. Reigns left the ring, Cena followed and Reigns hit a Drive By dropkick to knock Cena down. Reigns left the ring, he charged in, Cena caught Reigns and Cena gave Reigns an Attitude Adjust through the announce table!

Cena sent Reigns back into the ring for one…two…and Reigns got his shoulder up again. Cena went up top, he jumped off going for the leg drop that he likes to do and Reigns countered it for a two count. Reigns went for a Superman Punch, Cena avoided it and got a rollup for two. Reigns avoided the AA and hit a Superman Punch for a two count with Cena getting the left shoulder up. Reigns did the loud yell in the corner, he charged, Cena moved and Reigns went left shoulder first into the ring post. Cena lifted up Reigns on the top turnbuckle, Cena put him on his shoulders and Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment off the middle ropes for the one…two…and three. The fans chanted “this is awesome” as the wrestlers took a break in the ring. Cena: “The time is up, my time is now.” Cena mocked the Reigns yell, Cena charged and they exchanged punches. Reigns with an uppercut punch, then two Superman Punches and Cena stumbled to the mat. Reigns set up in the corner, he let out a yell and Reigns hit a Spear for the one, two and three. Roman Reigns gets the victory at 23:02.

Winner by pinfall: Roman Reigns

Analysis: **** It was a very good match. I liked Cena going for the nearfalls a lot and coming close a bunch of times, but Reigns was just too much for him. What I really liked about the match is that they took their time, nothing felt rushed and they set up the big spots so well. Cena hit the AA three times including the big one off the middle ropes that has won him titles in the past and this time it just wasn’t enough to get the job done. I certainly thought a Cena win was possible. I picked him. I get why Reigns won, though. We know Reigns is going to be there every week and Cena isn’t, so it’s the right call to have Reigns win. I’m just saying there were certainly some moments in that match where it looked like Cena was going to win. That’s why it was a very good match and a lot of fun to watch thanks to the hot crowd was invested in everything they did. I was really impressed by Cena putting on such a good singles match considering he hasn’t wrestled much (other than tag team matches on live events in the last month) in the last couple of years. Cena’s so good in there and Reigns is too. They did a nice job in delivering a great match.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmGLxZAoK04

After the match was over, Reigns stood over top of Cena.

Brock Lesnar’s music hit to a huge ovation! Holy shit. What a pop for Brock! Lesnar had a unique hairstyle with a ponytail and a beard. Paul Heyman was freaking out in the ring while Lesnar got into the ring across from Reigns. Lesnar walked towards Heyman, who was screaming “no” repeatedly. Lesnar faced off with Reigns as the fans chanted “holy shit” for Lesnar’s return. Lesnar just stared at Reigns, then Reigns backed away and left Lesnar alone in the ring.

Brock Lensar’s music played as Lesnar walked around the ring. Reigns and Heyman left. The announcers put it over as a huge moment. Lesnar stood there in the ring. That was it for SummerSlam.

Analysis: It looks like Vince McMahon pressed the “BRING BACK LESNAR” button. I’m not surprised by that. I assume this will lead to a Universal Title match or two in the near future including the Saudi show in October. Maybe babyface Brock Lesnar with a ponytail is the guy to beat Reigns. I don’t know. I just know that even though they have wrestled many times in the past (going back six years to when Reigns first got a main event push), the roles are reversed now with Reigns as the heel and Lesnar as the face, so maybe the dynamics will work better this time. I don’t know. I like Brock a lot even at 44 years old and a part-timer with a ponytail. Lesnar has that aura about him that few guys have. That pop was enormous. Welcome back to WWE, Brock.

This event had a runtime of 4:07:43 on WWE Network.

Five Stars of the Show

1. Edge
2. Roman Reigns
3. John Cena
4. Seth Rollins
5. Charlotte Flair

Final Thoughts

I’m going with a 7.25 out of 10 for this show.

I thought it was a pretty good SummerSlam overall, but not necessarily great from top to bottom. Some of the bad matches were kept short while the longer ones were the better matches. The Edge/Rollins match was the best of the night while Reigns/Cena delivered a quality main event match.

The returns of Becky Lynch and Brock Lesnar might not sit well with some fans. I say that about Lynch because her return hurt Bianca Belair a lot with how Lynch beat her. I don’t think that was the best way to bring back Lynch, but the fans did love seeing her. I just hope Belair can bounce back. As for Lesnar, he’s got a love/hate relationship with some fans for sure. I’m a Brock fan that will always like the guy, but I understand people being sick of him since he’s another part-timer in the spotlight.

I thought the Las Vegas crowd was pretty good for the most part. At times, the 50,000 people sounded loud and at other times you could tell it was quiet. For the most part, I think it was strong, though. I just think going over four hours was too much. It felt too long to me, but writing as much as I do over four hours during a very busy weekend could play a part in me feeling like the show was too long too. I can admit that.

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That’s all for me. Check out the full list of my WWE PPV Review archive right here.

Thanks for reading. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter @johnreport