WWE SummerSlam 2023
Highlights:
- During the main event, Jimmy Uso returned from injury to cost his brother Jey Uso the Universal Championship. Roman Reigns also had some help from Solo Sikoa. Many noted how illogical it was for Jimmy Uso to turn on his brother after he initially turned Jey to his side before The Bloodline Civil War.
- Despite help from the Judgment Day, Finn Balor could not get retribution on Seth Rollins for what happened seven years ago by defeating him for the World Heavyweight Championship.
- In the triple threat WWE Women’s title match, Bianca Belair landed nastily on the steel steps and appeared to be seriously injured. As medical personnel and officials began helping her to the back, she decided to work the rest of the match with the injury. Belair went on to win the title by rolling up the champion Asuka for the 3-count. As she celebrated, Iyo Sky and Bayley arrived to attack Belair and cash in Iyo’s Money In The Bank contract. Iyo won the match and celebrated with Bayley and Dakota Kai (who had to be there despite being sidelined with an injury)
- After Cody Rhodes defeated Brock Lesnar, the latter went off script by not only shaking Cody’s hand, but by giving him a hug before raising his arm in the air.
- Logan Paul won his match against Ricochet by using brass knuckles, which one of his random buddies handed to him. The referee was not meant to be in a position to see this, but he was, so he awkwardly moved his head away at the last second. The timing issue hurt what had otherwise been a solid performance from both men.
- LA Knight finally got his moment on a major show by last eliminating Sheamus in the battle royal, which pleased the live crowd. Omos was a surprise return.
- Gunther’s victory over Drew McIntyre pretty much guarantees that he will beat Honky Tonk Man’s record as the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in a few weeks.
- Although Ronda Rousey vs. Shayna Baszler had a solid buildup, the live crowd did not appreciate the MMA Rules match. Baszler got what she wanted by beating Rousey at her own game.
- In the press conference, Paul “Triple H” Levesque noted that to date, this event was the highest grossing PLE outside of WrestleMania. He explained that while some may have been disappointed that Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus did not make the card, along with Austin Theory not getting a US title match, he reminded everyone the event was 4 hours long. It should be seen as a positive that there is enough going on that there wasn’t enough time to get everything on the show.
Event Card
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) retained against Finn Bálor
WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLE THREAT MATCH:
Bianca Belair defeated Asuka & Charlotte Flair to become the new champion*
*After winning the match, Iyo Sky cashed in Money In The Bank on Bianca Belair and defeated her to become the new WWE Women’s Champion
TRIBAL COMBAT UNDISPUTED WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Roman Reigns (c) retained against Jey Uso
SINGLES MATCH:
Logan Paul defeated Ricochet
SINGLES MATCH:
Cody Rhodes defeated Brock Lesnar
INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:
Gunther (c) retained against Drew McIntyre
MMA RULES MATCH:
Shayna Baszler defeated Ronda Rousey
SUMMERSLAM BATTLE ROYAL:
LA Knight defeated Sheamus, Tommaso Ciampa, Shinsuke Nakamura, Otis, Chad Gable, Karrion Kross, Grayson Waller, Santos Escobar, Matt Riddle, AJ Styles and The Miz, and more.
