The SummerSlam event has long been a highlight of the wrestling calendar, showcasing some of the most memorable matches in WWE history. As fans eagerly anticipate this year’s SummerSlam, a retrospective on the top matches from the past reveals exhilarating clashes that have defined the event. This article highlights matches ranked from 40 to 31, featuring iconic bouts that captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on wrestling history.
40. Batista vs. John Cena – 2008
In a landmark confrontation at SummerSlam 2008, Batista faced John Cena in a match that was both a culmination of their parallel rises and a showcase of their immense popularity. Lasting 14:09, the bout featured high-impact exchanges, including a particularly notable moment when Batista executed a Batista Bomb on Cena. Despite a few slower segments, the match maintained a palpable energy, ultimately seeing Batista secure a significant victory. This match set the stage for their subsequent encounter at WrestleMania in 2010.
39. WWF Hardcore Championship Ladder Match: Jeff Hardy vs. Rob Van Dam – 2001
SummerSlam 2001 featured an electrifying ladder match for the WWF Hardcore Championship, pitting Jeff Hardy against Rob Van Dam. Known for their innovative styles, both competitors delivered a thrilling performance that lasted 16:33. The match was filled with daring spots, including a jaw-dropping moment where Hardy dangled from the belts while Van Dam executed a spinning heel kick. Ultimately, Van Dam captured the title, further solidifying the match’s place in SummerSlam lore.
38. WWE World Heavyweight Championship: John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar – 2014
In a clash that had the wrestling world buzzing, John Cena defended his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Brock Lesnar in 2014. This encounter was marked by Lesnar’s dominance, as he delivered 16 German suplexes and an F5 within the opening minutes. The match, which lasted 17:15, showcased Lesnar’s ruthless power and left fans shocked as he decisively claimed the championship, emphasizing his formidable presence in the WWE landscape.
37. WWE Championship: CM Punk vs. John Cena – 2011
The rematch between CM Punk and John Cena at SummerSlam 2011 followed their classic encounter from Money in the Bank. With a convoluted storyline leading into the match, expectations were high. The bout featured a slow build and an engaging performance from both wrestlers, culminating in Punk securing a controversial victory after a GTS, despite Cena’s foot being on the ropes. This match, lasting 24:17, further established their rivalry while introducing Triple H as the guest referee.
36. WWF Championship: Randy Savage vs. The Ultimate Warrior – 1992
In a highly anticipated rematch from WrestleMania, Randy Savage defended the WWF Championship against The Ultimate Warrior at SummerSlam 1992. The match, which unfolded in front of a raucous Wembley crowd, featured tension surrounding Mr. Perfect’s involvement. Despite the high stakes, the match concluded with a count-out finish after outside interference, leaving fans wanting more but praising the in-ring action.
35. Custody of Dominik Ladder Match: Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio – 2005
The emotional stakes were high in the Custody of Dominik Ladder Match between Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio in 2005. Their storied rivalry and personal stakes made for a gripping contest that lasted 20:18. The match was filled with dramatic spots, culminating in Mysterio retrieving the briefcase and embracing his son after a hard-fought victory. This encounter underscored the blend of athleticism and storytelling that defines professional wrestling.
34. WWE World Heavyweight and United States Championships: Seth Rollins vs. John Cena – 2015
In a notable double title match, Seth Rollins faced John Cena during the John Cena Open Invitational in 2015. The match, which lasted 19:26, featured skilled exchanges and crowd engagement. However, the interference from talk show host John Stewart overshadowed the contest, leading to Rollins securing victory and capturing both titles. Despite the controversial finish, the match remains a standout moment in SummerSlam history.
33. Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle – 2004
In a rematch that built on their previous encounters, Eddie Guerrero faced Kurt Angle at SummerSlam 2004. The match showcased their chemistry and psychological storytelling, with Guerrero employing tactics such as untying his boot to escape Angle’s Ankle Lock. Though the bout had moments that didn’t fully connect, it concluded with Angle forcing Guerrero to tap out in 13:38, reinforcing both wrestlers’ legacies.
32. Charlotte Flair vs. Trish Stratus – 2019
SummerSlam 2019 featured a highly emotional match between Charlotte Flair and Trish Stratus. As Stratus returned to the ring after her retirement in 2006, the Toronto crowd rallied behind her. The match, lasting 16:38, showcased both competitors’ skills and culminated in Flair trapping Stratus in the Figure Eight, forcing her to submit. This encounter highlighted Stratus’s enduring legacy in wrestling and provided a fitting conclusion to her storied career.
31. WWE Raw Tag Team Championship: Cesaro and Sheamus vs. Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins – 2017
In the tag team division, Cesaro and Sheamus defended their titles against Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins in a match that captivated the audience in 2017. The bout lasted 18:34 and featured high-energy exchanges and dramatic near-falls. The chemistry between Ambrose and Rollins, combined with Cesaro and Sheamus’s tenacity, led to a thrilling conclusion with Ambrose and Rollins emerging as new champions. The match was praised for its storytelling and crowd engagement.
As anticipation builds for this year’s SummerSlam, these matches serve as a reminder of the event’s rich history and the unforgettable moments that have defined it.
