SummerSlam was what I think we all expected it to be - DRAMA! Sure, there was good bell-to-bell action on the card, but overall, at the close of the night, we all were left with so much to digest and so much to anticipate regarding what comes next!
I enjoyed SummerSlam (2024), I really, really did. I strongly believe my enjoyment factor is skewed just a bit now that my son is overly into pro wrestling. With that aside, the WWE is putting together the kind of storytelling that is compelling, and for the few that miss, the characters are strong enough to move through it and onward.
Also, I've become a fan of the less is more concept on these PLEs. This card had seven matches, which feels like a lot in the world of the WWE these days, but there is something to be noted about the opportunity to let things breathe, play out, and be given time. With all of this storytelling, returns, doublecrosses, easter eggs, and so much more - it's so imperative.
Nonetheless, you don't need me lecturing you on PLE timing (as if I have any experience other than being a fan). Here are some quick thoughts on SummerSlam 2024:
- Will Triple H start every big show going forward?
- I don't mind Jelly Roll or his music (or him getting involved as he did later on), but starting the night with a concert felt...well, weird. Maybe it was just me, but it took the wind out of my sails just a bit.
WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley (w/Dominik Mysterio)
- I think we all saw Dominik turning here at some point, but yet, it was how he did it that made it so much better. It was subtle. After the match. And point of emphasis on the moment. Great stuff. Dominick is a lucky man, and most importantly, so hated.
The story told with Rhea overcoming the injury, and not giving up mid-match, and toughing it out, just for Dom to do this...uhhhh, so good.
- You have to give credit to Liv Morgan here who really has gone to another level in the ring as well as with her character.
- That moment when Rhea gets her revenge on Dom...that's going to be awesome.
Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker
- It's clearly Bron Breakker's time. I'm here for it. I was just left reeling and wondering where Sami - who dethroned Gunther - goes from here. My guess is that he's lining up for a Bloodline 1.0 reunion? Hey, they might need a fourth for War Games, just saying...
- Breakker is such an attraction in the ring. There are a lot of guys who are, and for various reasons - mainly agility or insane power. Breakker is flat out intensity. Unique.
Too many people do a spear. I've said that already. Breakker's spear is in the penthouse with Goldberg. Just my opinion.
United States Championship: Logan Paul vs. LA Knight
- I say it every time he performs, Logan is too good, too early!
His matches are always full of shenanigans (typically from personalities I'm clearly too old or disconnected to full appreciate) and great athleticism.
In the end, I'm really happy for Knight. It's well deserved, and it's time.
By the way, the cheesy smashing of the Prime truck was corny.
WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley vs. Nia Jax
- I'm looking forward to Nia as the champion here. The double bonzai drop was brutal and is a nice little thing to keep in the back pocket for key moments going forward.
- Bayley is constant - always good, always credible. I was just never a fan of Babyface Bayley. I kind of want the annoying, "Ding Dong!" Bayley to return. We'll see where this goes.
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (Seth “Freakin” Rollins is the special guest referee)
- I really wanted this match to headline a PLE - it just deserves it. Everything in this match was drama, and every moment felt like it meant something to the totality of what we were witnessing.
Of course, the 1997 vibes were there channeling Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, and the Undertaker.
Drew getting the win was the right move, and even taking the bracelet to continue the hatred.
Does this end at Bad Blood inside Hell in a Cell?
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest vs. GUNTHER
- I'm a Gunther stan, so I'm all for this. But really, you want more drama? What solidified this for me was the ultimate reach for Balor's throat by Priest before being defeated. Awesome, awesome stuff.
The Judgement Day is clearly rearranging their roster with Rhea and Damian set to be on the outside looking in for revenge. I just hope that Priest doesn't fall back down the mountain and never returns.
Before moving on, kudos to both Gunther and Priest for such a physical match!
Undisputed WWE Championship Bloodline Rules Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa
- Okay, no one believed that Solo was defeating Cody, right?
While I'm so incredibly excited to see Roman Reigns back, I just felt his presence loomed over this match which was more of a detriment than anything else.
Also, I feel like Solo needs a moment before he takes that next step. Will that be possibly defeating Roman? That would be huge! Solo just needs the stamp of approval that he's looking for, and quite frankly, to be credible as a threat to Cody, Roman, or anyone else in the WWE.
I'm rooting for Solo, as I am all in on the new stage of the Bloodline. For me, this match was all procedure until the Tribal Chief returned.
- The staredown between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes was epic. Keep those two as forever rivals.
I'm looking forward to Raw and Smackdown - job well done, WWE.
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Photos courtesy of wwe.com