WWE SummerSlam: Power Ranking Every Show

2013

This recent SummerSlam card started off at a snail’s pace, picked up to create an overall great show, and then a shock twist which was the foundation of a storyline that lasted all the way up to WrestleMania 30. Two contenders for match of the night emerged, and both would feature in most fans’ lists of top ten contests in the event’s long history. Daniel Bryan rode a wave of public support and empathy to push himself into the main event with John Cena, and the pair fashioned a spectacular clash which had the bearded wonder emerge victorious. However, his glory was cut short by a heel turn by Triple H and Money in the Bank cash-in by Randy Orton, starting the Authority which has survived to this very day.

The other standout battle was between Brock Lesnar and CM Punk. With Punk’s sour relationship with former friend and mentor Paul Heyman the driving force in this rivalry, in spite of their massive size difference they produced a realistic, visceral encounter with the Beast coming out on top. These were supported nicely by some solid conflicts between Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow, and Alberto Del Rio vs Chrstian. But, if Bryan/Cena and Lesnar/Punk can claim to be the best match in SummerSlam history, undoubtedly Bray Wyatt and Kane’s Ring of Fire debacle can certainly put in a strong argument for being the worst.