WWE SummerSlam 2002 Review: Brock Lesnar vs. The Rock

Ahead of the upcoming SummerSlam event in Brooklyn, join Daily DDT as we review the last time the summertime spectacular invaded New York in 2002…

For the first time in thirteen years, WWE SummerSlam returns to New York with the 2015 edition. Following an extended habitation in Los Angeles, the second-biggest event on the wrestling calendar will come to Brooklyn, with an already huge show planned. The Undertaker has risen to reignite his deeply physical feud with Brock Lesnar, a rematch from the night where the Streak was broken. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins laid down an “ultimate challenge” to United States Champion John Cena, with both titles on the line. Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose will battle the Wyatt Family in a hard-hitting tag team bout.

However, it will take something special to top the last time SummerSlam came to the Big Apple, way back in 2002. This was the first SummerSlam I ever watched as a fan, having only gotten into wrestling earlier in the year, and suffice to say this show played a big part in fueling my passion for WWE. By strange coincidence, Brock Lesnar was in the main event that night also, when the Next Big Thing was just a raw, hungry rookie challenging the Rock in an epic contest for the WWE Undisputed Championship. It would prove to be a crucial night in making the Beast Incarnate the dominant conqueror he is considered today.

Joining this veteran vs rookie encounter was a match steeped in personal history and bitter rivalry. Former best friends and DX partners Triple H and Shawn Michaels would go to war in a violent Unsanctioned Match, the first time HBK had stepped inside the ring since the terrible back injury he suffered in 1998. These two main event caliber fights were elevated by a strong undercard to make it one of the best shows of that year, and a contender for the greatest SummerSlam of all time.