As SummerSlam 2015 draws nearer, Daily DDT looks at the 15 greatest performers at the summer spectacular to determine who is Mr. SummerSlam…
SummerSlam is the second biggest event on the WWE calendar, dominating its summertime storytelling and attracting widespread marketing opportunities, as well as huge crowd support. On a special occasion such as this, superstars raise their game to new heights, as unlike some PPVs that are interchangeable and quickly replaced, SummerSlam is an institution, and being ingrained in its history as one of its most celebrated performers is a quick way to earn a competitor immortality. To be successful at this event is to etch your name into a 28-year legacy of incredible matches and moments, and some have made their mark on SummerSlam so many times that they have become synonymous with its success.
ALSO ON DAILY DDT: Power Ranking Every SummerSlam Ever
Those select few have the honor of being the summer’s most valuable players, who when August approaches kick themselves into high gear to mark their names in history. Those that recognize the significance of the event they grace, and so step up their game to levels they might not have even considered they could. They are a group who come to life when the sun is high and the night’s are short, and have made SummerSlam a second home due to how comfortably they are capable of shining on its grand stage. But, when it comes down to which of these men stand above their colleagues, it becomes a very contentious situation.
Undoubtedly, all fifteen of the following superstars have experienced tremendous success and longevity at SummerSlam, some spanning decades in its fabled spotlight. Thus all have a rightful claim to the title of Mr. SummerSlam, yet only one can emerge from the crowded group to hold it. It is a moniker not to be handed out lightly, so every one of the hundreds of competitors in the events storied past has been considered based on number of matches, percentage of victories, quality of performance and significance of their matches to produce the ultimate list of SummerSlam’s 15 Greatest Performers.
Honorable Mentions
- Batista
- Rey Mysterio
- Christian
- Big Show
- The British Bulldog
- “Macho Man” Randy Savage
- Stone Cold Steve Austin
Check out the greatest SummerSlam performers by clicking below.
Next: Mick Foley
WWE.com
15. Mick Foley
Record: 3 wins, 2 losses, 2 Title Matches, 1 Main Event
Memorable Moment: Defeating the Undertaker in 1996
Looking at Mick Foley’s statistics for SummerSlam, at first glance one would probably see it as very good, but not exactly spectacular. As he joined WWE relatively late in his career, Foley would only get to experience the summer spectacular four times as part of the main roster, and a one-off during a brief return in 2006. But, like the majority of his career, he would leave plenty of blood, sweat and bruised body parts every time he featured on this card, would compete against legendary competition, and more times than not come out smiling.
As the deranged and unhinged Mankind, he made his debut in 1996 against one of his most fearsome rivals, The Undertaker. I firmly believe that neither would have made as lasting an impact on WWE without their series of matches against one another, with their war at SummerSlam this year one of the most emphatic. It began in the arena’s boiler room, with the brutal brawl spreading throughout backstage into the arena. This didn’t make for the most technically brilliant encounter, but its uniqueness, violence and shock conclusion of Paul Bearer turning his back on the Deadman and siding with Mankind has meant it’s lasted long in the memory.
Mankind rode this success, one of the first time Undertaker had appeared truly vulnerable, to a successful time at SummerSlams going forward. He defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley in 1997 inside a steel cage, before falling to the New Age Outlaws the following year when he was left to defend the Tag Team Championships on his own. His biggest victory however came in the main event of the 1999 event, as Mankind shocked the world to become the WWE Champion for the third time, a reign that would prove distinctly brief. He made one final return in 2006 in a typically bloody conflict with fellow veteran Ric Flair, where the Nature Boy ended up victorious.
Next: CM Punk
WWE.com
14. CM Punk
Record: 4 wins, 4 losses, 6 Title Matches, 2 Main Events
Memorable Moment: TLC against Jeff Hardy in 2009
Now distinctly separate from WWE and never likely to rebuild a number of burned bridges, CM Punk’s legacy in the company can never be erased. Some of the matches that built Punk’s reputation as “the Best in the World” took place at SummerSlam, as he often found himself in many title matches in his eight appearances at the Big Four event. The Straight Edge Superstar was one of the most celebrated performers of the PG Era, and left a mark as colorful as his many tattoos on the summer spectacular, beginning in 2007.
Then still developing as a star of the belied WWE ECW roster, Punk challenged John Morrison for the ECW Championship, but the Chicago-native could not grab the belt on that occasion. When SummerSlam came around the following year Punk walked in with gold already adorning his waist, as he held the World Heavyweight Championship following his Money in the Bank cash-in. He defended the big gold belt against JBL in a largely bland contest, but in 2009 his world title match would live long in the memory. Punk was the challenger this time, fighting Jeff Hardy in an incredible TLC main event, one of the best of either’s careers, to win the World Heavyweight title for the third time.
After a year to forget in 2010 when he lost as part of the Straight Edge Society team against the Big Show, 2011 was the fabled Summer of Punk. Holding the WWE Championship in one of the most exciting storylines in the past decade, Punk defended against great rival John Cena, before being cashed-in on by Alberto Del Rio to lose the title. The following year he would again defend the belt, this time without any post-match shenanigans in a triple threat bout featuring Cena and Big Show. Punk’s final walk into a SummerSlam ring was in 2013, in a dream match against Brock Lesnar, which more than lived up to its billing to become one of that year’s standout contests.
Next: Kane
WWE.com
13. Kane
Record: 6 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw, 3 Title Matches, 0 Main Events
Memorable Moment: Destroys Matt Hardy in 2004
Whilst he might potentially be seen as out-of-place amid all these legendary and celebrated superstars, Kane’s longevity and character has made him a critical part of WWE’s history. Described as the constant in the company for his devotion to the product and willingness to take part in any feud or story, Kane deserves to be held in a similar breath to all these amazing names. This is especially the case at SummerSlam due to his many showings at the event and a significant number of victories in tow.
Before becoming the Big Red Machine, Kane debuted at SummerSlam under a far more unlikable gimmick, as the evil dentist Isaac Yankem lost to Bret Hart in 1995. Soon he would don his famed red mask, losing the Tag Team Championships alongside X-Pac to his brother Undertaker and Big Show. Kane’s tumultuous relationship with his diabolical brother would come to the forefront often at SummerSlam, as they were brawling to a no contest in 2000, but teaming together in 2001 to capture the Tag Team Championships for the only time together in a steel cage match against WCW villains DDP and Kanyon.
The next time Kane featured on a SummerSlam card, he had been unmasked and his demonic nature reached demented new levels. His next two matches were pure decimation, as he wore down former partner Rob Van Dam in 2003, before destroying Matt Hardy in 2004, a match that would result in Kane’s imposing of marriage to Lita. The monster would not blaze into SummerSlam again until 2007, but he made the most of this return with victories over Finlay, The Great Khali and a World Heavyweight Championship defense against Rey Mysterio. His most recent showings of the event have wrought less success for Kane unfortunately, falling to future tag team partner Daniel Bryan in 2012 and a woeful contest against the debuting Bray Wyatt the following year.
Next: Kurt Angle
WWE.com
12. Kurt Angle
Record: 5 wins, 1 loss, 4 Title Matches, 1 Main Event
Memorable Moment: Forcing Brock Lesnar to tap out in 2003
Of course, it was always likely that after his Summer Olympic Games success in 1996, Kurt Angle would find a special place to perform in SummerSlam. But for a wrestler that exuded pure athleticism, intensity and showmanship every night, Angle saved a little bit extra when it came to the big events on the calendar, and the summer special was no exception. He made sure every time he performed on one of these cards he brought a gold level standard, and that began immediately when he was thrust into the main event scene.
Angle had already been pegged as a major success story waiting to happen, but it was something of a shock that less than a year after his debut he found himself headlining SummerSlam, for the WWE Championship no less. Caught in heated personal feuds with both the Rock and Triple H, this resulted in an excellent triple threat with plenty of great moments. But Angle went even further at the following year’s event, as he produced an epic encounter with WWE Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin which made him look like a resolute warrior, and it took Austin getting himself disqualified to stop him from capturing the gold.
The following year he was opening the 2002 show, setting one of the greatest SummerSlam’s in history on a perfect note in a fast-paced classic with Rey Mysterio. Angle then walked into the event holding the WWE Championship that he was screwed out of two years earlier, and despite attempts to be cheated out of it once again, the Olympic Hero stood tall after forcing Brock Lesnar to tap out for the first time in his career. Next time out Angle competed with another technical master Eddie Guerrero, in a clash that might not have lived up to expectations, but was still very strong due to the ability of both competitors involved. His final summer battle proved to end on something of a flat note, as he defeated Eugene in a squash over his gold medal.
Next: The Rock
WWE.com
11. The Rock
Record: 3 wins, 2 losses, 4 Title Matches, 3 Main Events
Memorable Moment: Ladder match with Triple H in 1998
As one of the biggest box office stars in WWE and movie history, the Rock is no stranger to performing well in summer blockbusters. Therefore, the charismatic Brahma Bull took to SummerSlam with his natural swagger and charm, producing numerous memorable moments and highlights at the show. Despite only featuring at five events, the majority of these clashes either stole the show or headlined the event itself, meaning that for a span of time the legacy of SummerSlam and the Rock were firmly fixed together.
The Great One began his path towards that moniker in 1998, when he fought Triple H over the Intercontinental Championship. Their battle would be under the conditions of a ladder match, a stipulation that has not been closely linked to either man, but both went above the call of duty to produce an excellent, dramatic encounter. This singled out the Rock as a main event talent for the future, as later that year he became WWE Champion. But, he found himself stuck in 1999 in undoubtedly his weakest contest at a SummerSlam, as he overcame Billy Gunn in a Kiss My Ass match.
The following three years would all see the Rock as the fixture in the main event, as his superstar status reached their greatest heights. Rock renewed his epic rivalry with Triple H in 2000, only this time with the prize of the WWE Championship and the added component of Kurt Angle, and this triple threat match was a great way to round off the show with The Great One’s hand lofted in victory. Rock would then be winning gold one year later, as he stuck a dagger in the heart of the Alliance by taking their WCW Championship from Booker T. His last appearance at SummerSlam was in 2002, again walking in with the WWE title around his waist. However, he ran into a wrecking ball in the form of newcomer Brock Lesnar, being laid waste to by an F-5.
Next: Shawn Michaels
WWE.com
10. Shawn Michaels
Record: 6 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw, 3 Title Matches, 3 Main Events
Memorable Moment: Emotional return in 2002
He might be Mr. WrestleMania, but that doesn’t mean that Shawn Michaels didn’t give plenty of attention to SummerSlam throughout his illustrious career. Arguably the greatest overall performer in the history of WWE, HBK made many stops at the summer spectacular, from his days as part of the Rockers tag team with Marty Jannetty, all the way to being one of the most respected and celebrated veteran’s at his final showing at the event in 2009. Wherever Michaels performed fans were assured of a treat, but one could be assured of that when SummerSlam came around.
Michaels first appeared at the second ever SummerSlam in 1989, in a six-man tag loss alongside Jannetty and Tito Santana. Michaels’ appearances as a Rocker did not prove very successful, as the partnership again fell short the following year against Power and Glory. When he stepped out into the spotlight alone as the Heartbreak Kid, more success was found. It had humble beginnings, a no contest with Rick Martel in 1992, but was followed up by defending his Intercontinental Championship successfully against Mr Perfect. In 1995 Michaels and Razor Ramon once again stole the show in a ladder match for that coveted belt, with Michaels this time victorious, and the next year he was successfully defending the WWE Championship against Vader.
This would prove to be the final time HBK graced a SummerSlam ring for six whole years as a competitor after a serious back injury. But Michaels made his stunning return at this very event in 2002, crafting a magical street fight between him and Triple H that displayed he was still one of the greatest to step the ropes. HBK’s return became permanent off the back of that incredible bout, but he would feature in two of the next three SummerSlam main events, the Elimination Chamber of 2003 and the Icon vs Icon loss to Hulk Hogan in 2005. Michaels’ final two matches at the event would be similar to his first, as part of a tag team, as he and Triple H reformed DX to beat the McMahons (2006) and Legacy (2009).
Next: Brock Lesnar
WWE.com
9. Brock Lesnar
Record: 4 wins, 1 loss, 3 Title Matches, 3 Main Events
Memorable Moment: Wins first WWE Championship in 2002
The Beast Incarnate has a powerful bond to SummerSlam throughout his two spells in WWE, as at all the events he has participated, something of great significance has occurred. During his first run, Brock Lesnar was the Next Big Thing, a young, raw talent with a phenomenal look and explosive power ready to become the top star in professional wrestling. And when he returned to WWE after achieving everything in the company and in MMA, Lesnar has become a different animal, a prize-fighter with the strength and intensity to decimate any victim that stands opposite him, and SummerSlam is one of his preferred hunting grounds.
Lesnar was always touted as a big deal from the moment he stepped into the WWE for his sheer size and presence, but it wasn’t until SummerSlam 2002 that fans became aware of how big he was going to become. In his first ever attempt at the WWE Championship, and less than six months after his debut, against one of the biggest names in wrestling history, the Rock, The Next Big Thing etched his name in history. Lesnar out-muscled the Rock, becoming the youngest ever WWE Champion in the process. However, he could not repeat that feat the following year, being forced to submit for the first time in his career at the hands of Kurt Angle.
After conquering the Heavyweight division in UFC, Lesnar returned a different animal, more destructive and calculating than his early years. Now a mega-draw in the box office, Lesnar tore through Triple H in his reemergence on the SummerSlam stage in 2012, forcing him to tap out to the dreaded Kimura Lock. After this main event scalp, Lesnar had his eyes locked to another major star the next year, winning the Best vs Beast encounter with CM Punk. But then came a match that will live long in the memory for its shock value in 2014, as Lesnar produced arguably the most one-sided, dominant performance in a WWE Championship PPV match ever, when he gave John Cena an in-depth tour of Suplex City. Will the Undertaker feel that same grim fate this year in Brooklyn?
Next: Triple H
WWE.com
8. Triple H
Record: 8 wins, 5 losses, 5 Title Matches, 4 Main Events
Memorable Moment: Street fight with Shawn Michaels in 2002
As one of the most enduring and committed performers in WWE history, Triple H has competed at many SummerSlams over the years, the second-most in history in fact. His everlasting appeal transitioning from midcard entertainer to main event stalwart all the way to company executive was greatly enhanced by his strong relationship to the biggest show of the summer. On that stage he has experienced championship glory, emotional returns and the glory of the main event spotlight, and that legacy still has room to grow in the coming years.
As the American Blue-Blood Hunter Hearst Helmsley, he made his first foray onto the SummerSlam card with a victory over Bob Holly, and after these inauspicious beginnings, the Game would make a lasting impression going forward. Triple H had a grueling encounter with the deranged Mankind inside a steel cage in 1997, before another stipulation match earmarked him as a main event star of the future, as he defeated the Rock for the Intercontinental Championship in a memorable ladder match. It wouldn’t take long for him to ride this momentum into the main event, as he headlined the 1999 and 2000 shows in triple threat matches for the WWE Championship, falling short on both occasions.
Triple H’s next appearance at SummerSlam was particularly memorable, as he and Shawn Michaels began an epic rivalry that would span the next two years in HBK’s return match, a deeply personal street fight. From that point on the Cererbral Assassin would enjoy a triumphant winning run at the biggest party of the summer, starting by retaining his World Heavyweight Championship inside the Elimination Chamber in 2003. This was followed by victories over Eugene, the McMahons (alongside Michaels), Booker T, a WWE title defense against the Great Khali and Legacy. However, Triple H’s most recent contest at SummerSlam was far less enjoyable, as he found himself locked in the brutal Kimura of Brock Lesnar.
Next: Bret Hart
WWE.com
7. Bret Hart
Record: 7 wins, 4 losses, 5 Title Matches, 3 Main Events
Memorable Moment: Main event in Wembley in 1992
Few people can claim to have been performing at SummerSlam in both the 1980’s and 2010’s, but Bret Hart is no ordinary competitor. The Hitman has experienced every spot on the card, from the tag team division to the main event, establishing himself as one of the show’s most consistent and sought-after attraction. Hart always ensured he lived up to the status of the Excellence of Execution at this particular show, producing numerous matches that would retrospectively be heralded as some of the most legendary in its storied history.
Hart’s first strides onto the SummerSlam stage were as a tag team competitor, as part of the famed Hart Foundation, at the very first show. Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart battled longtime adversaries Demolition for the Tag Team Championships, suffering defeat on that occasion, and then losing to the Brain Busters the following year. However, they were finally standing victorious with the titles in 1990 after overcoming Demolition. After this, Hart began to spread his wings as a singles star in the Intercontinental Championship picture, besting Mr Perfect for the belt in a technical showcase in 1991, before losing the title in the storied main event of the 1992 show at Wembley Stadium against The British Bulldog.
Following this special contest, Hart became one of the biggest stars in WWE, holding the WWE Championship on multiple occasions. His popularity was such that he performed double duty in 1993 in matches with Doink the Clown and then Jerry “The King” Lawler. The next year, he was caught in the middle of a heated sibling rivalry, as he and brother Owen constructed another masterpiece in a deeply personal steel cage match for the WWE title, with Bret retaining. Hart would then be tested with the nefarious dentist Isaac Yankem the following event and then he captured the WWE belt for the last time in 1997 against the Undertaker. But that would not be his final strut to a SummerSlam ring, as he competed as part of Team WWE in the 2010 main event against The Nexus.
Next: John Cena
WWE.com
6. John Cena
Record: 4 wins, 7 losses, 9 Title Matches, 6 Main Events
Memorable Moment: Flattened by Brock Lesnar in 2014
As the current “Man” in WWE at the moment, John Cena is one of the most prominent wrestlers on virtually all major PPVs in the past decade. But SummerSlam is an especially strong stomping ground for the Cenation leader, as he has competed in more title matches and main events than any other superstar in its history. However, he falls short of the top five competitors to have ever performed at SummerSlam simply due to his remarkably poor losing record for a man who is lambasted for his superman persona.
Cena began his relationship with the summer spectacular in 2004, as he competed in a United States Championship series match against Booker T, starting out his strong run of title bouts at the show. Cena would walk into next year’s event with a belt around his waist, as he defended the WWE Championship against Chris Jericho, one of the first indications of his love-hate relationship with the crowd. Cena would find himself chasing the title in the following year’s main event in an excellent showing opposite one of his greatest rivals, Edge, before taking on another storied nemesis in the form of Randy Orton in 2007.
In 2008, Cena would not be competing for gold for the first time at a SummerSlam, losing to Batista in a star-studded clash of pride and ego. His diversion from the WWE title picture would not last long, as he once again faced Orton the very next year, only this time finishing second-best. In 2010 Cena led Team WWE to a victory over The Nexus in a seven-on-seven elimination tag, before falling to CM Punk in WWE Championship matches for the following two events, the latter of these a triple threat involving the Big Show. Cena has found SummerSlam a challenging environment in recent years, as his bulletproof reputation has been dismantled in remarkable losses to Daniel Bryan and Brock Lesnar, Lesnar’s in particular incredibly destructive, raising doubts over his ability to best Seth Rollins when the pair meet at this year’s match-up.
Next: Hulk Hogan
WWE.com
5. Hulk Hogan
Record: 6 wins, 0 losses, 0 Title Matches, 4 Main Events
Memorable Moment: Icon vs Icon in 2005
Whilst he might be public enemy number one as far as WWE are concerned, there is no questioning the lasting bond between Hulk Hogan and SummerSlam. As the biggest star in wrestling and pop culture in the late 1980’s, the Hulkster brought an important impetus in the early success of the PPV, as he featured in three of the first four main events. Hogan’s relationship with the event was temporarily broken by his move to WCW, but that would not be the final time he turned a SummerSlam red and yellow.
Hogan was involved in the main event of the very first SummerSlam in 1988, featuring in a celebrated tag team battle with his Mega Powers brother “Macho Man” Randy Savage. They defeated Andre the Giant and Ted Dibiase in a match remembered for Miss Elizabeth shedding her skirt to distract the heels. But the next year the Mega Powers were on opposite teams, as their heated animosity broiled over into another tag match, with Hogan and Brutus Beefcake overcoming Savage and Zeus. Hogan then took a short hiatus from the main event scene in a contest with Earthquake, before his final showing before his WCW hiatus, when he partnered with Ultimate Warrior to defeat Sergeant Slaughter, Colonel Mustafa and General Adnan.
However, this would not end SummerSlam association, as when Hogan was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, fans across the world begged for one more match. They ended up getting a lot more than that, but one of his most spectacular return bouts would be at this event in 2005, billed as Icon vs Icon against the legendary Shawn Michaels. Their first ever singles meeting did not disappoint, even with Michaels’ over-selling leading into the Hogan victory. And the Hulkster would make one final shirt rip on the SummerSlam stage the following year, as he bested the Legend Killer Randy Orton.
Next: Randy Orton
WWE.com
4. Randy Orton
Record: 6 wins, 4 losses, 7 Title Matches, 3 Main Events
Memorable Moment: Becomes youngest World Champion in 2004
Randy Orton has been one of the biggest WWE success stories in the new millennium, and a significant amount of his immense triumphs, both in terms of championship victories and in-ring performances, have taken place at SummerSlam. From the Legend Killer, to the vicious Viper, to today’s self-assured veteran, Orton has a long history at this event that has assured his legacy for years to come. Among the current competitors on the main roster, Orton’s status at this show is the measuring stick.
Few people get the main event in their PPV debut, especially in an event as huge as SummerSlam, but Orton managed that feat when he participated in the Elimination Chamber of 2003 for the World Heavyweight Championship. Whilst he came up short on that occasion, Orton would not have to wait much longer to taste that coveted gold, as he defeated Chris Benoit for the title to become the youngest ever World Champion in WWE’s history after an excellent contest. Orton’s success continued in 2005 against the Undertaker, as he made good on his promise to kill another legend, but did not experience success in his following two showings, failing to beat Hulk Hogan and then unable to capture the WWE Championship against John Cena.
Orton would redeem himself on this second failure in 2009, as he walked into SummerSlam the WWE Champion, and bested John Cena in the title defense thanks to some outside shenanigans. Similar inconveniences disrupted Orton’s attempts to recapture that belt the following year in a match with Sheamus that ended by disqualification, a factor that did not feature in his street fight World Heavyweight Championship win over Christian in 2011, capping off one of the year’s most captivating feuds. Orton would capture the WWE title again in one of his easiest night’s in wrestling, as he cashed-in his Money in the Bank briefcase to defeat Daniel Bryan. But, he would suffer a rare non-title defeat last year, falling to the rising young superstar Roman Reigns.
Next: The Undertaker
WWE.com
3. The Undertaker
Record: 9 wins, 5 losses, 5 Title Matches, 4 Main Events
Memorable Moment: Turned on by Paul Bearer in 1996
The Undertaker is one of the greatest stars to ever step into WWE, with his unique gimmick, evolving character and uncanny power entertaining fans for over two decades. Whilst his WrestleMania Streak is more revered, his presence at SummerSlam is impossible to ignore, as the Deadman has competed in more matches there than anyone else. Even as he reaches the twilight of his fabled career between the ropes, the Phenom remains as one of the biggest draws and most respected performers in history, and is set to headline this year’s SummerSlam after first appearing at that event in 1991, interrupting the wedding of Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth.
The following year Undertaker made his first deliberate steps into a SummerSlam ring, defeating Kamala and then Giant Gonzales, before taking the main event slot on the show in 1994 when he conducted a convoluted story with an impostor Undertaker. Fortunately for the Phenom, after these early disappointing clashes, his opponents experienced a serious upsurge in quality for his following summer showings, defeating Kama in a Casket match before falling victim to the deranged Mankind in a boiler room brawl, which ended with Paul Bearer’s shocking betrayal in 1996. Undertaker would then lose his WWE Championship in 1997 to Bret Hart, and then fail to capture it back in the main event opposite Steve Austin the next year.
The next five years of Undertaker appearances at SummerSlam were decidedly substandard, but presented him as a vital mainstay at the important event. Between 1999 and 2003 he competed against X-Pac & Kane, Kane, DDP & Kanyon, Test and A-Train, twice winning the World Tag Team Championship in the process. His status at the summer spectacular grew in his later years, as he first challenged JBL for the WWE Championship in a losing effort in 2004, and the following year falling to the brash youthfulness of Randy Orton. After these disappointments, Undertaker’s most recent SummerSlam appearance was both more successful and undoubtedly his greatest contest of his fourteen outings, stealing the show with Edge inside Hell in a Cell. Where will his legacy stand after his bout with Brock Lesnar on August 23?
Next: The Ultimate Warrior
WWE.com
2. Ultimate Warrior
Record: 5 wins, 0 losses, 4 Title Matches, 2 Main Events
Memorable Moment: Squashes Honky Tonk Man in 1988
One of the most colorful, exuberant and unique superstar’s to ever compete in WWE history, the Ultimate Warrior left an emphatic legacy in his short years in the main event scene. His painted face, powerful physique energetic entrance, Warrior captured the hearts of the fans very quickly in the 1980’s, particularly down to his work at SummerSlam. It was on this stage that he burst into the major leagues in WWE, cementing himself as one of the greatest stars of the Rock’n’Roll Era of wrestling.
This legacy was founded at the very first SummerSlam, with the Honky Tonk Man, who is still the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in history, placed his belt on the line in an open challenge. With the rhythmic beat of a drum, the Ultimate Warrior charged the ring amid a rapturous ovation from the fans. This electrifying atmosphere reached its amazing climax with Warrior dropping Honky Tonk in less than 30 seconds to win the belt. Warrior would go on to reclaim that very same belt at the following year’s event, taking it back from the “Ravishing” Rick Rude.
Warrior and Rude would find themselves tangling once again in 1990, only this time the prize at stake was Warrior’s WWE Championship inside the confines of a steel cage. Rude was always able to extract the very best from his opponent’s limited in-ring skills, but it was Warrior’s charisma and personality that made this a solid main event. Warrior would again find himself in the headline act the following SummerSlam, as he made a fearsome alliance with Hulk Hogan against Sergeant Slaughter, Colonel Mustafa and General Adnan in a match steeped in controversy due to backstage deals. But, that didn’t stop Warrior from returning for a final WWE title match in the UK, as he defeated Randy Savage, albeit only by count out.
Next: Edge
WWE.com
1. Edge
Record: 8 wins, 2 losses, 4 Title Matches, 3 Main Events
Memorable Moment: First-ever TLC match in 2000
Mr. SummerSlam should be a man that has a strong winning record at the event, has competed on all areas of the card for numerous championships, and produced his very best every time the spotlight shone down upon him. And in the summer nights of this particular PPV, no star shone any brighter than Edge. The Rated R Superstar made his Hall of Fame career off the back of many tremendous matches and accolades, and SummerSlam was an environment where Edge achieved a significant amount of these moments that made him one of the most decorated wrestlers to come through the company.
Edge first charged through the crowd into a SummerSlam ring in 1998, as the fresh-faced loner formed a partnership with Sable to defeat Marc Mero and Jacqueline. The following two events would see him align with a much more memorable partner, as he and Christian began to make waves on the main roster. First, they lost out in a Tag Team Turmoil contest to the Acolytes in spite of eliminating three teams in the process, but their next outing was far more prosperous and memorable. They defended the Tag Team Championships against the Hardyz and the Dudley Boyz in the first ever TLC match, and their pompous partnership exited victorious.
Edge would experience as much success at SummerSlam as a singles star, as he captured the Intercontinental Championship from Lance Storm in 2001, defeated Eddie Guerrero in a technical classic the following year, and successfully defended the Intercontinental belt against the fierce challengers of Chris Jericho and Batista in 2004. But it was after this point where Edge really stepped into a higher gear, becoming one of the most loathed heels of the new millennium, beginning with a brutal decimation of Matt Hardy in 2005. Edge would go on from that to defend his WWE Championship in the main event of 2006 against rival John Cena, and two years later constructed a physical epic with the Undertaker inside Hell in a Cell.
Whilst his final in-ring performance at the event was somewhat muted, on the winning side of the 7 vs 7 WWE vs Nexus match, there is no questioning Edge has the credentials, record and outstanding showings necessary to lay claim to the moniker Mr. SummerSlam.
Next: Reviewing SummerSlam's Greatest Matches
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