SummerSlam, WWE.com
As SummerSlam approaches, WWE has us just where they want us.
Following WrestleMania season it seems that fans are always lulled to sleep. That is until something happens that makes the WWE Universe say, “Wait…what?!”
Fans have been speculating whether we could see not just a two man Shield reunion, but a three man Shield reunion. What if Ambrose turns heel instead of giving us the rekindling of a legendary stable that we crave? Could there be a shocking return?
These are all questions that we have to ask, because some of the most shocking moments in the company’s history have happened at SummerSlam. As much fun as it is to speculate, let’s first take a look at five SummerSlam moments that we will never forget.
Credit: WWE.com
5. The Viper Feels the Wrath of the Beast
Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar, this was the story of two men who trained together, yet somehow found a way to stay out of each other’s path. That is until SummerSlam 2016. This was also the first cross promotion match since the draft earlier that same summer.
Randy Orton threw the first shot with his “no enhancement needed” comment as a guest on the Highlight Reel. Orton then threw the second shot as well, when he surprised everyone including Lesnar with an RKO on Raw. Lesnar would get his revenge on Smackdown setting up for a once in a lifetime showdown at SummerSlam.
Even with the added fuel to the fire, this match still had the build of an exhibition between two superior athletes. Lesnar and Orton’s rivalry were closer to Apollo and Drago’s from Rocky IV. The spectacle of SummerSlam was made entertaining by an arrogant legend (Randy Orton), until just like Rocky IV something went horribly wrong. One of the most decorated wrestlers in WWE history was dismantled in the ring by a force that I don’t think anyone was ready for.
As we found out later that the close to the match was a work, it was anyone’s guess at the time if Orton had in fact been hit with an off-script/shoot elbow. The blood that gushed from Orton during that first close up will be an image that will stick with wrestling fans forever.
Credit: WWE.com
4. What is Kevin Nash Doing Here?
We will always remember 2011 as the “Summer of Punk”. The ending of the summer meant also the ending of the John Cena and CM Punk feud. Once and for all we were going to find out who the real WWE Champion was.
Following another Cena and Punk classic (ending in controversy), it would be Kevin Nash who would hop the barricade and attack the new WWE Champion, CM Punk. This vicious attack would lead to Alberto Del Rio finally cashing in his Money in the Bank contract.
At SummerSlam 2011 we might have had a new WWE Champion not named CM Punk or John Cena, but the question on everyone’s mind was, “What was Kevin Nash doing there?” I know I tuned into Raw the next night to find out Kevin Nash’s motives for attacking “The Voice of the Voiceless”.
Credit: WWE.com
3. B+ Player
SummerSlam 2013 may have been one of the most hyped cards in WWE history. Fans knew that “The Best vs. The Beast” was going to be good, but the real story of the night was whether Daniel Bryan could actually defeat John Cena. It was known the Cena was entering the match with an injury, but we have seen Cena overcome the odds before.
The main event went back and forth, until it became clear that the better man on this night was going to be Daniel Bryan. The confetti dropped as fans watched a small and scrappy overachiever reach the top of the mountain.
In fact, during the match, it was easy to forget that Triple H was the special guest referee considering he had no impact on the match. Right before fans were expecting to leave the arena or turn off their televisions, they got the payoff.
A tease of Orton cashing in led to a momentary distraction where Triple H would plant Bryan into the canvas giving The Viper the perfect time to strike. Just like that, we were all left with more questions than answers.
“Why? Is Randy Orton now a heel? What is next for Daniel Bryan?” WrestleMania XXX was a classic, and we have this moment that created a domino effect up to that show. Thank you, SummerSlam 2013.
Credit: WWE.com
2. A Beast is Born
Lesnar and Cena in 2014, gave fans something they never thought that they would see. Super Cena being squashed, clean. How many times have we seen a bigger superstar challenge Cena? Yet, Cena always finds a way to overcome the odds. That is until a beast was born.
Brock Lesnar was coming off the biggest win of his WWE career when he ended The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak in April. That is great, but The Undertaker is older and Cena is still in his prime. Well that did not seem to matter, because Lesnar dominated the match from start to finish.
The only offense mounted by Cena was an Attitude Adjustment. To the surprise of many not only did Lesnar kick out, but he laughed at Cena. Following the destruction of Cena on this night, the WWE Universe was left in shock.
Little did we know, that SummerSlam 2014 was the birth of The Beast.
1. An Ultimate Return
SummerSlam 1988 saw the end of Honky Tonk Man’s record breaking Intercontinental Championship reign. Common sense would tell you that it would have to eventually end, but who could’ve guessed this outcome?
After boasting that he did not care who the mystery opponent would be, Honky Tonk Man would soon eat his words. A familiar theme song played as Madison Square Garden erupted. What was just as shocking as The Ultimate Warrior’s return, was the fact that he made such quick work of the Intercontinental Champion.
More wwe: Ranking All 16 Superstars to Win MITB
In the years that followed, we would see many more squash matches from The Ultimate Warrior, but his 1988 triumph at SummerSlam will go down as one of his most memorable.