Recapping Historic SummerSlam

The sound of the spectators. The current is in the air. They are high-risk/high-reward propositions that couldn’t get any more important. These are the features of WWE’s SummerSlam, sometimes referred to as “The Biggest Party of the Summer.” With time, SummerSlam has grown to be ranked as one of the “Big Four” pay-per-view events in WWE besides WrestleMania, the Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. SummerSlam 2024 was not an exception, and the event offered fans lots of thrillers, dramatic performances, and spectacular moments that were written into the history of wrestling.

A Grand Setting: Ford Field, Detroit

SummerSlam 2024 was staged at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, which has been home to more significant WWE events such as WrestleMania 23. The WWE audience of in excess of 60,000 vigorously supportive fans was also surely the best, with the energy palpable. This particular event signified the first time WWE was back at Ford Field after seventeen years, which brings a lot of history to the event. The size of the area and the expectations of the spectators provided background for one of the biggest nights in WWE history.

Main Event: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes: The Fight for Dominance

The headliner of the SummerSlam show in 2024 was the Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes bout for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Their first meeting was at WrestleMania 39, where Reigns just managed to hold onto his title, something that has left Rhodes and his fans begging for more. SummerSlam was hyped as the end of a war, a war that was supposed to culminate at SummerSlam.

As soon as the bell for the commencement of the fight rang, the feeling got more tense. Reigns, with Bloodline by his side, looked confident, while Rhodes was determined as he was out to ‘complete the story’. It was a fierce fight, and both men did not spare each other as they fought for the championship title. Rhodes proved that he could take spears and a vicious Superman punch and still stand, and Reigns illustrated why he held the Universal Championship for as long as he did.

The climax of the match was when Rhodes felt he was defeated and then got up with what he felt was the power of the crowd. In response to a spear, he executed a string of cross Rhodes, each strike more powerful than the previous one. With the arena on its feet, Rhodes hit his finishing move one last time, pinned Reigns down, and got the three count, thus putting an end to the tribal chief’s 1,078-day reign and becoming the undisputed WWE Universal Champion. The win was sweet redemption for Rhodes, who promised this upon his return to WWE, and now he can retire as one of the best of all time.

The Return of Randy Orton: An RKO Out of Nowhere

The SummerSlam 2024 will also be unforgettable because of the appearance of Randy Orton, known as “The Viper.” Orton, however, after being out of the wrestling ring for quite some time because of a back injury that threatened his wrestling career, returned with style. He came out with his entrance music immediately after the Rhodes-Reigns match, and the pop was immense as Orton walked toward the ring.

Orton, who had been inactive for almost a year, was looking more than ready. He performed the RKO on both Reigns and Rhodes, a statement that was loud and clear that he was back and was determined to get back to the top of WWE. The return of Orton was the shocking moment of the night and gave everyone a hint of what was to come in terms of feuds and rivalries and why Orton is one of the most ruthless superstars in WWE history.

Women’s Championship Showcase: Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka vs. Rhea Ripley

The women of WWE have always pulled out great performances at SummerSlam, and the year 2024 was no exception. The Fatal 4-Way match for the WWE Women’s Championship was very much a display of the richness and strength of the division. The match featured four of the most dominant and decorated women in WWE: Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, Asuka, and Rhea Ripley.

Right from the start, the match was a blinder, as it was filled with action and both players brought out the best of their abilities. Belair was physical throughout the match, particularly when she performed a 450 splash on Flair. The expert in submissions, Asuka, almost won the match when she locked her special move called Asuka Lock. But just before the end, Ripley stopped it from happening. Flair, who is known as “Queen,” cleverly stayed in the match using her experience by making a few near falls.

The winner of the match was Rhea Ripley. Ripley, who had been on a dominant run since winning the title at WrestleMania, seized what could only be described as a golden opportunity. Ripley then hit Belair with the KOD, and as she was outside the ring, Ripley pinned down Flair to retain her championship. The match made Ripley the number one woman in WWE and provided the next contenders for her title to rise up.

Intercontinental Championship: Gunther vs. Drew McIntyre: A Hard-Hitting Battle

The match of the night was the Intercontinental Championship match between Gunther and Drew McIntyre. Gunther, who had been on a dominant run as champion, was to be tested for the first time in his rivalry against McIntyre, a former WWE champion known to step up in big matches.

The match was exactly what fans expected: a tough, body-contact type of fight. For both men, their forte is their powerful punches, and neither of them failed to deliver on this aspect. Gunther’s chops resonated in Ford Field, and McIntyre’s Claymore Kick almost took Gunther’s head off. The bout was one of sheer physical strength and endurance, and neither of the two fighters was willing to yield an inch.

Thus, Gunther was the winner of this battle and remained an Intercontinental Champion. The win made Gunther one of the most dominant champions in recent memory, and McIntyre was able to garner the support of the WWE Universe for his efforts.

Tag Team Turmoil: The Usos vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn: A Grudge Match for the Ages

Tag team wrestling has always been part of WWE, and SummerSlam 2024 witnessed one of the most personal tag team wrestling matches for sure. The Usos, who were still transitioning from The Bloodline, competed against Owens and Zayn, who were the WWE Tag Team Champions at the time. The match was not just a battle for the titles; it was a fight for rivalry and betrayal and to get back at each other.

The teamwork of the two teams could not be doubted, and the match was a perfect display of tag team wrestling. The Usos, who at the time were feuding with Roman Reigns, were just as in-sync as ever, especially because of the twin gimmick. Owens and Zayn, however, used their experience and brotherhood to get through it all.

The match reached its climax when Jey Uso, after months of being manipulated by Reigns, turned on his brother Jimmy, super kicking him out of frustration. This shocking moment allowed Owens and Zayn to capitalize, with Zayn hitting the Helluva Kick on Jimmy for the win. The victory retained their titles and left the WWE Universe buzzing about the future of The Usos and the fractured Bloodline.

A Night of Surprises and Milestones

SummerSlam 2024 was a night full of surprises and milestones. In addition to the main matches, there were several other moments that added to the historic nature of the event. One such moment was the return of John Cena, who made a surprise appearance to confront a rising star, Austin Theory. Cena, who has transitioned into a part-time role in WWE, reminded everyone why he is still one of the biggest names in the business, delivering an attitude adjustment to theory and setting up a potential future clash.

Another notable moment was the culmination of the long-running feud between Seth Rollins and Finn Bálor. The two have been at odds for years, dating back to their match at SummerSlam 2016, where Bálor became the first Universal Champion. In 2024, they faced off once again in a match that was as personal as it was physical. Rollins emerged victorious, finally putting an end to their rivalry and moving on to new challenges.

SummerSlam 2024 also saw the debut of several NXT stars who were called up to the main roster in the weeks leading up to the event. Among them were Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, and Roxanne Perez, all of whom made a strong impression on the WWE Universe. Their presence added fresh energy to the show and signaled a new era for WWE.

Conclusion: SummerSlam 2024: A Night to Remember

Ultimately, SummerSlam 2024 was a night of great significance and impact. It saw the launching of the new Universal Champion, Roman Reigns’ dominance, as well as Randy Orton’s return, which is likely to bring some changes to the WWE Universe’s landscape. The matches were thrilling, surprises were unexpected, and the overall atmosphere was full of energy. It was a night displaying WWE’s finest and confirming SummerSlam as an essential event on the WWE schedule.

After the last fireworks burst at Ford Field, it became evident. SummerSlam 2024 was indeed “The Biggest Party of the Summer.” The evening represented all that is wonderful about WWE: drama, athleticism, big personalities, and moments causing fans to jump from their chairs in excitement. It served as a reminder for all why they initially became fans of pro wrestling and left them excitedly awaiting what comes next within WWE’s world.