Top 10 WWE SummerSlam Matches Of All Time

By CARPE

With SummerSlam just around the corner, we’re counting down the top 10 greatest matches in the event’s history.

10) SummerSlam 2017 – Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman (Fatal 4-Way for the Universal Championship)

This main event was pure chaos in the best way. Four of WWE’s most dominant heavyweights collided in a brutal Fatal 4-Way match for the Universal Championship, and it turned out to be one of the wildest and most action-packed matches in SummerSlam history.

From the opening bell, all four men brought mayhem. Samoa Joe locked in his Coquina Clutch every chance he got, Roman Reigns dished out Superman Punches and Spears, and Brock Lesnar, the defending champion, tried to weather the storm. But the real standout was Braun Strowman, who delivered a star-making performance. At one point, Strowman powerslammed Lesnar through two announce tables, then flipped a third onto him, causing the crowd to erupt. Lesnar was stretchered out temporarily, only to return later in classic “Beast” fashion.

The match was nonstop destruction—hard-hitting, high-energy, and chaotic. Weapons, finishers, and big spots came in rapid succession, with no lull in the action. In the end, Lesnar retained his title by pinning Roman, but not before every man looked like a legitimate monster.

This match is remembered for its sheer intensity and how it made Strowman look like an unstoppable force, even in defeat. A rare example where all four competitors came out looking stronger than they went in.

9) SummerSlam 2002 – The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar (Undisputed WWE Championship)

This match wasn’t just a clash of two titans — it was a defining moment in WWE history. At SummerSlam 2002, The Rock, already a global superstar, defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against the red-hot Brock Lesnar, who was riding a meteoric rise since debuting earlier that year.

Lesnar had won the King of the Ring and steamrolled through the roster, positioning himself as WWE’s next unstoppable force. The Rock, meanwhile, was at the height of his powers, but also nearing his transition to Hollywood — and the New York crowd made it clear they knew it. In one of the most striking elements of the match, the audience turned on The Rock, cheering Lesnar as the new face of the company.

The match itself was physical, intense, and well-paced. Lesnar showcased his freak athleticism, while The Rock leaned into the hostile crowd, adapting on the fly with veteran instincts. After countering a Rock Bottom and hitting the F-5, Brock Lesnar pinned The Rock clean, becoming the youngest WWE Champion at the time.

This wasn’t just the end of a match — it was the symbolic passing of the torch. Rock would leave shortly after for Hollywood, and Lesnar was launched into superstardom. A historic moment and a brilliantly executed main event that marked the start of a new era.

8) SummerSlam 2000 – TLC I: Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz vs. The Dudley Boyz (TLC Match for the WWF Tag Team Championship)

The match that revolutionised tag team wrestling.

At SummerSlam 2000, WWE introduced the world to its first-ever TLC (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs) Match, featuring three of the most iconic tag teams of the Attitude Era: Edge & Christian, The Hardy Boyz, and The Dudley Boyz. What followed was a brutal, high-flying, and wildly inventive spectacle that redefined what a tag team match could be.

This was more than just a stunt show—it was choreographed chaos with real stakes and unforgettable moments. Jeff Hardy’s daredevil leap from the ladder, Bubba Ray Dudley’s brutal table bumps, and Edge & Christian’s cunning tactics all blended into a match that had the crowd on its feet from bell to bell.

Each team brought their signature weapons: tables (Dudleys), ladders (Hardys), and chairs (Edge & Christian), and used them in ways no one had seen before. The spots were dangerous, the pacing relentless, and the chemistry between the teams undeniable.

In the end, Edge & Christian retained the titles, cementing their role as the conniving champions of the division. But more than just winners and losers, TLC I laid the foundation for a new style of match that would become a staple in WWE, and this bout still holds up today as a groundbreaking moment in wrestling history.

7) SummerSlam 2013 – Brock Lesnar vs. CM Punk (“The Best vs. The Beast”)

A true modern classic. At SummerSlam 2013, fans witnessed a dream match between Brock Lesnar, the unstoppable juggernaut, and CM Punk, the defiant “Best in the World,” in a brutal and emotional No Disqualification showdown.

The build-up was deeply personal. Punk had split from Paul Heyman, his former ally and manager, leading to betrayal and weeks of mind games. Heyman’s first client, Brock Lesnar, became the ultimate enforcer. What made this match so compelling wasn’t just the story, but how perfectly their styles clashed — Punk’s speed, heart, and cunning vs. Brock’s overwhelming power and intensity.

From the opening bell, Punk attacked Lesnar with relentless aggression, refusing to back down. The match told a brilliant underdog story, with Punk constantly adapting to survive Lesnar’s raw strength. There were countless memorable moments: Punk diving onto Lesnar at ringside, Brock countering submissions with sheer force, and Heyman’s constant interference adding emotional heat.

Despite Punk’s resilience and the crowd’s thunderous support, it was ultimately Lesnar who prevailed, hitting the F-5 onto a steel chair after a Heyman distraction.

This match didn’t need a title — it was built on storytelling, psychology, and in-ring brilliance, and it’s widely regarded as one of both men’s best performances. A rare instance where both walked away elevated, regardless of the result.

6) SummerSlam 1992 – Bret Hart vs. The British Bulldog (Intercontinental Championship)

One of the most iconic matches in WWE history — not just for the in-ring action, but for the setting, the stakes, and the emotion behind it.

SummerSlam 1992 took place at London’s Wembley Stadium in front of over 80,000 fans, making it one of the largest and most memorable events in WWE history. In the main event, Bret “Hitman” Hart defended the Intercontinental Championship against his real-life brother-in-law, The British Bulldog (Davey Boy Smith), in front of a passionate UK crowd firmly behind their hometown hero.

The match was a masterclass in technical wrestling and storytelling. Bret played the role of the savvy, calculating champion, while Bulldog fed off the crowd’s energy despite battling through a reportedly rough personal condition leading into the match. The chemistry between them — built on mutual respect and real-life family ties — gave the bout an emotional depth that few matches have ever matched.

After a back-and-forth clinic filled with near-falls, reversals, and tension, Bulldog countered a sunset flip and pinned Bret to win the Intercontinental Title, setting off a massive eruption from the Wembley crowd. After the match, Bret initially walked away but ultimately embraced Bulldog and Diana Hart, uniting the family in a heartfelt post-match moment.

This wasn’t just a great wrestling match — it was a cultural moment for British wrestling fans and a defining chapter in both men’s careers. A technical masterpiece with emotional weight, and a true SummerSlam classic.

5) SummerSlam 2002 – Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio

The opening match of SummerSlam 2002 set the bar ridiculously high. In his WWE pay-per-view debut, Rey Mysterio squared off against Kurt Angle in a fast-paced, high-energy clash that showcased the perfect blend of technical wrestling and lucha libre excitement.

From the moment Rey flew into the arena—literally launching himself at Angle before the bell—it was clear this match was going to be something special. Angle, the Olympic gold medalist and master technician, brought his usual intensity and precision, while Mysterio countered with dazzling speed, aerial attacks, and incredible agility.

The chemistry between the two was off the charts. Rey pulled off insane reversals and springboards, including a 619 and a West Coast Pop, while Angle grounded the high-flyer with suplexes and submissions, working to slow the pace and control the match. The crowd was completely locked in.

Despite Rey’s explosive offense and the crowd rallying behind him, Angle ultimately caught Mysterio in midair and locked in the Angle Lock, forcing a submission.

At just over 9 minutes, this match wasn’t the longest, but it was flawless in execution. It introduced Rey to WWE’s main stage in spectacular fashion and reminded everyone why Angle was one of the best in the world. A brilliant opener and one of the most replayable matches in SummerSlam history.

4) SummerSlam 2016 – John Cena vs AJ Styles

A true dream match delivered on the biggest stage of the summer. At SummerSlam 2016, John Cena and AJ Styles clashed in a highly anticipated singles bout that lived up to—and arguably exceeded—all expectations. This was more than just a match; it was a generational showdown between WWE’s franchise player and the indie/Impact wrestling icon finally cementing his place in WWE.

They had faced off before, but this was the rematch with no Club interference, no excuses—just one-on-one, best man wins.

From the opening lock-up to the final pinfall, the match was incredibly well-paced, filled with dramatic near-falls, reversals, and moments that had the Brooklyn crowd on fire. Styles used his athleticism and striking ability to keep Cena off balance, while Cena pulled out a deeper move set than usual to keep up with AJ’s pace—including a Top Rope Attitude Adjustment and some slick counters.

The crowd was split down the middle, and the emotion intensified with every close count. In the end, after a Styles Clash followed by a Phenomenal Forearm, AJ pinned Cena clean in the centre of the ring—something few men in WWE history can claim.

After the match, Cena left his “Never Give Up” armband in the ring—a symbolic gesture signaling the end of an era and the rise of a new standard-bearer.

This match wasn’t just technically excellent—it was storytelling at its peak, and it marked the moment AJ Styles officially became a top-tier WWE main eventer.

3) SummerSlam 1998 – The Rock vs. Triple H (Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match)

Often underrated in the annals of SummerSlam history, the 1998 Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match between The Rock and Triple H was more than just a brutal, high-stakes contest—it was a key chapter in the heated rivalry between two of WWE’s most dominant factions: The Nation of Domination and D-Generation X.

This match showcased the bitter feud boiling over between these factions, with The Rock representing the Nation and Triple H leading DX. The ladder match stipulation added a thrilling, dangerous edge, pushing both men to their limits with daring ladder spots and intense back-and-forth action.

The Rock’s explosive charisma and raw power clashed perfectly with Triple H’s ruthless and calculated aggression. Their real-life tension mixed with on-screen rivalry gave every moment deeper emotional weight, while interference and mind games from their respective factions intensified the drama.

The finish came when Chyna, a key DX member, delivered a low blow to The Rock, clearing the way for Triple H to climb the ladder and capture the Intercontinental Championship.

This match remains a hidden gem, blending faction warfare, personal vendettas, and high-risk action into a defining moment of the Attitude Era that helped propel both men—and their stables—into superstardom.

2) SummerSlam 2013 – John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan (WWE Championship)

One of SummerSlam’s most unforgettable and emotionally charged matches, the 2013 WWE Championship bout between John Cena and Daniel Bryan was a landmark moment in WWE history—not just for the incredible match, but for the dramatic fallout that followed immediately after.

After months of intense buildup, Bryan, the underdog fan favorite known for his technical skill and heart, faced off against Cena, WWE’s established top star. The match was a perfect clash of styles, with Bryan’s high-energy offense and resilience meeting Cena’s power and veteran savvy. The crowd was passionately behind Bryan, who sealed the victory with a perfectly timed flying knee to pin Cena and capture the WWE Championship.

But the celebration was short-lived. Almost immediately after the match, Triple H made a shocking heel turn, delivering a brutal Pedigree to Bryan. Taking advantage of the chaos, Randy Orton cashed in his Money in the Bank contract right then and there, defeating the weakened Bryan to win the WWE Championship in one of the most shocking moments in SummerSlam history.

This rollercoaster of events—Bryan’s emotional triumph, Triple H’s betrayal, and Orton’s opportunistic cash-in—turned the SummerSlam main event into one of WWE’s most gripping storylines, cementing Bryan’s rise and adding layers of drama that captivated fans worldwide.

1) SummerSlam 2002 – Triple H vs Shawn Michaels (Unsanctioned Street Fight)

Topping the list is not just a great SummerSlam match — it’s one of the most emotional and unforgettable comebacks in WWE history. At SummerSlam 2002, after more than four years away from the ring due to a career-threatening back injury, Shawn Michaels returned to face his former best friend turned bitter rival, Triple H, in an Unsanctioned Street Fight.

The buildup was deeply personal. Once allies in D-Generation X, Triple H had turned on Michaels, viciously attacking him and questioning his toughness, his loyalty, and whether he still belonged in the ring. The result was a grudge match rooted in betrayal and years of shared history — and despite being labeled “unsanctioned,” it would go on to steal the show.

The match was an instant classic. Michaels, unsure of what his body could handle, wrestled like he hadn’t missed a step — flying off ropes, taking brutal bumps, and digging deep into his arsenal. Triple H played the role of the ruthless aggressor, targeting Shawn’s injured back and showing no mercy. The crowd was electric from bell to bell, fully invested in every dramatic twist.

In a stunning finish, Michaels countered a Pedigree into a surprise roll-up to score the emotional victory. The joy was short-lived, however — Triple H attacked him post-match with a sledgehammer, leaving Shawn broken but triumphant.

This wasn’t just a comeback. It was a career renaissance. What was meant to be a one-off appearance turned into a full-time return, and the start of the second act of Shawn Michaels’ Hall of Fame career. Gritty, emotional, and brilliantly told, this match remains the definitive SummerSlam moment.

Check out our best SummerSlam Matches tier ranking.