The “SummerSlam 2022” was under the special observation of the fans. Because it was the first WWE mega event since the departure of decades-long boss Vince McMahon. One thing is certain: no spectator will soon forget the scenes from the main event. All results in the summary.
The greatest rivalry in modern WWE culminated in a Last Man Standing Match at the “SummerSlam” in Nashville (Tennessee): Only with the 10-count of the referee could the largely irregular clash between Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns (his 699. day as world champion) and his biggest rival Brock Lesnar.
Brock Lesnar, who lives on a farm in Canada away from his modest WWE appearances, amused fans when he rode to the ring on a tractor. But during the course of the main event, the passionate farmer was to provide scenes with his tractor in front of around 48,000 spectators in Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, that have never been seen before: With the shovel of his vehicle he lifted the ring on one side by!
His opponent Roman Reigns then fell out of the rope square. For the rest of the match, this ring, which had been torn from its anchorage and was now completely bent, was no longer usable.
Roman Reigns also received support from his cousins Jimmy and Jey Uso. Everything was tried to keep Lesnar down for the 10 count. In the end, the “Bloodline” buried Lesnar under the surrounding debris: Reigns was now enthroned on his opponent, who could no longer move under table tops and other objects. The match was over: Roman Reigns remained undisputed champion.
The images of this debris field with the completely destroyed ring left a lasting impression on the viewers.
Bayley returns with reinforcements
The broadcast began with a successful title defense by Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair over Becky Lynch. Belair managed to get revenge for Becky’s blitz win in Las Vegas a year ago. Pinned after a KOD, Lynch was surprisingly insightful and congratulated Belair on the success.
Another surprise was not long in coming: Bayley, who had been sidelined from WWE for over a year due to a cruciate ligament rupture, returned. Joining her are NXT’s Io Shirai (new name: IYO SKY) and the recently-sacked Dakota Kai. The trio faced Belair. But Bianca was backed by Becky Lynch!
An evening without a title change
Not only in the title decisions at the beginning and end of the evening there were no new champions. Everything stayed the same for the other championship matches.
Bobby Lashley had an easy time with Theory. After a few minutes Theory was over in the Hurt Lock: The “All-Mighty” remained United States Champion.
Special guest judge Jeff Jarrett officiated the undisputed tag team championship match without incident as Jimmy and Jey Uso once again edged out the Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins). Ford didn’t want to admit that a massive Frog Splash didn’t get him the win he had hoped for. The discussion with Jeff Jarrett became a problem for him. Ford flew over the barrier outside the ring, between the ropes the Uso twins 1-D (One and Done) to defend the title.
The match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship was much more controversial: Former UFC fighter Ronda Rousey managed to grab Liv Morgan in her armbar. Rousey’s shoulders touched the ring mat as the referee counted for the 3-count. However, the official did not notice how Morgan had tapped shortly before. The slow motion made the wrong decision obvious. Actually, the title should have gone to Rousey. The loser then went crazy and not only attacked Liv Morgan again, but also attacked the referee.
Edge returns
Another personnel surprise came during the no-disqualification tag team match between Rey and Dominik Mysterio with Judgment Day (the faction consisting of Damian Priest, Finn Bálor and Rhea Ripley): Edge, the one-time founder of Judgment Day, returned and retaliated for being unexpectedly expelled from his own group.
The emergence of the WWE veteran executing his spears against Priest and Bálor set the tone. Father and son Mysterio followed with the double 619, Rey then pinned Bálor with the splash off the ropes. The fans were happy to see Edge again, who was behind the mysterious video clips in the past few weeks.
Both celebrity wrestlers convince
YouTube star and amateur boxer Logan Paul played his second WWE match. Against the veteran The Miz, the 27-year-old convinced again with his athleticism and some daring moves. One big splash was particularly memorable: Paul jumped off the ring post and onto Miz. Both men crashed through the commentator’s desk. Miz’ wife Maryse then tried to influence the match. But Paul didn’t let himself be caught off guard and beat Miz at his own game, the skull-crushing finale.
Former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee proved he could still kick really well at 35. McAfee stepped into the ring for the first time since WrestleMania, this time against his former football friend Happy Corbin. McAfee once again convinced with some sensational moments, but also with a cheeky kick between his opponent’s legs. McAfee then followed with the Panama Sunrise from the ring ropes to defeat the regular SmackDown Superstar.
WWE “Clash at the Castle” in September
Drew McIntyre won the #1 Contenders match against Sheamus on Friday night’s “SmackDown” in Atlanta, Georgia. The main event for “Clash at the Castle” on September 3rd in Cardiff (Wales) is now secure: McIntyre takes on undisputed champion Roman Reigns.
“Clash at the Castle” is the next Premium Live Event – the first WWE stadium event in Europe in 30 years!
Christian Bruns
Power-Wrestling is Germany’s largest wrestling magazine.