The first night of SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, delivered an exhilarating array of matches that left the audience both thrilled and shocked. One of the standout moments included the shifting of tag-team titles and a dramatic change in the World Heavyweight Championship, showcasing the intense rivalry and excitement that WWE events are known for. The night saw several notable matches, highlighted by the return of Roman Reigns and Jey Uso teaming up against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.
In the opening match, Jey Uso and Roman Reigns took on Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. The pairing of Reigns and Uso, who hadn’t teamed in a while, quickly regained their chemistry and dominated the match. Despite Reigns taking significant punishment, including a spear from Breakker, the tides turned when Uso delivered a superkick followed by an Uso Splash to Reed, securing a victory for the team. This showcased their dominance and highlighted Reigns’ ability to exact revenge on those who had attacked him previously.
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship was hotly contested next as Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair faced off against Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez. Although Bliss and Flair began the match as uneasy allies, their veteran experience shone through as they worked in tandem. A pivotal moment came when Flair delivered a crucial boot to Rodriguez, paving the way for Bliss to execute Sister Abigail on Perez, leading to their win. This match marked a significant moment in Bliss’ and Flair’s careers, granting Bliss her fourth tag title reign and Flair her second.
Sami Zayn’s battle against Karrion Kross was another highlight, as Zayn sought retribution after Kross’ previous assaults. Zayn decisively defeated Kross without succumbing to his darker tendencies. Rejecting the temptation to use a lead pipe provided by Scarlett Bordeaux, Zayn relied on his skill to execute an Exploder followed by a Helluva Kick, leading to a pinfall victory. This win solidified Zayn’s determination to end his rivalry with Kross, asserting his readiness to move forward.
In a thrilling contest, Tiffany Stratton defended her WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill. Both competitors put on a display of athleticism, featuring high-flying maneuvers and powerful strikes. Stratton’s ability to counter Cargill’s signature move, the Jaded, into her own Prettiest Moonsault Ever exemplified her skill. The victory maintained Stratton’s reign, demonstrating her status as a formidable champion in the women’s division.
The night concluded with a dramatic event as Seth Rollins seized the opportunity to become the World Heavyweight Champion. After CM Punk’s exhausting match against Gunther, where Punk secured the title, Rollins made a surprise entrance, cashing in his Money in the Bank contract. In a sudden turn of events, he captured the championship from Punk, a longtime rival, marking a “heist of the summer” that left fans in awe. The night encapsulated the thrilling unpredictability of WWE, leaving audiences buzzing with excitement for what’s to come next.
