What an absolutely incredible weekend it was, igniting the passion of wrestling fans across the globe with SummerSlam 2025! For the very first time in its illustrious history, the ‘biggest party of the summer’ unfolded over two electrifying nights, on August 2nd and 3rd, transforming New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium into the undisputed heart of the wrestling world. The anticipation was palpable, promising a spectacle of historic proportions.
Indeed, the event delivered beyond wildest expectations, culminating in a truly astounding moment on Night 2. The air was thick with excitement as the main event approached, a clash that promised to redefine an era. It was a showdown that had everyone on the edge of their seats, and it certainly did not disappoint, delivering a surprise outcome that will be etched into the annals of wrestling history for years to come.
Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena, a titan of the squared circle embarking on his much-discussed farewell tour, stepped into the ring against the resilient challenger, Cody Rhodes, in a high-stakes Street Fight match for the Undisputed Championship title. This was more than just a match; it was a passing of the torch, a collision of generations, and a testament to unwavering dedication.
Cena’s entrance alone sent chills down spines, as he emerged to the iconic strains of his classic “My Time is Now” song, a full-circle return to his beloved babyface persona. The energy in LifeMet Stadium was electric, a roar of anticipation greeting every step. The mutual respect between these two gladiators was immediately apparent, beginning with a heartfelt hug in the center of the ring, Cena muttering something to Rhodes in a moment that only they shared.
But the pleasantries were fleeting, for this was an “anything-goes street fight,” and the action swiftly spilled to the outside. Cena wasted no time in seizing a crutch from the injured Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, using it to strike Rhodes in a shocking early maneuver. The combatants then unleashed a barrage of weapons, turning steel ladders and chairs into extensions of their will, each blow echoing through the arena.
Cena, ever the showman, galvanized his faithful fans with his signature Five-Knuckle Shuffle and a powerful Attitude Adjustment, which earned a tantalizing near-fall, sparking hope among his devoted followers. Not to be outdone, Rhodes countered with a move that drew an audible gasp from the crowd: a piledriver. This maneuver, notably banned in WWE, was completely legal in the anything-goes environment of a street fight, yet fans, caught in the moment, chanted in unison, “you can’t do that!” recognizing its sheer brutality.
The ferocity escalated as Cena delivered a mic strike and a Canadian Destroyer to Rhodes, followed by two more devastating Attitude Adjusters, one of which spectacularly smashed Rhodes through the announce table. Yet, with an almost superhuman will, Rhodes kicked out of multiple near-falls, demonstrating incredible resilience. He then countered with his impactful Crossroads, only for Cena to respond with another intense sequence, refusing to yield.
The boundaries of the arena quickly proved too small to contain their animosity, and the action dramatically spilled into the roaring crowd. Amidst the chaos of the stands, Cody Rhodes incredibly suplexed John Cena onto a steel barricade, a testament to the raw power and sheer disregard for safety that defined this contest. The sheer audacity of the move left spectators breathless.
Their epic brawl continued under the stage, a dark and unpredictable environment, where Cena, true to his formidable strength, tossed Rhodes off the “Cody-vator” with another devastating Attitude Adjustment onto the runway. Despite the brutal impact, Rhodes miraculously rebounded, showcasing his unwavering determination, sending Cena crashing through a table before landing yet another Cross-Rhodes for a heart-stopping near-fall.
The final sequence of this marathon Street Fight was a masterclass in high-stakes drama and innovation. Cody Rhodes demonstrated a cunning strategy, using the steel clasp from the turnbuckle to repeatedly strike Cena, delivering blows that momentarily stunned the wrestling icon. However, Cena, drawing upon his vast experience, expertly countered with his signature Stepover Toehold Facelock, applying the STF and choking Rhodes with the top rope, a desperate bid to regain control.
In a display of sheer grit, Cody then unleashed a flurry, landing three consecutive Cross-Rhodes. Each time, the arena held its collective breath, only for Cena to miraculously kick out, showcasing his incredible, almost mythical, resilience. The crowd was on its feet, roaring with every near-fall, caught in the emotional rollercoaster of this historic clash.
With the Undisputed Championship belt now within his grasp, Cody brought it into the ring, a symbolic gesture of his intent. But Cena, never one to give up, attacked him, delivering two more powerful Attitude Adjustments and setting up what appeared to be a decisive Avalanche Attitude Adjustment from the top rope, only for Rhodes to once again kick out, defying all odds. Cena then set up a table, preparing for yet another Avalanche AA, but in a stunning reversal, Cody drove Cena through it instead, a pivotal moment that truly turned the tide.
What followed was a moment of profound respect that transcended the brutality of the fight. Cody gave Cena a solemn salute, a gesture of deep admiration from one warrior to another, before delivering one final, emphatic Cross-Rhodes. This last, decisive blow secured the win, allowing Cody Rhodes to regain the coveted title in a moment of pure triumph and emotional release.
The post-match scene was as moving as the battle itself. The palpable respect and admiration between Cody Rhodes and John Cena were undeniable as they shared a heartfelt hug in the ring, a silent acknowledgment of their shared journey and the intensity of their rivalry. Cena’s incredible gesture of raising Rhodes’ hand in victory spoke volumes about their mutual respect, a truly unforgettable moment that transcended the outcome of the match. As if on cue, a cascade of fireworks erupted at MetLife Stadium, adding a celebratory, almost cinematic, touch to Rhodes’ monumental title win, capping off an intense and emotionally charged match.
However, the night had one more shocking twist in store for John Cena. Just minutes after his valiant loss to Cody Rhodes, the wrestling world was stunned by the return of Brock Lesnar, making his first appearance in two years. The Beast Incarnate wasted no time, immediately taking out the former WWE Undisputed Champion, adding a dramatic, unexpected postscript to Cena’s unforgettable SummerSlam night. It was a jarring, yet impactful, shift in narrative that left fans buzzing.
SummerSlam 2025 was truly a two-night extravaganza, brimming with unparalleled action and significant developments. Night One, on August 2nd, set the stage with its own electrifying main event: CM Punk challenging World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. Gunther had been on an incredible tear, recently dethroning Jey Uso in a measure of revenge for Uso’s WrestleMania 41 win, and even defeating WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg in the former WCW World Heavyweight Champion’s final match.
But the drama around the World Heavyweight Championship didn’t end there. Though CM Punk ultimately won the title, his triumph was short-lived. Seth Rollins, despite a debated knee injury, was lurking in the background, having won the Money In The Bank briefcase back in June. In a moment that echoed his historic “Heist of the Century” at WrestleMania 31, Rollins stunningly cashed in his briefcase immediately after Punk’s victory, snatching the World Heavyweight Championship away from him just moments after he won it. The revelation later emerged that Rollins’ injury was a deliberate deception, a meticulously crafted “work” known only to a select few producers within WWE, ensuring that SummerSlam plans remained tightly under wraps. Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, Rollins’ wife, even shared a viral video of him walking with crutches, only to playfully taunt fans afterward, saying, “Oh, I’m sorry. Were some of my posts misleading?” and tweeting, “Don’t believe everything you see on the internet.”
Drew McIntyre, always one to speak his mind, didn’t shy away from trolling CM Punk after Rollins’ swift cash-in. The Scottish Warrior, who himself had suffered a similar fate at the hands of Damian Priest two years prior due to Punk’s interference, declared, “Karma is a hell of a thing.” He added, “Seth did to Punk what Punk did to me, and tonight was the cherry on top. Congratulations, Seth, you deserve it.” It was a moment of vindication for McIntyre, adding another layer to the complex rivalries unfolding.
Night One also featured another major world title match, seeing Tiffany Stratton defend the WWE Women’s Championship against the formidable 2025 Queen Of The Ring, Jade Cargill. Stratton, much like Gunther, has been on an impressive streak of defenses against legends like Trish Stratus and superstars like Charlotte Flair. However, the outcome for Cargill drew specific commentary, with Dave Meltzer, publisher of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, suggesting that WWE no longer views Cargill as a top star on par with Rhea Ripley. Meltzer explicitly stated, “I don’t think anyone is talking about her in the same light as Rhea Ripley today. And they were. When I saw that finish… they don’t see her as The Ultimate Warrior anymore, put it that way. And they did at first.”
Beyond the singles titles, Night One saw The Judgment Day face off against the star combination of Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss for the Women’s Tag Team Titles, with Roxanne Perez stepping in for the injured Liv Morgan. A highly anticipated tag match also featured Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre against Randy Orton and the in-ring debut of rap star Jelly Roll. This match nearly ran into trouble due to McIntyre’s passport issues, leaving him stranded in the United Kingdom. While WWE management was optimistic, former WWE Champion The Miz threw his hat in the ring as a possible replacement, citing his long history with Paul. However, McIntyre flat-out refused Miz’s offer, revealing that Logan Paul, ever resourceful, sent his private plane to ensure McIntyre made the event, guaranteeing the star-studded match went ahead as planned.
Roman Reigns also reunited with his OG Bloodline comrade Jey Uso to take on The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, as Reigns sought to beat back “the conquering horde” of The Vision. Bron Breakker sparked fears after the match, seen limping backstage, but Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp later claimed he was “okay” after speaking to sources, though he added a humorous caveat, “‘are okay’ and ‘Bron Breakker’s okay’ might mean two very different things, you know?” The final match of Night One wasn’t about titles but honor, with Karrion Kross facing Sami Zayn, a contest where Zayn’s reputation was squarely on the line.
Night Two, beyond the main event, featured an exciting lineup of championship clashes. The evening kicked off with a Triple Threat Match for the Women’s World Championship, where Naomi, the current champion, defended her title against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY. This was a highly anticipated bout, marking the first time these three stars had faced off since Naomi cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase against her two opponents at Evolution. Naomi made a very special entrance, with her father, Derek Mack, playing her theme song live, adding a deeply personal and emotional touch to the opening moments of the main show.
Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio also put his title on the line against AJ Styles. Dominik, who won the title at WrestleMania 41, has been an intriguing case study, as he has started receiving cheers, with fans warming up to him despite still drawing boos. Dominik himself commented on a potential face turn, stating, “You know, I react to what is being given to me, right? And as of now, they’ve been booing me, but every now and then, they’ll chant that Dirty Dom song. And that Dirty Dom song, for one way or another, always gets a crack out of me, and I tend to break down and smile because it’s funny hearing everyone singing it together. After all, I’ve just been getting booed for years. So like… I don’t know if I’ll ever embrace it ’cause I haven’t changed anything about myself. I’ve just been Dirty Dom all the way. So the fact that the people still love it… We’ll have to wait and see.” This organic evolution of his character adds a fascinating layer to his journey.
Other significant bouts on Night Two included Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defending against Lyra Valkyria in a No Countout, No Disqualification Last Chance Match, a testament to the high stakes for both competitors. US Champion Solo Sikoa faced Jacob Fatu in a brutal Steel Cage Match, promising an unforgiving display of power. The WWE Tag Team Champions, The Wyatt Sicks, comprised of Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy, faced a massive challenge in a TLC Match against a formidable field of teams, including The Street Profits, #DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, and the victorious Andrade & Rey Fenix, guaranteeing an acrobatic and destructive spectacle.
Beyond the in-ring action, SummerSlam provided a rich tapestry of behind-the-scenes stories and insights. There was talk of WWE potentially preparing something huge for Night Two, with multiple sources claiming plans for the main event were kept so close to the vest that even several writers and producers weren’t clued in regarding the Undisputed WWE Championship Match between John Cena and Cody Rhodes. This deliberate secrecy fueled speculation of a “big return” or a truly special moment.
Speaking of returns, WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley even suggested a “Star Wars-type of return” for Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson at SummerSlam. Dudley envisioned a scenario akin to “The Return of the Jedi,” where The Rock, as “The Final Boss” or “Emperor-type,” could be the catalyst for a “Cody turn or for a Cody and John turning on The Rock and it backfiring.” He noted Cody is a “massive Star Wars fan,” and that “a lot of the stuff that we see Cody do. If you read between the lines, you can see the Star Wars influence.” This narrative depth highlights the rich storytelling at play in WWE.
Another poignant moment came from Cody Rhodes himself, who recounted a goosebump-inducing conversation with WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter during WWE’s 10-bell salute for the late Hulk Hogan on SmackDown. Rhodes recalled, “But I do have a selfish little Sarge moment that you would be the first person I’ve shared it with. But it was …I mean, it gave me goosebumps. Unbelievable. Made me feel so good and also made me feel like, ‘Oh man, I hope he’s right’.” After the salute, Slaughter leaned in and told Rhodes, “No, carry the ball.” Cody explained, “It made me feel like 10 feet tall. I had a promo later that night, and I’m thinking, ‘I got to go. Sarge just told me to carry the ball, I better not let him down.” This profound exchange underscored the weight of legacy and the responsibility of carrying the torch in professional wrestling.
SummerSlam 2025 was truly a landmark event, an unforgettable two-night wrestling feast that transcended mere competition. It was a weekend of raw emotion, unexpected turns, and the forging of new legends, all while honoring the giants who paved the way. John Cena’s farewell tour continues with 13 nights remaining, concluding with a retirement match in December this year, ensuring his final chapter will be as memorable as his illustrious career. The echoes of the crowd’s roars and the palpable energy from MetLife Stadium will resonate for a long time, reminding us all of the power of sport to create truly emotional and iconic moments. As the fireworks faded and the last chants died down, one thing was clear: SummerSlam 2025 delivered on every promise, and then some, forever altering the landscape of sports entertainment and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of millions.
This epic SummerSlam cemented its place as one of the most significant events in recent memory, not just for the championships contested, but for the profound human stories that unfolded within the squared circle. It was a testament to courage, resilience, and the enduring magic of professional wrestling, a spectacle that delivered a new era while bidding a heartfelt, if temporary, farewell to a legend. The collective anticipation for what comes next, both for the victors and those still striving, is simply electrifying.
