Ricochet vs. Logan Paul

Background: At the Royal Rumble in January, Logan Paul and Ricochet were participants in the men’s Royal Rumble match. During the match, both were involved in a high spot in which they performed simultaneous springboard clotheslines at each other from opposite sides of the ring and collided in midair, which went viral across social media. In June 2023, issues resurfaced between Ricochet and Paul and resumed after Paul was added to the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match without qualifying like the other participants, including Ricochet. During the match, the two brawled with each other, where Ricochet performed a springboard Spanish fly on Paul through two tables outside the ring, taking both out for the remainder of the match. Later in a backstage segment, Paul attacked Ricochet for costing him a title opportunity. Ricochet then invited Paul to meet him face-to-face on the July 10 episode of Raw where he challenged Paul to a match only for Paul to decline. Paul once again accepted Ricochet’s invitation to meet him on the July 24 episode where Paul attacked Ricochet from behind and then accepted his challenge to a match at SummerSlam.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first PPV match between these two men.

Summerslam PPV Record: Ricochet is 0-1, Logan Paul is 1-0.

Match: Ricochet starts the match quickly, using his pace to run circles and frustrate around Logan Paul. Logan gets an elbow strike in and follows it up with lots of boxing like shots and a running powerslam whilst taunting Ricochet’s fiance at ringside Samantha Irvin. Paul hits a big boot and legdrop which he calls the “Hogan Paul”. Ricochet hits a standing moonsault for a two count. There’s a couple of Spanish Fly’s but I’m not sure who got the worst of them. Logan Paul then hits a couple of high flying moves and a cross body for a two count. Ricochet hits a neckbreaker off the top rope Logan Paul hits a nice moonsault but Ricochet catches him just for Paul to hit a tornado DDT for a near fall. Ricochet hits recoil and attempts a shooting star press but Logan gets his knees up. Paul hits an inverted powerbomb and a springboard frog splash for a near fall. Ricochet hits a nice combination of moves but can’t keep the social media megastar down. Logan Paul avoids a 630 splash and then some bloke apparently associated with Logan Paul hands Paul some brass knuckles. Logan nails Ricochet with a right hand and pins him for the win.

Result: Logan Paul wins by pinfall.

Review: This was a fun match. Logan Paul has been pretty impressive in his matches so far and he probably needed this win to keep his stardom. Ricochet was his usual self, hitting moves you’ve never seen before and being that highlight reel. I didn’t really care for this bloke who gave Logan Paul the brass knuckles but a dirty win makes sense. Logan Paul kicks off Summerslam with a big win.

Rating: 6.75/10

Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar

Background: On the Raw after WrestleMania 39, for unknown reasons, Brock Lesnar viciously attacked Cody Rhodes before both were set to participate in a tag team match. This resulted in a match at Backlash that Rhodes won. A rematch occurred at Night of Champions, which Lesnar won via submission die to Rhodes passing out to the Kimura Lock submission. Due to Rhodes and Lesnar having 1 win each, and the fact that Rhodes passed out and did not give up, Rhodes issued an open challenge to Lesnar for anytime, anywhere on the following episode of Raw. Lesnar returned on the July 3 episode, where he brawled with Rhodes. The following week, Rhodes challenged Lesnar to a third match at SummerSlam. After viciously attacking Rhodes on the next episode, Lesnar accepted the challenge.

Previous PPV matches: This is the third PPV match between these two men, they both hold a PPV victory over one another.

Summerslam PPV Record: Cody Rhodes is 1-2, Brock Lesnar is 6-5.

Match: Cody attacks Brock before the bell rings and goes right to work, hitting two disaster kicks before Lesnar fights off a third. The fight spills to the outside where Rhodes hits a big suicide dive. Brock soon takes control, tossing Cody around the ring with suplexes. He dominates for a prolonged amount of time. Lesnar keeps throwing Rhodes out of the ring, giving him the opportunity to get counted out but Cody won’t give up. Brock hits an F5 on the outside but again Cody beats the count back in so Lesnar hits another F5, this time through the announce desk. Again, Cody beats the count. Cody starts a bit of a comeback, shoving Brock into the ringpost twice and then ramming him with the steps. Rhodes then hits a disaster kick and two Cody cutters for a two count. Brock counters Cross-Rhodes and applies a kimura but Rhodes reaches the bottom rope. Rhodes counters an F5, shoves Brock into an exposed turnbuckle and then locks on a kimura of his own! Lesnar breaks it. Cody counters an F5 and hits three Cross-Rhodes before covering and getting the three.

Result: Cody Rhodes wins by pinfall.

Review: I always love a Brock Lesnar match, they’re always different to any other match on the card and this was no exception. Brock dominated for a long time in this with Cody selling and being the babyface that wouldn’t give up until finally beating the beast. The psychology was fantastic. I honestly think Cody will win the Royal Rumble again and they’ll build him up for that. Brock suffers another loss and will need to win his next match to get his heat back.

Rating: 8/10

The Miz vs. Santos Escobar vs. LA Knight vs. Matt Riddle vs. Austin Theory vs. Butch vs. Ridge Holland vs. Sheamus vs. Giovanni Vinci vs. Ludwig Kaiser vs. Bronson Reed vs. JD McDonagh vs. Cameron Grimes vs. Otis vs. Rick Boogs vs. Erik vs. Ivar vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Apollo Crews vs. Tommaso Ciampa vs. Chad Gable vs. Grayson Waller vs. Karrion Kross vs. AJ Styles vs. Omos – Slim Jim Battle Royal

Background: On the July 28 episode of SmackDown, it was announced that in a cross-promotion with Slim Jim, a SummerSlam Battle Royal would take place at the event and would feature male wrestlers from both Raw and SmackDown. After an argument between Sheamus and LA Knight, WWE official Adam Pearce named the two as the first entrants.

Summerslam PPV Record: The Miz is 3-4, Matt Riddle is 1-0, Austin Theory is 0-1, Sheamus is 2-4, Shinsuke Nakamura is 1-1, Apollo Crews is 0-1, AJ Styles is 3-2, Omos is 0-1, everyone else wrestles at Summerslam for the first time tonight.

Match: Omos is the last man to enter, slowly walking down as everybody goes at it. When he does reach the ring he quickly eliminates Apollo Crews, JD McDonagh and Rick Boogz. The Brawling Brutes and Alpha Academy all then team up against Omos. Imperium eliminate Otis, before Gable eliminates Vinci. Ciampa eliminates both Viking Raiders and Shinsuke Nakamura before getting dumped out by Bronson Reed. Amazing that it’s nearly four years since Ciampa’s last main roster PPV match. Ridge Holland and Cameron Grimes get eliminated by Theory before Santos Escoar eliminates Theory. Karrion Kross then eliminates Escobar. Omos eliminates Riddle and Butch as the field starts to thin. Everyone teams up against Omos before the whole field eliminates the big man!

We’re down to Karrios Kross, Grayson Waller, LA Knight, Sheamus, Miz, AJ Styles, Chad Gable and Bronson Reed. Waller and Miz hit a double team on Chad Gable. LA Knight eliminates Miz and Sheamus eliminates Grayson Waller. AJ Styles eliminates his rival Karrion Kross, Bronson Reed eliminates Gable. We’re down to a final four of LA Knight, AJ Styles, Bronson Reed and Sheamus. Knight eliminates Reed. We’re down to three, all of which represent Smackdown. Sheamus eliminates AJ Styles with help from Karrion Kross. We’re down to LA Knight and Sheamus. Knight hits a big powerslam and elbow drop before countering a Celtic Cross. Knight hits a belly to belly off the top rope and then clotheslines Sheamus out to win the match!

Result: LA Knight wins.

Review: It’s a popular win for LA Knight tonight. He’s been the only man to hype up the match so the result isn’t a massive shock but I am very happy with it. He could do with a United States Championship win. The match did a good job of continuing the rivalries between the likes of AJ Styles and Karrion Kross, Sheamus and LA Knight, and Ciampa and Nakamura. A fun battle royal.

Rating: 6.75/10

Ronda Rousey vs. Shayna Baszler – MMA Rules match

Background: At Money in the Bank, Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler lost the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship after Baszler turned on Rousey. On the following episode of Raw, Rousey called out Baszler, who claimed that she was responsible for bringing Rousey into WWE, and while she had to work her way through the WWE system, beginning in NXT, Rousey skipped the process and competed in her debut match at WrestleMania 34. Baszler then claimed that she was the one who could finally shut Rousey up, after which, Rousey and Baszler brawled with each other. and once again brawled the following week. On the July 17 episode, Baszler challenged Rousey to come to the ring, however, Rousey declined, and stated that she would fight Baszler at SummerSlam. The following week, both agreed to a match at SummerSlam, which was later confirmed. On the final Raw before SummerSlam, it was announced that the match would be a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Rules match.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time match between these two girls.

Summerslam PPV Record: Ronda Rousey is 1-1, Shayna wrestles at Summerslam for the first time tonight.

Match: The only way to win this match is by knockout or submission. It’s a cagey start but Rousey hits the first couple of takedowns. They’re very much going for that MMA style with strikes, takedowns and submission attempts. Baszler hits a big kick to the face sending Ronda out of the ring. Rousey hits a jumping knee to the face. Some of the crowd don’t seem to be too into this. Rousey applies an armbar and both girls go sprawling over the top rope. Back in the ring and Shayna sells an arm injury causing doctors to come in and check on her but Ronda throws them out of the way. They go back at it and exchange submission holds. Shayna applies the kirafuta clutch and Rousey passes out!

Result: Shayna Baszler wins the match by technical knockout.

Review: This was a different type of match than the WWE audience is used to seeing. It was a lot like an MMA fight but sadly with that you don’t get the fun spots or wrestling moves you’d usually see. I didn’t hate it to be honest but I wouldn’t want to see this style match on a regular basis. It’s a good win for Shayna Baszler and as I understand it, Ronda is heading out of the company. Shayna is someone they could strap a rocket to if they wanted to but they’ve always hesitated with her.

Rating: 4/10

Gunther (c) vs. Drew McIntyre – Intercontinental Championship match

Background: On Night 2 of WrestleMania 39, Gunther successfully defended the Intercontinental Championship in a triple threat match, which also involved Drew McIntyre, who Gunther pinned to retain the title. Following this, McIntyre went on hiatus for the next three months. After Gunther successfully defended his championship at Money in the Bank, McIntyre made a surprise return and brawled with Gunther. McIntyre then taunted Gunther with the title. McIntyre then started a rivalry with Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, and Giovanni Vinci) over the next few weeks, including defeating Kaiser and Vinci in a tag team match on the July 10 episode of Raw. The following week, after Gunther’s match, Gunther called out McIntyre and challenged him with a face-to-face segment scheduled for the next episode. On the next episode, McIntyre challenged Gunther to a match for his championship that night, however, Gunther declined, stating that he would defend it against McIntyre at SummerSlam, which was made official.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time singles PPV match between these two men.

Summerslam PPV Record: Drew McIntyre is 2-0 at Summerslam, Gunther wrestles at this event for the first time tonight.

Match: Drew McIntyre gets the better of Gunther in the early going, hitting some big strikes and knocking down the Intercontinental Champion. Gunther fights back, dropping McIntyre on the ring steps and hitting some of his trademark chops. McIntyre picks up the pace, hitting a neckbreaker and then kipping up and motioning for a claymore. Gunther ducks it and hits a shotgun dropkick. McIntyre counters a powerbomb and hits one of his own before landing a futureshock for a two count. Drew hits a big dive to the outside and then looks for a claymore but Gunther intercepts with a dropkick and hits a powerbomb for a near fall. Gunther hits a splash for a two count. The two men exchange chops and they are stiff. McIntyre hits claymore but Gunther kicks out at 2. Both men go to the top but Gunther pushes McIntyre down, crotching him on the top rope before hitting a splash, a clothesline and a powerbomb for the three.

Result: Gunther retains the Intercontinental Championship by pinfall.

Review: This was a solid enough match. I don’t think it was as good as the matches Gunther had with Sheamus but this was still good. Gunther is going to break the Honky Tonk Man’s record. I’m a big fan of his and hope they he continues to be utilised.

Rating: 7.25/10

Seth Rollins (c) vs. Finn Balor – World Heavyweight Championship match

Background: At Money in the Bank, Seth “Freakin” Rollins successfully defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Bálor after Judgment Day stablemate, Damian Priest, who had won the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match earlier that night, accidentally distracted Bálor. On the following episode of Raw, in a match between Rollins and Judgment Day’s “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio, Priest attacked Rollins, thus Rollins won by disqualification. As Priest attempted to cash in his Money in the Bank contract, Bálor appeared and attacked Rollins, costing Priest his opportunity, which caused some disagreement between Bálor and Priest. The following week, arguments between Bálor and Priest intensified, however, both Bálor and Priest agreed that Bálor should receive a title match first. Later, The Judgment Day defeated Rollins’ team in a six-man tag team match. On the July 17 episode, Bálor challenged Rollins to a rematch for the title, however, Rollins declined and stated that they could settle their differences that night without the title as both had issues with each other. As Bálor seemingly left, he viciously attacked Rollins. A match between the two for the World Heavyweight Championship was then scheduled for SummerSlam.

Previous PPV matches: This is a third PPV match between these two men, they have both beaten each other once before.

Summerslam PPV Record: Seth Rollins is 6-2, Finn Balor is 3-2.

Match: Finn Balor walks alone tonight whilst Seth Rollins wears the same vest as he did the night he injured Finn Balor at Summerslam 2016. Seth throws the vest at Balor during the ring announcement which causes Balor to attack Rollins before the bell. It’s a fast paced start to the match as the two rivals go back and forth. Finn slows down the pace, applying an armbar and really working the arm of Seth. Finn dominates for a while but Seth fires back with some strikes. Finn counters a pedigree but Seth hits a falcon arrow. Rollins hits three suicide dives but Balor fights back, launching the champion into the ringpost. Balor then hits a running powerbomb on Rollins into the barricade. Shades of Summerslam 2016. Finn hits a slingblade and then applies an armbar. Rollins hits two buckle bombs and a frog splash for a near fall.

Finn Balor hits a shotgun dropkick and heads to the top but Seth mets him up there and hits a superplex. Balor counters a falcon arrow and hits an overhead kick, both men are down. The two men slug it out until Finn hits another shotgun dropkick but Rollins avoids a coup de gras and hits a pedigree for a near fall. Damian Priest walks from the back with his Money In The Bank contract. Priest nails Rollins with a right hand behind the referees back and Finn hits a pedigree for a near fall. Priest calls for something and out walk Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio. Priest offers Balor the MITB briefcase but Finn refuses it. Seth hits a stomp for a near fall. Seth takes out Priest and Mysterio but walks into a slingblade from Balor. Finn hits a shotgun dropkick and a coup de gras but Rollins kicks out of the pinfall attempt. Finn tells Priest to distract the referee, leaving the briefcase for Seth but as Finn reaches for the briefcase, Seth stomps his face into it! Rollins hooks the leg and gets the 3!

Result: Seth Rollins wins by pinfall.

Review: This was a good match, I enjoyed this one. It was a match that got better the longer it went on. They really built up to the excitement at the end and there were times that I thought Finn was going to win. In the end it was Rollins that won and I assume he’ll leave The Judgment Day in his rear view mirror. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a split between Finn and Priest.

Rating: 8.5/10

Asuka (c) vs. Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair – WWE Women’s Championship match

Background: At Night of Champions, Asuka defeated Bianca Belair to win the Raw Women’s Championship. As a result of the 2023 WWE Draft, the title was drafted to SmackDown and on the June 9 episode of SmackDown, Asuka was presented with a new championship belt to resolve the issue, and the title reverted to its original name of WWE Women’s Championship. Prior to the presentation, WWE official Adam Pearce requested Belair not to interrupt, who stated that she wanted a rematch for the title. However, Charlotte Flair, in her first appearance since Night 1 of WrestleMania 39, interrupted and challenged Asuka for the title. Asuka accepted, much to the dismay of Belair. The title match was scheduled for the June 30 episode. Belair watched as a fan from ringside where Flair accidentally struck Belair. This infuriated Belair, who attacked Asuka, ending the match in a disqualification win for Asuka. Following the match, Belair attacked Asuka and Flair. On the next episode, a brawl between the three occurred, which also involved Damage CTRL (Bayley and women’s Money in the Bank winner Iyo Sky), with an unsuccessful cash-in attempt from Sky. A title match between Asuka and Belair was scheduled for the July 14 episode. Before the match, Belair and Flair agreed that if Belair won, she would defend the title against Flair at SummerSlam. During the match, however, Flair accidentally struck Belair once again after Damage CTRL once again tried to interfere. As a result of Flair’s actions, Belair won the match by disqualification but not the title. On July 21, a triple threat match between Asuka, Belair, and Flair for the WWE Women’s Championship was scheduled for SummerSlam.

Previous PPV matches: This is a first time triple threat match between these three girls.

Summerslam PPV Record: Asuka is 1-1, Bianca is 1-1 and Charlotte is 5-0.

Match: All three women go at it in the early going, hitting counters and strikes. Charlotte gets the better of Bianca as they pair off. Asuka then gets involved, pairing off with Belair and carrying on where Charlotte left off. Asuka dominates against both opponents until Charlotte hits a huge cross body. Charlotte seems to be having difficulty with her top but the referee zips her up. Charlotte then goes back to work on both opponents, hitting a double natural selection. It’s been a fast paced match thus far but it slows down as all three women lay flat out. Bianca hits a neckbreaker/DDT combo on both opponents. She fires up but looks for a moonsault on both girls who both get their knees up. Asuka applies the Asuka lock on Charlotte but Belair breaks it up.

Asuka hammers Bianca off the top rope before Charlotte does the same to Asuka. Charlotte then hits a moonsault to Bianca and barely catches her. Asuka hits somewhat of a DDT off the top on Charlotte. Bianca looks for a KOD on Asuka who counters. Bianca then looks for the KOD on Charlotte who also counters. Asuka disposes of Bianca and then applies an armbar to Charlotte but Bianca breaks it up with a big powerbomb. Asuka then applies the Asuka lock to Bianca but Charlotte rolls them both up for a near fall. Charlotte hits a moonsault on both opponents for a near fall on both. Charlotte back body drops Bianca out of the ring and Bianca sells a knee injury with tears. Doctors then flood out.

Charlotte Flair and Asuka go at it in the ring and Asuka hits a big superplex as Bianca gets helped to the back. Charlotte hits a spear for a near fall. Charlotte applies a figure eight to Asuka and Bianca rushes back to the ring and breaks it with a 450 splash. Charlotte and Bianca go at it. Charlotte counters a KOD and then applies a figure eight but Asuka crawls back into the ring and spits the mist in Charlotte’s face. Bianca then rolls up Asuka and gets the 3!

Result: Bianca Belair wins the Women’s Championship by pinfall.

Review: This was a really good match. The psychology was really good and I loved the chaos of it. Bianca comes out of the match looking great, especially after being helped towards the back and then coming back to win. Three very talented women put on a very good match tonight.

Rating: 8.25/10

Bianca Belair (c) vs. Iyo Sky – WWE Women’s Championship match

Background: Iyo Sky won the Money In The Bank briefcase back in London a couple of short months ago. She chooses now to cash it in for a shot at the WWE Women’s Championship!

Previous PPV matches: These two have met on PPV once before and it was a win for Bianca Belair at Backlash earlier this year.

Summerslam PPV Record: Bianca is 2-1, Iyo wrestles at this event for the first time tonight.

Match: Iyo hits a moonsault and hooks the leg for the three! Iyo Sky wins the Women’s Championship! Dakota Kai is out with the rest of Damage Control to celebrate.

Result: Iyo Sky wins the WWE Women’s Championship by pinfall.

Review: Well the match consisted of a moonsault but the story is that Iyo Sky is the new Women’s Champion. and it’s for the very first time. It certainly shakes up the division.

Rating: N/A

Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jey Uso – Tribal Rules match for the Undisputed WWE Championship

Background: At Night of Champions during The Bloodline’s (Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa) match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship, The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) interfered and unintentionally struck Sikoa. After an irate Reigns shoved both Usos around, Jimmy attacked Reigns out of pent up anger after weeks of disrespect from Reigns, thus leaving The Bloodline, and Reigns and Sikoa would ultimately lose the match. Jey would also leave The Bloodline on the June 16 episode of SmackDown, where he attacked Reigns and Sikoa, choosing to stand by his brother Jimmy’s side. This led to a “Bloodline Civil War” tag team match at Money in the Bank, where The Usos defeated Reigns and Sikoa with Jey pinning Reigns, which was the first time Reigns was pinned since TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs in December 2019. On the following SmackDown, a trial for Reigns was held where Reigns feigned that he did not want to be the Tribal Chief any longer and attacked Jey with a low blow. Sikoa and Reigns brutally attacked Jimmy, who was taken to a hospital. Later that night, Jey viciously attacked Reigns and Sikoa with a steel chair before challenging Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. The following week, Jey spoke about his family’s relationship with one another before he was interrupted by Sikoa and Reigns’ special counsel Paul Heyman, who stated that Reigns would meet Jey the following week to discuss the “rules of engagement”. The following week, during the “rules of engagement”, it was agreed that Reigns would defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Jey in an anything goes match called Tribal Combat, where in addition to the title, the winner would be recognized as the Tribal Chief of the Anoa’i family. This goes back to the early days of Reigns’ Universal Championship reign, where he defeated Jey in a Hell in a Cell “I Quit” match in October 2020, and forced Jey to acknowledge him as the “Head of the Table”.

Previous PPV matches: Roman and Jey have met on PPV twice before and Roman Reigns won both.

Summerslam PPV Record: Roman Reigns is 5-1, Jey Uso is 2-0.

Match: It’s a slow start to the match with Roman dictating the pace. Jey fires back with some strikes of his own and then a suicide dive that I’m not sure Roman saw coming. Jey throws Reigns into the ring steps and then gives the crowd what they want by pulling a table out from under the ring and setting it up. Reigns lays into his cousin with a kendo stick and then looks for a spear but it’s Jey’s turn to beat down his cousin with the kendo stick. Jey clotheslines Reigns out of the ring and hits a big plancha. Back in the ring and Roman counters a cross body with a superman punch. Jey counters a spear and hits a big superkick and splash for a near fall. Jey grabs a chair and smashes it into the spine of Reigns repeatedly. He then throws more chairs into the ring and looks to superplex Roman onto them but Reigns fights him off.

Roman powerbombs Jey on to the chairs for a near fall. Roman sets up a table in the corner of the ring and then goes back to work on Jey with right hands. Jey then hits a big Samoan drop on Roman from the apron through the table outside the ring. Roman’s arm is bleeding. Jey whips him with a leather strap and Roman heads through the crowd with Uso in pursuit. Solo Sikoa then arrives and takes out Jey, hitting him with a spinning Solo through the table. Roman screams at Solo to take Jey back to the ring and finish him off. Solo does just that, hitting a spinning solo in the middle of the ring. Jey sidesteps a spear and Roman takes out Sikoa. Jey then hits a spear for a near fall. Jey lays into both men with chairs but the numbers are too much and Solo hits a superkick.

Roman and Solo have a heated discussion which allows Jey to spear Roman through the barricade. Jey hits a splash on Solo through the announce desk and then spears Roman before nailing the Uso splash. Somebody then pulls Jey out of the ring and it’s Jimmy! I saw this coming weeks ago. Jimmy superkicks his brother and rolls him back into the ring. Roman spears Jey through the table in the ring and pins him for the win.

Result: Roman Reigns wins the match by pinfall.

Review: This was another good match. It had a really good pace to it and some good twists and turns. I saw the Jimmy heel turn coming a mile off but it’s going to lead to some more fun matches down the line. I don’t think Jey ever stood a chance of winning, I still think the story ends with Cody beating Roman for the title at Wrestlemania. Roman retains and the monumental title reign continues.

Rating: 8.5/10