Top 3 Moments of WWE Summerslam Night 2
On Sunday, August 3rd, WWE capped off one of its biggest shows of the year, “Summerslam.” For the first time in company history, we saw Night 2 of “Summerslam” take place. The main event saw the “real” John Cena put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against Cody Rhodes. This was the first time these two men had met since the main event of WrestleMania 41 back in April. So, would Cena be able to continue his record-breaking 17th World Championship reign, or did the former champion reclaim his throne?
The action didn’t stop there as we also saw Naomi put her Women’s World Championship on the line against Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Also, the Wyatt Sicks put their WWE Tag Team Championships on the line in a six-way TLC match, and Solo Sikoa put his United States Championship on the line against Jacob Fatu in a Steel Cage match. AJ Styles looked to capture the Intercontinental Championship, and Becky Lynch defended her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Lyra Valkyria. On an action-packed night with some big surprises, what were the top three moments?
3. Naomi Retains Her Women’s World Championship Over Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky
In the opening match of the night, we saw Naomi put her Women’s World Championship on the line against Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. This was a match where many had already counted Naomi out. Going up against two of WWE’s biggest stars in the women’s division, surely Naomi would lose, right? Not exactly. When Naomi cashed in her Women’s Money In The Bank briefcase at “Evolution,” she shocked the world by targeting the RAW women’s division, instead of the SmackDown women’s division. With everyone sure that Naomi would cash in on Tiffany Stratton, she pulled a massive swerve.
The match itself was the perfect way to start the unprecedented Night 2 of “Summerslam.” The fans were torn on who to cheer for, with all three women having their fair share of support from the WWE Universe. In the end, however, Ripley would hit an Avalanche Riptide on Sky, seemingly having the match won. Naomi broke up the pinfall attempt, though, and rolled up Ripley for the three-count. Thus, Naomi retained her Women’s World Championship.
Looking ahead, Stephanie Vaquer waits in the wings for Naomi for a match at “Clash At Paris.” With the momentum Vaquer has, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see her walk out of Paris as the new Women’s World Champion. However, the same can certainly be said for Naomi. In the end, the WWE universe will win as this match is going to be a banger. One thing we know for sure is that Naomi has proven herself as a certified Women’s World Champion. Kudos to Naomi for picking up the MASSIVE win.
2. The Wyatt Sicks Retain Their WWE Tag Team Championships in a Hellacious TLC Match
In the match following the Women’s World Championship three-way match, we were for sure in for a treat as a six-pack TLC match was on deck. The Wyatt Sicks put their WWE Tag Team Championships on the line against the likes of the Street Profits, DIY, Fraxiom, Motor City Machine Guns, and Andrade & Rey Fenix. This was a program that started back in May, when Wyatt Sicks returned to Friday Night SmackDown and took out Fraxiom, and then the WWE Tag Team Champions, the Street Profits. Since then, the Wyatt Sicks have won the WWE Tag Team Championships and have ruled over the SmackDown tag team division.
This was a match that started with the foot on the gas pedal and never slowed down. Coming into “Summerslam,” many fans had this match on their bingo cards to steal the show. We saw bodies go flying through tables, bodies falling off ladders, and by the end of the match, it looked like a car crash. We even saw Candice LeRae, B-Fab, and Nikki Cross get involved. Also, Uncle Howdy and Rowan got involved to assist Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis. In the end, however, we saw Fenix take a suplex-powerbomb combo from Lumis and Gacy, to knock him out of the match. Gacy climbed the ladder and unhooked the WWE Tag Team Championships for the Wyatt Sicks.
The Wyatt Sicks reign supreme as the rulers of the SmackDown tag team division. The Wyatt Sicks have come into their own during their latest run. They are being booked as they should be, and even are holding gold, finally. This whole match, from start to finish, was one of the best TLC matches we’ve ever seen. It was crazy, chaotic, and above all else, fun. It remains to be seen where they go from here, but one thing we know for sure is that the Wyatt Sicks are still the team to beat.
1. Cody Rhodes Reclaims His Undisputed WWE Championship, Brock Lesnar Returns
The main event of Night 1 saw a new World Champion crowned. Would Night 2 spell the same for the current champion, or would Cena have better luck than Gunther did? John Cena put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against the former champion, Cody Rhodes. This was a rivalry that had been brewing for a while now. Rhodes looked to get payback for what happened at WrestleMania 41. However, Cena is seemingly a changed man since that, embracing his good guy traits. We even saw Cena’s old entrance hit, and his infamous run down to the ring.
Cena and Rhodes went for a 35+ minute war. Both men threw everything they had at each other and then some. Rhodes wrestled more heelish tonight, using some underhanded tactics but still trying to remain true to himself. In the end, Cena attempted an Avalanche Attitude Adjustment through a table, but Rhodes countered and performed a Cody Cutter through the table. Rhodes followed this up with a Cross Rhodes, pinning Cena to win the Undisputed WWE Championship. As a new champion was crowned, the surprises seemed to only be getting started.
Cena remained in the ring to soak up the “THANK YOU CENA!” chants. However, what happened next nobody saw coming. The music of “The Beast” Brock Lesnar hit, and Lesnar made his massive return to the WWE. Lesnar hit an F-5 on Cena before making his way back up the ramp. This was a moment that many will truly never forget. As someone who was in attendance, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a pop live louder than the one I saw tonight for Lesnar. Welcome back to the WWE, Brock Lesnar!
