5 Best WWE SummerSlam Main Events Ever

When one looks at the impressive history of WWE SummerSlam, you come to a somewhat surprising realization: some of the greatest matches in event history (hell, *WWE* history) didn't go on last. Shawn-Razor II, Bret-Owen in the cage, Punk-Lesnar, Shawn-HHH, Cena-Styles, the first TLC - each of them were either the semi-main, or an undercard epic. That in itself speaks to just how storied and prolific SummerSlam's match history has been.

Here today, we're talking about the "mainers," and here's where you see some serious variety. In its history, SummerSlam has ended with some genuine clunkers ('Taker vs. Taker, Diesel vs. Mabel), some boring fare (Lesnar-HHH), surreal beatings (Lesnar-Orton, Lesnar-Cena), and surreal flop-fests (Hogan-Shawn). Then there are the truly great matches, of which there have been far more than five. Paring this list down was a challenge, and I had to excise some of my personal favourites (forgive me, Lesnar-Rollins and Punk-Cena).

Your mileage is certain to vary, but for my money, these are the five greatest SummerSlam main event matches ever.

When one looks at the impressive history of WWE SummerSlam, you come to a somewhat surprising realization: some of the greatest matches in event history (hell, *WWE* history) didn't go on last. Shawn-Razor II, Bret-Owen in the cage, Punk-Lesnar, Shawn-HHH, Cena-Styles, the first TLC - each of them were either the semi-main, or an undercard epic. That in itself speaks to just how storied and prolific SummerSlam's match history has been.

Here today, we're talking about the "mainers," and here's where you see some serious variety. In its history, SummerSlam has ended with some genuine clunkers ('Taker vs. Taker, Diesel vs. Mabel), some boring fare (Lesnar-HHH), surreal beatings (Lesnar-Orton, Lesnar-Cena), and surreal flop-fests (Hogan-Shawn). Then there are the truly great matches, of which there have been far more than five. Paring this list down was a challenge, and I had to excise some of my personal favourites (forgive me, Lesnar-Rollins and Punk-Cena).

Your mileage is certain to vary, but for my money, these are the five greatest SummerSlam main event matches ever.

5. Jeff Hardy Vs. CM Punk (2009)

Shortly after this match, Hardy (he of an expiring contract) was faced with serious legal issues, and didn't return to WWE for over seven-and-a-half years. We sometimes forget that the SummerSlam headliner (and defending World champion) finished his run with WWE that same week.

But on his way out, Hardy delivered his typically-chaotic performance in a TLC match for his championship against nemesis Punk. Lots of creative stunts filled out the bulk of the battle, culminating with a clever Hardy/Undertaker switcharoo in the final post-match scene.

4. The Undertaker Vs. Edge (2008)

The 15-month rivalry between the two encompassed many pay-per-views and was halted at times because of an injury to one or the other. At long last, their paths crossed inside Hell in a Cell, which looked to be the place for 'Taker's final revenge.

An early draft of the ending would've had Edge eating the Tombstone on top of the cell, but, worried that the ceiling may give way, that idea was scrapped. Instead, 'Taker definitively won the lengthy brawl, and then sent Edge to Hell (aka the cement floor) afterwards.

3. The Universal Title 4-Way (2017)

This doesn't get nearly the love it deserves for being an out-and-out war. Brock Lesnar, Samoa Joe, Roman Reigns, and Braun Strowman had the ultimate "mean guy match," one that introduced the world to the novelty of an office chair whipped at somebody's face.

Strowman shined brightest, through his powerhouse offense and his attempts to render Lesnar immobile. Lesnar managing to retain the title by the skin of his teeth dampened things for many watchers, but the match itself was a sensational upgrade of the wild brawls of yore.

2. John Cena Vs. Daniel Bryan (2013)

Ten years prior, this was a squash match on WWE Velocity. At this point in history, it featured the face of the company vs. the face of vocal fan, for the richest prize in the game. And given the principals involved, it still managed to exceed expectations.

It'd probably be more fondly remembered if not for the "rug-pull" ending of Triple H and Randy Orton ruining Bryan's moment, but alas. Bonus points go to Cena for working the match with a gruesome triceps tear, one that looked like a tennis ball was sewn into his elbow.

1. Bret Hart Vs. Davey Boy Smith (1992)

Nothing compares. A crowd of around 80,000 jam-packed London's Wembley Stadium, hoping to see countryman Davey Boy Smith fell his brother-in-law, to capture the Intercontinental title. Understanding the bout's magnitude, Hart crafted a masterpiece for he and Bulldog to paint.

As legend goes, Smith was in little condition to carry his own weight through the match (due to personal demons), so Bret executed the carry-job of his life, walking Bulldog through a match that many fans consider to be Bret's finest ever - "The Hitman" included.