Eyes On Summerslam: 30 Best Matches At Summerslam Part 1 (30-15)

By @Phranchize19

Since Summerslam has reached the 30 year mark, I feel it is only right to list the 30 best matches in the event's history. I’ve looked at virtually every Summerslam, so this list I would say is fairly accurate. Here we go.

30. Dean Ambrose vs Seth Rollins
Lumberjack Match
Summerslam 2014

-This match was one we all were waiting to see. Usually a lumberjack match can mess up the action in the ring, but Ambrose and Rollins made sure that the focus was on them. Rollins picks up the win in a thrilling contest.

29. Shane McMahon vs Test 

Love Her or Leave Her 

Summerslam 1999

-This match had no business being as good as it was but it was great nonetheless. This was a fight that told a great story. Test wins the match.

28. Eddie Guerrero vs Rey Mysterio
Ladder Match
Summerslam 2005

-Eddie and Rey have always had excellent chemistry whether as partner or rivals. While I feel the storyline was bit too personal, this match was fantastic. Rey wins the custody of his son.

27. Shawn Michaels vs Vader 

WWF Championship Match 

Summerslam 1996

-The smaller man vs the monster troupe has been dished out by WWE a lot over the years and this one was a good one. Vader did what he was known for while we saw the resilience of Shawn Michaels. Michaels retains (SN: Vader had the momentum and should’ve won, but this match halted his WWE push forever). 

26. Mr. Perfect vs Texas Tornado Intercontinental Championship Summerslam 1990

-This match was so good. It doesn’t get talked about enough when it comes to IC title matches, but this was a great way to get Mr. Perfect in title chase mode. Texas Tornado wins after a nasty punch and great sell from Perfect.

25. Triple H vs Goldberg vs Chris Jericho vs Randy Orton vs Shawn Michaels vs Kevin Nash 

Elimination Chamber
World Heavyweight Championship
Summerslam 2003

-I really enjoyed this match. It highlighted Goldberg’s dominance and showed Triple H’s wittiness as well as teased an Orton title run.

24. Hart Foundation vs Demolition
Tag Team Championship
2 Out of 3 Falls
Summerslam 1990

-This may be the best 2 on 2 tag team match in the history of this event. Demolition’s reign finally came to an end.

23. Kurt Angle vs Eddie Guerrero
Summerslam 2004

-These two have always had excellent chemistry and this match was no exception. Angle wins here.

22. Ultimate Warrior vs Rick Rude Steel Cage Match
WWE Championship 

Summerslam 1990

-Although it was short, this was an effective match. Rude brought out the best performances in Warrior and this was no exception. Warrior wins here.

21. Mega Powers vs Mega Bucks
Summerslam 1988

-While not a technical masterpiece, this was probably the most important match in Summerslam history. The first and only time the World Title was not decided on a Summerslam card.

20. CM Punk vs Big Show vs John Cena
WWE Championship Match 

Summerslam 2012

-When all else fails, add Big show to a triple threat match. This match was great. Punk was at his apex here, Cena did his thing and Big Show proved he was still a threat. CM Punk gets the win.

19. Brock Lesnar vs The Rock 

WWE Undisputed Championship 
Summerslam 2002

-The proverbial passing of the torch. The Attitude Era transitioned into the Ruthless Aggression Era. A thrilling main event with Lesnar winning here.

18. The Rock vs Booker T
WCW Championship
Summerslam 2001

-I loved this match. A returning Rock met the biggest star in WCW in Booker T. Both men made this match worth the look. Even though it was a relative squash, Booker had a great performance.

17. John Cena vs Brock Lesnar 

WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Summerslam 2014

-Suplex City may have been coined at Wrestlemania 31 after this, but its origin began in this match at Summerslam. I’ve never seen such a beat down in my life.

16. Chris Benoit vs Randy Orton 

World Heavyweight Championship

Summerslam 2004

-This match was a classic. The 24 year old Orton turned a lot of heads with his performance in this match. We all know what Benoit brings to the table, but Orton was the one who had to show and prove and that he did. Orton cleanly wins his first World championship.

15. Brock Lesnar vs The Undertaker
Summerslam 2015

-This match was better than I anticipated. Taker being in the ring with a guy that usually doesn't care for one's safety startled me but Taker moved well and made Brock work, which was a welcome sight.

We'll be back for choices 14 through 1 soon. Stay tuned.

-Phranchize