WWE SummerSlam gave Toronto, Canada a mix of everything from lukewarm-to-great moments and matches as WWE’s Big-Four pay-per-view is now in the books.
And while the entire card was far from perfect, several Superstars stood out as war-ready headed into a battle with AEW, while others floundered on one of WWE’s biggest stages.
Winner: Goldberg
Goldberg looked the part and his quick squash over Dolph Ziggler was everything it needed to be. People still go crazy for the Spear and the Jackhammer, and nobody in wrestling history has ever been better at doing more with less. Goldberg should continue to be a special attraction for WWE, and the promotion really needs to consider strategically using him for SmackDown Live’s forthcoming debut on Fox.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Despite being a pig to slaughter, Dolph Ziggler played his role to perfection. He cut slimy heel promos both before and after his match against Goldberg and even surprised the Scotiabank Arena with a pair of early superkicks that landed on Goldberg. Ziggler has drawn apathy for much of the last few years, but he has been a more-than-serviceable character for this entire build.
Loser: Bayley
Clearly positioned in the popcorn spot after an underwhelming match from Ricochet and AJ Styles, Bayley took a step back in her SummerSlam debut. Fans even seemed disappointed to see her retain. Considering how big of a star she was just a few short months ago at WWE Money in the Bank, Bayley appears to be in transition, even as SmackDown women’s champion.
Winner: Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens came off as a major star in his home country of Canada at WWE SummerSlam and woke up a crowd that had hit a wall early in the show and remained silent for multiple matches. The surge appears to be working with WWE’s renewed push of Kein Owens, and with far less mimicry of Steve Austin, he could really develop into something special.
Winners: Trish Stratus and Charlotte
Despite weird indifference early, possibly due to following fellow Canadian Kevin Owens in his home country, Trish Stratus and Charlotte worked a very good match that successfully engaged the Scotiabank Arena.
Fans booed Charlotte while cheering wildly for Trish Stratus and both looked good. Charlotte was elevated with an elusive victory over a legend while Trish Stratus didn’t embarrass herself the way some legends are wont to do in a showcase match.
Losers: Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton
Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton had arguably the best build headed into SummerSlam, but all of it was squandered in an underwhelming match that led to a terrible finish. The good news in all of this is it suggests the continuation of what should be Kingston’s defining feud as WWE champion. A more satisfying payoff down the line should be well worth the wait given the talent involved.
Winner: Bray Wyatt (The Fiend)
Bray Wyatt was the big winner of SummerSlam and it isn’t even close. Everything about his debut stood out as once-in-a-generation. Wyatt’s live in-ring debut changed the mood of the Scotiabank Arena. In addition to garnering the creepy and unsettling vibes it was going for, the live arena was way into the character, which stands to make a fortune off merchandise sales given the new lantern, t-shirts, gloves and mask.
Bray Wyatt has arrived again. And this time, The Fiend just might be immortal.
Winners: Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar
Despite the usual empty threats and complaints about a Brock Lesnar match from within the repetitive Internet Wrestling Community, Lesnar once again overachieved with an incredible main event against Seth Rollins.
Through a questionable build, Rollins and Lesnar rose to the occasion and wasted no motions in a suspenseful, back-and-forth main event that sent Toronto home happy. It was the best scenario either WWE Superstar could have hoped for given the negativity surrounding this feud as it began to overstay its welcome.
