Hello ladies and gentleman and welcome to our live coverage of WWE SummerSlam 2014. We are at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California and for the next three hours we will take you through the event match by match as we will find out what fate lies ahead for each of the competing superstars.
The Biggest Party of the Summer kicks off with Rob Van Dam battling Antonio Cesaro in the kickoff pre-show while WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair will join Booker T, Renee Young and Alex Riley in the panel.
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Kick off show: Rob Van Dam vs.Cesaro
RVD took on Cesaro during the pre – show, and after a good back and forth action, RVD nailed the five star frog splash to pick up the victory.
Winner: RVD
Rating: ***
Analysis: It’s sad that someone like Cesaro is now relegated to the pre – show, but the fans got to witness a solid match during the kick off show, which isn’t very common.
Main show:
The show kicked off with The Miz coming out, and he cut a promo about Ziggler, and knocked on the LA Lakers to get some heat.
Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz for the WWE Intercontinental championship
Ziggler came out to a huge ovation, as he set his sights on the title. Both men locked up as the crowd started a “Let’s go Ziggler” chant. Ziggler rolled Miz up a couple of times, as Miz went for the money maker, but Ziggler fended him off. Ziggler then threw Miz to the outside, and worked over the A – lister back inside the ring. Miz turned the tables by driving Ziggler into the turnbuckles sternum first! Miz then came back with a big boot for a nearfall, as Miz was in control of the match. The crowd started a huge “You can’t wrestle” chant directed at The Miz, as Miz locked Ziggler in a chin lock. Miz followed it up with a big boot and a clothesline in the corner after pandering to the crowd.
Miz came down off the top rope, but Ziggler caught him with a dropkick. Ziggler then burst off with a couple of clotheslines and he covered him for a nearfall. Miz tried to throw Ziggler out, but Ziggler hung on and this resulted in a great series of reversals and counters, as Ziggler caught Miz with a huge right and a superkick for a nearfall! The crowd started a huge “Let’s go Ziggler” chant, as Miz tried to walk away with the title. Ziggler stopped him, but Miz caught him with a knee to the face, and followed it up with the figure four leg lock, as Ziggler tried to fight out of it. Ziggler finally reached the bottom rope, and tried to go for the fame asser, but Miz countered it into the Skull Crushing Finale for yet another nearfall! Miz missed with a running boot, and Ziggler caught him with the Zig Zag out of nowhere to become the new WWE Intercontinental champion!
Winner and the new WWE Intercontinental champion: Dolph Ziggler
Rating: ***
Analysis: That was a really solid match to kick things off, and Ziggler showed exactly why he is one of the best workers in the company. The crowd roared as Ziggler picked up the three count to become a two time WWE IC champion! What a way to kick this year’s SummerSlam!
WWE then replayed the rivalry brewing between Stephanie and Brie Bella.
Brie then cut a promo backstage, running down Stephanie McMahon. She played out what happened in the past few weeks, and said she will take out the “she beast”, because that’s best for business.
Paige vs. AJ Lee for the WWE Divas championship
Paige went right on the attack, and zeroed in on AJ’s neck, and worked over AJ. Paige took her time in inflicting pain on the Divas’ champion, and kept attacking AJ with a series of knees. Paige went to the top rope, and AJ followed her. AJ knocked Paige to the floor from the top, and took Paige out with a huge clothesline from the top rope!
AJ caught Paige with a running kick for a nearfall, as the champ tried to crawl her way back into the match. Paige knocked AJ out by going back to her neck and head region, but AJ locked her in the Black Widow! Paige countered the submission hold into the spike DDT to win the match, and become the new WWE Divas champion!
Winner and the new WWE Divas champion: Paige
Rating: **
Analysis: That was a completely dominating performance by Paige, as she won the WWE Divas title on her 22nd birthday! The crowd went ballistic, as Paige completely destroyed the former Divas champion. Does this mean we have a new face as the head of Divas division? Maybe!
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Rusev (With Lana) vs. Jack Swagger (With Zeb Colter) in a Flag Match
Rusev and Lana made their way to the ring first, and Lana cut a promo praising Putin, and said they would be dedicating their match to him. She knocked on Hollywood, and put over Rusev and Russia. Lana’s promo was interrupted by a Marshall and his troops, as Swagger and Zeb came out to a loud “USA” chant. Rusev attacked Swagger before the match started, but Swagger turned the tables and locked Rusev in an ankle lock as the referee had to pull them apart.
The crowd started a huge “USA” chant as Rusev complained to the referee that he couldn’t compete, but the referee started the match anyway. Swagger worked on the ankle and leg he applied the ankle lock to, as the crowd started a huge “We the people” chant! Swagger took Rusev to the corner and worked on his ankle, as Rusev tried to get away from Swagger. Swagger caught Rusev with a huge clothesline as Swagger chanted “We the people” along with the fans. Back in the ring, Jack went for the Swagger Bomb, but Rusev laid into his ribs to get back into the match. Rusev worked on Swagger’s mid section in the corner, and connected with a big knee to his back. The crowd started to rally behind Jack, but Rusev connected with a headbutt and locked Jack in a bear hug. Swagger tried to go for a belly to belly throw, but he couldn’t lift Rusev, as he worked on Jack’s injured ribs. Rusev worked on Swagger’s back as the crowd chanted for Swagger, and Swagger somehow managed to deliver the belly to belly throw!
Jack came back with a couple of clotheslines and a big boot to the face! Swagger connected with the Swagger Bomb for a nearfall. Rusev decked Jack with a back elbow, but Swagger caught him in the ankle lock. Rusev powered out but Swagger planted him with a gutwrench slam for a nearfall! Rusev went back to Jack’s ribs, and ran him over. Rusev went for the camel clutch, but couldn’t stand on his feet. Rusev connected with a modified camel clutch, but Swagger turned it into an ankle lock! Rusev tried to fight out, and finally got out of the hold and connected with a spinning heel kick and another huge kick. Rusev finally locked in the camel clutch, as Jack Swagger passed out to give Rusev the victory.
Winner by TKO: Rusev
Rating: *** ¼
Analysis: That was an outstanding match between two heavyweights, as Rusev and Jack managed to bring in the interest of the crowd. The fans were into everything both men did, and the finish doesn’t hurt either man, keeping the door open for a match at the next PPV.
Post match, Rusev decked Zeb Colter with a kick as he was checking on Swagger. He then raised the Russian flag to the Russian national anthem.
WWE then showed a video showcasing the rivalry between Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. A job well done as always.
Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins in a Lumberjack match
Rollins made his way out first to a chorus of boos, followed by Dean Ambrose to a massive pop! The lumberjacks surrounded the ring as both men stared each other down. Both men locked up and threw punches. Dean took Seth down with an elbow and stomped away at him in the corner. Dean threw Rollins around as Rollins tried to get out, but the lumberjacks threw him in. Dean was then thrown out, and he was sent back into the ring. Dean worked on Seth, pulling his nostrils and inflicting pain on his former partner.
Ambrose was thrown out again, and he decked a couple of lumberjacks, but Rollins got back on the attack, and threw him out again, and this time the lumberjacks attacked him and threw him back into the ring. Rollins continued attacking Dean and went for the cover, as Dean kicked out at 2. Ambrose got his boots up in the corner to deck Rollins, and tried to go to the top turnbuckle, but Seth crotched him and laid into Dean. Rollins locked Dean in a modified chin lock, but Dean fought out of it with a couple of clotheslines. Dean was sent on to the apron, and Rollins tried to go for a suplex, but Dean countered it into a suplex on the lumberjacks! The lumberjacks tried to separate both men, but Seth was thrown into the fans’ section, as the lumberjacks threw Dean into the ring, but he took them out with a dive! Ambrose ran over the tables and took Rollins down!
The action shifted into the fans’ area, as Dean and Rollins fought on the steps of the arena. Kane then made his way out and asked the lumberjacks to do their job. Both men tried to drop each other down from the top of the stairs, but the lumberjacks brought Dean back into the ring, as Rollins tried to escape. The lumberjacks brought Rollins back to the ringside area, as Dean took all of them down with a huge crossbody from the top rope! The crowd started a “This is awesome” chant, as Rollins decked Dean with a huge kick, but Dean took him down with a clothesline for a nearfall! Dean connected with the curb stomp! Dean went for the cover, but Kane broke up the pin. Goldust tried to interfere, but Kane slapped him. All hell broke loose as the lumberjacks fought each other inside the ring! Dean finally cleared the ring, but Seth decked him with the briefcase to pick up the victory!
Winner: Seth Rollins
Rating: ****
Analysis: That was an amazing lumberjack match between two phenomenal athletes. From bumps to some great spots, the match was booked to perfection, and highlighted the strengths of both individuals. This will likely lead to Kane getting in between the former partners, but it was a great match none the less.
WWE then showed the history between Jericho and Bray Wyatt, and also highlighted the sit – down conversation between the two men last week.
Bray Wyatt vs. Chris Jericho
Bray made his way out first to a great reception, and Jericho made his way out next to another big pop in his patented light – jacket. Both men locked up as Jericho got the upper hand by knocking him down with a back elbow. Jericho knocked Bray off the apron and sent him into the barricade. Jericho came down with a cross body for a one count, as Jericho continued to deck Bray in the corner. Bray threw Jericho from the top rope to the outside, and rammed Jericho with knees! Bray rammed Jericho’s head into the steel steps, driving his knee as the crowd started to sing Bray’s song. Bray sent Jericho shoulder first into the steel post.
Bray continued his attack on Jericho, and drove his fists into Jericho’s head. Bray locked Jericho in a chin lock as the crowd chanted for both men! Bray brought Jericho to the mat as Jericho struggled to get out of the predicament. Jericho finally made to his feet, but Bray caught Jericho with a knee. Jericho came back into the match with a series of kicks and punches, and dropped Bray with the enziguri for a one count. Bray dropped Jericho with a clothesline and a running senton for a 2 count. Bray went for a running clothesline, but Jericho dropped him with a dropkick for a 2 count. Bray planted Jericho on his back for another 2 count, as Bray tried to put Jericho away.
Bray followed it up with more punches and went for Sister Abigail, but Jericho rolled him up for a nearfall, and Jericho turned it into the Walls of Jericho! Bray finally reached the bottom rope, and then DDT’d Jericho on the apron. Bray rolled him in for a nearfall, and drilled Jericho with a headbutt. Jericho brought Bray down from the top with a hurricarana, as the fans were split between both superstars. Jericho brought Bray down with a running dropkick and went for the Lionsault, but Bray did the spider walk, which freaked Jericho out. Jericho connected with the code breaker, but Bray kicked out at 2! On the outside, Bray connected with a spike into Jericho’s throat, and connected with Sister Abigail on the barricade! The crowd started another “Let’s go Wyatt/Y2J” chant, as Bray connected with another Sister Abigail in the ring to pick up the victory.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
Rating: *** ½
Analysis: That was yet another solid match, and as expected, both men delivered the goods. The fans were split for both the performers, and this victory will give Bray the much needed credibility, and who better to put Wyatt over than Jericho?
Post match, Wyatt cut a promo, and sang his song.
WWE then aired a promo, looking back at the feud between Stephanie McMahon and Brie Bella.
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Stephanie McMahon vs. Brie Bella
Stephanie made her way out first, followed by Brie Bella. Ronda Rousey was also shown in attendance! Stephanie and Brie locked up to start the match as Stephanie over powered Brie. Brie took Stephanie down with an arm drag, and followed it up with another one. Stephanie drove her elbow into Brie, and drove her shoulders into her in the corner. Stephanie drilled Brie with kicks to her mid section, and continued to attack Brie in the corner. Stephanie mocked Daniel Bryan with the “Yes” chant, as Stephanie went to slap Brie, but Brie slapped her and nearly got her into the Yes lock. Stephanie demolished Brie with a double axe handle on the outside, to send her crashing to the floor.
Stephanie planted Brie with a DDT for a nearfall! Stephanie drove her knee into Brie’s back, and clotheslined her again. Stephanie worked on Brie’s neck as the crowd started a “You still got it” chant. Stephanie continued to work on Brie’s back and neck region, and stomped on Brie’s face. Brie tried to fight back, with a series of kicks which angered Stephanie. Brie took Stephanie down with a Lou Thesz press, and delivered a series of kicks in the corner as the crowd chanted “Yes”. Brie tossed Stephanie around and kicked Stephanie in the gut. Brie came down with a missile dropkick for yet another 2 count. Brie continued to deck Stephanie with punches, which brought Triple H out. Stephanie tried to take advantage of the distraction, but Brie locked her in the Yes lock! Triple H pulled the official out of the ring, as Brie dropkicked Triple H down! Back in the ring, Nikki stopped Stephanie from crawling away, as Brie and Nikki surrounded Stephanie. Nikki then decked Brie with an elbow, as Stephanie had a big smile on her face. Stephanie then delivered the pedigree to Brie to pick up the victory!
Winner: Stephanie McMahon
Rating: ** ½
Analysis: That was a good match surprisingly, and lived up to the expectations and all the hype. The heel turn came out of nowhere, and adds more dimension to the already hot feud between Stephanie and Brie. This will likely lead to a match between the sisters at the next PPV, but it’ll be interesting to see where WWE goes with this from here.
Randy Orton vs. Roman Reigns
Randy made his way out first, followed by Roman Reigns to a thunderous reception. Both men stared each other down, as Roman decked Orton with a huge right. Reigns then dropped Orton with a headbutt as Orton went to the outside. Roman followed Orton and brought him back into the ring, and continued his onslaught. Roman delivered more rights, and dropped Orton with another huge right hand. Roman then threw Orton out of the ring. Orton turned the tables by throwing Roman into the steel steps. Orton then brought Roman into the ring and hooked his leg for a pin attempt, but Roman kicked out at 1. Orton then locked Roman in a chin lock, and then planted Roman by pulling his hair. Orton then methodically picked Roman apart, but Roman moved out of a knee drop from Orton. Roman decked Orton with a big boot, but Orton brought Roman down with a superplex from the top rope for a nearfall!
Orton kept Roman down with a chinlock, but Roman reversed it. Orton fell on his back, planting Roman, but Roman got back with the chinlock again. Orton managed to drop Roman once again, and reversed the hold by locking Roman in another chinlock. Roman countered with a Samoan drop, as both men stayed down. Both men exchanged rights, and Roman got the better of the exchange. Roman dropped Orton with a clothesline, and followed it up with another right. Roman then decked Orton with the jumping dropkick, but Orton turned the tables by throwing Roman into the barricade. Orton then threw Roman on the announcer’s table, and then threw him into the steel steps!
Back in the ring, Orton went to the top, but Roman stopped him and dropped him with a Samoan drop from the second rope for a nearfall! The crowd started a “We want tables” chant, as Roman decked Orton with the Superman punch. Roman went for the spear, but Orton countered it into a powerslam for a nearfall! Orton connected with the underhook DDT from the middle rope and signaled for the RKO. Roman managed to reverse the RKO, but Orton caught Roman out of nowhere for the RKO, and Roman kicked out at 2! Roman finally put Orton down with a huge spear to pick up the victory.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Rating: *** ½
Analysis: That was a great back and forth action between Roman Reigns and Randy Orton. There was some hesitance going into the match, due to the negative reports of their live event matches, but the two delivered on the big stage. Roman Reigns got the better of Orton this time, and this will likely lead to a grudge match at the next PPV.
WWE then aired a video package, looking back at the rivalry between John Cena and Brock Lesnar.
John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar (With Paul Heyman) for the WWE World Heavyweight championship
Lesnar made his way out first along with Paul Heyman to a big pop, followed by John Cena to mixed reaction. The crowd was split between both the superstars, as Cena and Brock stared each other down. Both men locked up, and Brock connected with an F – 5 for a 2 count! Brock toyed around with Cena as the crowd started the dueling “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks” chants. Brock decked Cena and sized him up. Brock took Cena down with a huge German suplex with a release, as he stood over Cena. Brock drilled his knee into the side of Cena. Brock then dropped Cena with a suplex, as he dominated the match in the early going. Cena tried to turn things around, taking him to the corner and lashing out with rights, but Brock fought out of it and drilled Cena with another knee to the ribs. Brock locked Cena in a chinlock as the crowd was left stunned.
Cena burst out from the corner once again to take Lesnar down, but Lesnar stopped him in his tracks with another knee to the ribs. Lesnar dismantled Cena with another huge German suplex with a release, and decimated the current WWE World Heavyweight champion. Brock covered Cena for another nearfall. Lesnar drilled Cena with another knee to the ribs as Cena looked out of place. Brock dropped Cena with yet another German suplex with a release, throwing John to the other side of the ring! Brock delivered another German suplex with a release, and asked the referee to see if Cena would quit. Cena came back out of nowhere with elbows and rights, and as Brock tried to go for an F – 5, Cena countered it into an AA for a nearfall!
Cena tried to go at it again, but Lesnar took Cena down and drilled him with punches. Lesnar then delivered multiple German suplexes to Cena, leaving Cena in a pile of mess! Lesnar once again went for the triple German suplex, which pushed the referee to contemplate calling the match off! The crowd started a “Boring” chant, and Cena pulled Lesnar down and locked in the STF! Lesnar fought his way out of the hold, and pounded on Cena! Lesnar lifted Cena for another F – 5, and dropped Cena on his head. Brock covered Cena for the three count, and we have a new champion!
Winner and the new WWE World Heavyweight champion: Brock Lesnar
Rating: **
Analysis: That was something no one would’ve imagined. Don’t let the rating fool you; it was completely one sided, and might just be one of the most one sided WWE World Heavyweight championship matches in recent history! That was an incredible performance by the most dominant performer in the world today.
Post – match, the medics checked on Cena who was still lying on the mat.
Over – all rating of the PPV: **** (Out of 5 stars)
That was an amazing PPV, and might just go down as the second best PPV of the year after WrestleMania. As many as three titles changed hands, but none more surprising than the main event! Where will Cena go from here? What’s next for the beast incarnate? We’ll have to wait for 24 more hours to get our answers. Hope you’ve enjoyed the show.