Even before the WWE began to brand SummerSlam as “The Hottest Party Of The Summer,” the fans and the company knew just how important the event was. The very first event back in 1988 was jam packed with action and surprises befitting an event that WWE would one day purport to be as big as WrestleMania.
One thing that can always be counted on amongst the surprises, pomp, and circumstance is that SummerSlam has unique matches that rank amongst some of the most memorable in WWE history. Wrestling journalist, Dave Meltzer has also given credit where credit is due throughout the years.
10 Bret Hart Vs. Davey Boy - 1992, 4.5 Stars
One of the most pitch-perfect combinations of technical skill and emotional storytelling happened at Wembley Stadium when Davey Boy Smith successfully defeated his brother-in-law Bret Hart.
The Intercontinental title match not only closed the show at SummerSlam 1992, but it was great enough to keep fans to this day believing that the event as a whole was a good show. The match however was an instant and now all-time classic. It was a technical masterpiece the likes of which are rarity today.
9 TLC - 2000, 4.5 Stars
At WrestleMania 2000, the Hardys, Dudleys, Edge and Christian redefined the Ladder match to such an extent that a new match was created. The three teams obliterated each other once again, but in the first ever TLC match as part of SummerSlam 2000.
Even in the Hardys hometown, Edge and Christian found a way to survive the onslaught of both teams to retain their titles. It was a beautiful train-wreck that changed the industry and etched the legacy of each of the teams involved.
8 Kurt Angle Vs. Stone Cold - 2001, 4.5 Stars
By the summer of 2001, the Invasion angle was in full swing and the Texas Rattlesnake had become completely unhinged. He was doing anything and everything he could to keep his WWE title. Kurt Angle came to once again be a thorn in Austin’s side.
First they competed for the affections of Mr. McMahon, now over the WWE title. Austin knew he was outgunned and during the course of their match, Austin took out several referees to earn a DQ loss and slink away with his title.
7 Undertaker Vs. Edge - 2008, 4.5 Stars
No titles on the line, just a vengeful Undertaker who felt compelled to try and remove Edge’s head from his body. Within Hell In A Cell, both men used just about every weapon they could use that wasn’t tied down, and once again showed why their feud was one of the best of the Ruthless Aggression Era.
After vanquishing the Rated-R Superstar, Taker Chokeslammed him through the ring for good measure. It was a fantastic bout that pushed both men to the limit, and audiences were more than happy to go along for the ride.
6 Daniel Bryan Vs. John Cena - 2013, 4.5 Stars
John Cena was allowed to pick his opponent for SummerSlam 2013. He opted for the very deserving Daniel Bryan, much to the delight of fans. As the Yes! Movement was in its infancy, fans were ready for The American Dragon to breath fire atop the mountain.
After a hard fought battle, Bryan was able to topple Cena after a grueling match. Unfortunately a Randy Orton cash-in spoiled the party, setting up Bryan's eventual ascent to the main event, culminating in a legendary win in the main event of WrestleMania 30.
5 Seth Rollins Vs. John Cena - 2015, 4.5 Stars
Usually, when a celebrity gets involved in a match, a collective groan can be heard throughout the arena, especially when it ruins as a good a match as John Cena and Seth Rollins from SummerSlam 2015. The two were wrestling a Winner Take All match that had Cena ready to defeat the young champion and tie his record with Ric Flair’s own.
Jon Stewart would attack Cena with a chair to actually prevent that from happening. But the preceding action had the exactly the kind of elite in-ring work that Cena and Rollins were known for.
4 A.J. Styles Vs. John Cena - 2016, 4.5 Stars
It didn’t take long for AJ Styles to establish himself as a top star in WWE. After all, he wrestled all over the world for over 15 years! There was one obstacle in his path on the way to being a true top guy - John Cena.
The two finally clashed in a dream match at SummerSlam 2016. After trading move for move and counter for counter, AJ clipped him with the Phenomenal Forearm to become the new Face That Runs The Place.
3 Shawn Michaels Vs. Razor Ramon - 1995, 4.75 Stars
The big rematch between Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon took over a year to happen, but once the match was announced for SummerSlam 1995, the anticipation was through the roof. Only this time, both men were beloved babyfaces.
But that didn't mean they took it easy on each other either. This was also the first time that more than one ladder came into play. Vince even questioned if it was legal. It allowed for Shawn to pull a superkick off the ladder and retain his Intercontinental title in a fantastic encounter.
2 Brock Vs. Braun Vs. Joe Vs. Reigns - 2017, 4.75 Stars
At SummerSlam 2017, Brock Lesnar had the odds stacked against him, as he put his Universal Championship on the line against the best Raw had to offer: Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman and Samoa Joe.
Had Lesnar lost, he was going to have to leave the company. But after a grueling contest, The Beast caught Roman Reigns with an F-5 to defend his title and continue his reign of terror. Any man could have come out with the gold in tow, but The Beast was not to be denied.
1 Bret Hart Vs. Owen Hart - 1994, 5 Stars
Only one match on this list garnered the elusive 5 star Meltzer rating. Bret Hart defending the WWE title against Owen Hart inside a steel cage at SummerSlam ’94 has earned that honor.
Just like their WrestleMania X encounter, the brothers were able to reinvent what two performers could do in the confines of a Steel Cage match, as both men tried to out wrestle one another. Bret Hart was able to retain by escaping the cage in a race to climb over in the instant classic.