In this business, you either adapt or you perish. This is the catchphrase for Evolution, which was led by Triple H. Following last week’s edition of Monday Night Raw, Bleacher Report called SummerSlam the biggest test of the Triple H Era. WWE’s product has been heavily criticized and plagued with ads in 2026, and the biggest party of the Summer could determine the fate of everyone involved. The attendance was north of 30,000 fans for both nights. This is going to be split into Night 1 and 2, with results listed below.
Night 1:
Three Certainties in Life
Death, taxes, and an interference happening at EVERY WWE show since Triple H took over. Iyo Sky couldn’t overcome distractions from Raquel and Roxanne when she faced Liv Morgan. Had Morgan lost, it might’ve been embarrassing because she hasn’t defended the belt ONCE since winning at WM 42. Not clear what Iyo’s direction looks like, but the entire Queen of the Ring in retrospect was a waste of time for everyone involved.
OMG Moment: Royce Keys barricade spot
Royce Keys was a standout in the six-man tag match. He deadlifted Jimmy Uso, who was caught in the ropes, and hit a move off the top rope. Then, he body slammed his opponent over the barricade. Also, Mr. Solo Dolo Sikoa is a fantastic nickname for him. He is a way better babyface than he is a heel.
Dead in the Water Moment: Women’s Six-Woman match
Through no fault of their own, the crowd was silent this entire match. They cheered the babyfaces during their entrances, but once the bell rang, one could hear crickets. It was the right move for Fatal Influence to get the win, but the headline will be the Bellas turning heel on Paige. Brie Bella also suffered a shoulder injury, and here’s to a quick recovery for her.
Biggest Crowd Reaction: An RKO outta nowhere
The WWE title match dragged on and on and on and on. Fans were suspiciously quiet throughout the match, only getting involved to boo Cody. When Randy Orton showed up to RKO Cody, fans lost their collective minds. He then ran out of the floor with his wife behind him, so expect him to appear on SmackDown this Friday.
Biggest Winner of Night: Oba Femi
When Brock Lesnar acknowledges his opponent after a loss, they’re a HUGE deal. Many fans expected Lesnar to win, but that wasn’t going to happen for two reasons. The Nigerian Giant is the future of the business, and the hometown hero/villain usually loses their match. The canvas was exposed, steel stairs were used, and Femi was taken to Suplex City. In the end, Femi was the victor. Now can we finally get something fresh for Oba?
Biggest Loser of the Night: Any WWE fan outside US Bank Stadium
Unless you’re paying 29.99/month for PLE’s, you aren’t able to watch SummerSlam. ESPN didn’t broadcast the first hour per usual, and it’s puzzling to say the least.
The most priceless reaction from fans on the floor was when WWE would have a promo for a match, and then they’d have their phones out to take pictures or record. Instead, another advertisement showed up, leading to collective groans across the venue.
Night 2:
- Chad Gable wins the IC title
- Danhausen curses Dominik and wins the Human Monies
- Roman Reigns retains clean against Seth Rollins
- Baron Corbin is your new US champion
- Chelsea Green outlasted Charlotte, Jade, Tiffany, and Lash to become Interim Women’s Champ
- Kevin Owens returns and pins Sami Zayn to be the #1 contender for the WWE title. Gunther and Finn Balor were also in the match
MVP of the Night: Gunther
Not very often does a WWE superstar pull double-duty, but Gunther did just that. After putting Nick Aldis to sleep, he was inserted by Aldis into the #1 contender match. He was superb throughout the match, and wasn’t involved in the finish. For the foreign heel he is supposed to play, the guy is a heck of a pro wrestler.
Holy S*** Moment: Kevin Owens returns and WINS
WWE kicked off the show with the #1 contenders match for the WWE title. When it seemed Sami Zayn was facing Finn Balor, Nick Aldis added Gunther to the equation. This is a classic troll job by WWE to rile the crowd up. Then, he said one more was in the match. When Owens’ music hit, US Bank Stadium was in shock. The prizefighter was rumored to return months from now, so seeing him compete AND win was a nice touch. He also took a nasty bump to his neck, which they did to sell his neck surgery. Expect Kevin Owens to kick off SmackDown this Friday.
Biggest Pop of the Night: It’s Chelsea Green
In the Ladder match, WWE fans were relentless in their support for Chelsea Green. Every time she climbed up the ladder, the fans got on their feet. They booed when the Baddies came through and took her out. However, when she climbed up the ladder and retrieved the belt, the crowd erupted. Jade and Charlotte were reported to be the favorites to win, so giving Green this moment was icing on the cake.
Worst Booking of the Night: Danhausen’s Curse…. Again
There were A LOT of fans of all ages wearing Danhausen merchandise. He’s got an appeal to him, but this match with Dominik stunk. The fans popped for the Mini-hausens, and one of them pulled off an impressive hurricanrana off the top rope. Almost one year ago, Dirty Dom pinned John Cena to reclaim the IC title. Now, he’s relegated to silly nonsense and losing a ‘Human Monies on a Pole’ match. WWE/TKO better be careful, because if they put Danhausen on every show possible, he’s going to get booed sooner rather than later. While watching this match from the floor, he reminded me of Doink the Clown. The only payoff here is if he curses the Judgement Day faction all at once and they break up for good.
The Break-Up: Trick Williams and Lil Yachty
Seeing Lil Yachty live made me appreciate him more. However, these two could be headed towards a split. Williams accidentally put the rapper through a table (that didn’t break), and Baron Corbin took advantage. Fun fact: since Corbin debuted in NXT, only one person has kicked out of the End of Days. That would be Drew McIntyre, and it wasn’t either man’s call. Lots of fans were clamoring for Carmelo Hayes, but not sure it’d be a good look for Hayes to lose to Corbin.
Best Booking of the Night: Chad Gable wins the big one
Gable and Penta delivered the match of the night, and WWE finally pulled the trigger and had him win the IC title. Having him win in his hometown with his family in the ring was a special moment, and hopefully he keeps the belt for a while.
The Million Dollar Question: Who’s Next for Roman Reigns:
With Seth Rollins and the SHEILD lore in the rearview mirror, and the Rock not showing up after the match, where does Reigns go from here? WWE is saving Oba Femi conquering the Bloodline for WM 43, and there doesn’t seem to be anyone else in line. As for Seth Rollins, avoiding the Vision at all costs is a short-term solution. Unless Big Cass returns as a solo act to face Roman Reigns, there doesn’t seem to be a clear opponent. Reigns could take a hiatus too.
Overall, Night 2 outperformed Night 1. For once, WWE gave the Minnesota faithful something to cheer for. Chad Gable won in his hometown, which rarely happens. Chelsea got her moment; people sang Rollins theme song and put up their ONES when the OTC arrived. The ads were still prevalent in the stadium, but they weren’t too annoying. Triple H and co. didn’t hit a home run every match, but WWE fans definitely enjoyed the show. What happens next?
Trick and Lil Yachty could be done, the Judgment Day continues to be spoiled milk, and Roman Reigns proved he doesn’t need the Bloodline to beat Seth Rollins. Don’t get your hopes up too much because WWE is headed towards a lull period until Money in the Bank. Based on this weekend, Chelsea Green, Oba Femi, and Dominik Mysterio aren’t getting the briefcase. Get ready to chant “BADA BING BADA BOOM, REALEST GUYS IN THE ROOM, HOW YOU DOIN’ on Raw.
