During the Intercontinental Championship match at WWE SummerSlam Night 2, AJ Styles and Dominik Mysterio incorporated multiple references to Eddie Guerrero, creating a memorable tribute to the late wrestling legend. Both WWE Superstars honored Guerrero’s legacy through their in-ring actions, enhancing the emotional impact of the contest.
Styles and Mysterio’s Homage Through Gear and Signature Moves
Dominik Mysterio, known as Dirty Dom, has consistently honored Guerrero since his debut, using the Frog Splash as his finisher—one of Guerrero’s iconic moves. AJ Styles complemented the tribute by wearing gear resembling what Guerrero donned during his famous ladder match against Rey Mysterio for custody of Dominik at SummerSlam two decades ago. These visual cues set the tone for the match’s homage.
Strategic Double Tribute in the Match’s Climactic Moments
Toward the closing moments, Styles removed the padding from the top turnbuckle, distracting the referee while Dominik grabbed a steel chair and dropped onto the mat, simulating a chair shot from Styles. The Phenomenal One then placed the chair against his head, a risky gesture that nearly cost him a disqualification. However, the official recognized this as a coordinated performance between the two, reinforcing the tribute to Guerrero.
Final Moments Echo Iconic Eddie Guerrero Tactics
After this joint tribute, Styles applied the Calf Crusher submission hold, seeking to make Dominik yield. Responding with a classic Guerrero-inspired tactic, Dominik unzipped his boot as Styles was locking in the hold, reminiscent of Eddie Guerrero’s trick against Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 20. Using the exposed boot, Mysterio struck Styles’ head, setting up the finishing Frog Splash to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
The Lasting Significance of Guerrero’s Influence on WWE
This match demonstrated the enduring impact Eddie Guerrero has on the current generation of WWE Superstars, with both Styles and Dominik Mysterio channeling his spirit to enhance their storytelling. Their meticulous attention to Guerrero’s signature moves and moments not only delighted fans but also deepened the emotional resonance of SummerSlam’s marquee bout. Moving forward, such tributes highlight Guerrero’s lasting legacy within WWE and the personal connections wrestlers maintain with his memory.
