WWE fans have long appreciated the visual appeal of Pay-Per-View (PPV) posters, and although they are no longer the primary tool for promoting events, WWE continues to produce some of the best WWE SummerSlam PPV posters that capture attention and excitement. Since the inaugural SummerSlam in 1988, WWE has consistently delivered eye-catching posters that reflect the spirit of each event, featuring top wrestlers and memorable themes spanning decades.
SummerSlam has evolved substantially over the years, most notably with the 2021 introduction of the event’s first-ever two-night format, showcasing WWE’s ongoing commitment to innovation while honoring its rich history through iconic poster designs.
SummerSlam 2019: Bold Colors Highlight WWE’s Top Stars
Held on August 11, 2019, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, this SummerSlam featured Brock Lesnar versus Seth Rollins as the main event. The 2019 poster stands out for its clean and professional design, employing vibrant colors that truly make it pop.
Marquee wrestlers—Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Kofi Kingston, and Becky Lynch—were prominently displayed, creating a strong visual lineup. Notably, the inclusion of Kofi Kingston alongside major stars enhanced the poster’s appeal, emphasizing a well-rounded roster.
SummerSlam 1992: A Serious and Professional Presentation in London
August 29, 1992, marked a significant SummerSlam at Wembley Stadium in London, headlined by Bret Hart versus the British Bulldog. The poster designed for this event adopted a serious and professional tone that effectively conveyed the event’s importance to fans.
Featuring images of wrestlers involved in key matches, the poster clearly showed what fans could expect, though some felt it could have highlighted the iconic venue more. Still, this straightforward approach was well-received for its classic style.
SummerSlam 2001: The Rock’s Iconic Pose Graces the Poster
Taking place at the Compaq Center in San Jose on August 19, 2001, this poster featured the main event between Booker T and The Rock. The design captured The Rock in his signature stance, accompanied by the bold text “Finally,” creating a powerful and memorable image.
Though simple, the poster powerfully conveyed the charisma and voice of The Rock, making fans feel the intensity and energy associated with SummerSlam.
SummerSlam 2012: “The Perfect Storm” and Lesnar’s Intensity
On August 19, 2012, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, SummerSlam’s poster featured Brock Lesnar facing Triple H under the tagline “The Perfect Storm.” This image of a rain-drenched Lesnar symbolized the destructive force he represented upon his return, diverging from the typical sunny, beach-themed imagery of past SummerSlams.
Lesnar’s fierce visage amid the storm theme proved clever and striking, foreshadowing the brutal main event where Lesnar defeated Triple H, even breaking his arm in the process.
SummerSlam 2009: A WrestleMania-Style Showcase of Stars
The 2009 edition, held on August 23 at the Staples Center, spotlighted Jeff Hardy versus CM Punk as its main event. The poster resembled a WrestleMania style, featuring multiple prominent WWE stars set against a star-shaped motif that captured their individual highlights.
This design complemented the revitalized red, yellow, and black SummerSlam logo of that year, blending color and star power effectively to attract viewers.
SummerSlam 2000: Attitude Era Energy Captured on Shattered Glass
August 27, 2000, at the Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena saw The Rock, Triple H, and Kurt Angle headline what would become an Attitude Era classic poster. The images of The Rock and other stars, such as The Undertaker, were set against shattered glass, which was a recurring theme during this aggressive and rebellious period in WWE history.
The broken glass motif added a layer of intensity and rawness, making the poster emblematic of the era’s edgy style.
SummerSlam 2004: Olympic Inspirations Bring a Unique Flair
The Air Canada Centre in Toronto hosted the August 15, 2004 event, headlined by Chris Benoit versus Randy Orton. Inspired by that summer’s Olympic Games, the poster cleverly incorporated captions of various Olympic sports, including powerlifting and fencing, alongside dynamic photos of WWE superstars performing signature moves.
From Big Show lifting Rey Mysterio to Batista delivering a double clothesline, the poster was both creative and visually polished, demonstrating WWE’s ability to blend sporting themes with wrestling action.
SummerSlam 1997: The Undertaker and Bret Hart Face Off in a Dark Landscape
Held August 3, 1997, at the Continental Airlines Arena, this poster features Bret Hart standing alone on a barren wasteland under his iconic logo, while the imposing figure of The Undertaker looms in a smoky purple sky. Though slightly bordering on cheesy, the design has become legendary for symbolizing the clash of two contrasting wrestling icons.
The image encapsulated their different wrestling personalities, creating a memorable and special visual moment for fans.
SummerSlam 2006: A Fun and Casual Party Scene with WWE Stars
The 2006 poster, promoting the August 20 event at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, took a lighthearted approach. Featuring Shawn Michaels and Triple H of D-Generation X leading a barbecue by the pool, alongside a relaxed John Cena and Rey Mysterio enjoying the sun, it depicted WWE wrestlers having fun away from the ring.
Despite amateurish editing, the playful vibe appealed to fans who saw SummerSlam as a celebration. The poster captured the event’s spirit as both competitive and entertaining.
SummerSlam 2002: A Simple But Timeless Portrait of The Rock
On August 25, 2002, SummerSlam was held at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, featuring The Rock versus Brock Lesnar as its main event. The poster’s simplicity, with The Rock’s face set against a warm, cloudy sunset sky, evokes a nostalgic and almost iconic feeling.
Fans consider SummerSlam 2002 one of the greatest editions, and the poster has become a classic symbol of that memorable night, resonating deeply with the wrestling community.
Legacy and Impact of WWE’s SummerSlam Promotional Art
These 10 iconic SummerSlam posters showcase WWE’s evolving design styles while capturing the essence of different eras and star power within the company. From the bold colors of 2019 and the stormy intensity of 2012 to the fun, informal vibe of 2006 and the powerful simplicity of 2002, the posters reflect diverse ways WWE has connected with fans visually.
As WWE continues to innovate and expand its reach, these best WWE SummerSlam PPV posters serve as a benchmark for creativity and passion, reminding fans why SummerSlam remains one of wrestling’s most celebrated events year after year.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is WrestleMania or SummerSlam bigger?
A. SummerSlam is a wrestling show that happens every year since 1988, organized by WWE, the top wrestling company worldwide. Known as “The Biggest Party of the Summer,” it’s seen as WWE’s second most important event, following WrestleMania.
