The first night of WWE SummerSlam 2025 took place with remarkable highlights, including new champions crowned and records broken. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss claimed the Women’s Tag Team Championship, while CM Punk captured the World Heavyweight title by defeating Gunther in the main event. Additionally, Seth Rollins surprised fans by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract during The Best in the World’s celebration to secure the championship.
Noteworthy Records Set by Randy Orton, CM Punk, and Others
CM Punk made history as the first wrestler to win a WWE World title after holding an AEW World Championship, a milestone that eluded fellow AEW star Cody Rhodes. While Rhodes never became a world champion in WWE during his AEW tenure, the first superstar to hold both AEW and WWE World titles remains Chris Jericho.
Seth Rollins and CM Punk also share a distinct achievement: they are the only two wrestlers to both cash in a Money in the Bank contract and also be the champion who was cashed in on. Punk was cashed in on by Edge in 2008 and by Rollins this year; Rollins himself was cashed in on by Dean Ambrose in 2016 and Austin Theory in 2022, though for the United States title.
On the women’s side, Naomi’s Money in the Bank cash-in at WWE Evolution on July 13 marked the shortest span between two successful cash-ins, only 20 days apart from Rollins’ recent cash-in.
Randy Orton Breaks Record for Most SummerSlam Appearances
Despite losing his tag team match alongside Jelly Roll against Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul, Randy Orton celebrated a major personal achievement. He now holds the record for the most SummerSlam appearances with 17, surpassing The Undertaker’s previous record of 16. Known as The Apex Predator, Orton’s longevity and prominence at WWE’s biggest summer event highlight his enduring legacy.
First-Ever SummerSlam Opening Features Two Tag Team Matches
The 2025 SummerSlam also marked a first in WWE history by opening with two tag team matches. The night began with Roman Reigns and Jey Uso facing Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, followed by a bout featuring Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss against The Judgment Day. Since SummerSlam’s debut as a premium live event in 1988, this is the first time the event kicked off with back-to-back tag team contests.
Significance and Future Outlook After SummerSlam 2025
SummerSlam 2025 not only showcased thrilling championship moments but also saw multiple records shattered, setting a high bar for future events. Randy Orton’s record-breaking appearance solidifies his place among WWE’s most iconic figures, while CM Punk’s championship win after his AEW stint opens new narratives for cross-promotional success. As the first SummerSlam to span two nights with historic match formats, this event signals a fresh chapter for WWE’s flagship summer spectacle.
Fans and analysts alike will be keen to observe how these achievements influence upcoming WWE storylines and the careers of stars like Seth Rollins, Naomi, and Charlotte Flair, whose successes contribute to the event’s evolving legacy.
