SummerSlam 2014 stands out as one of the most underrated WWE events, delivering an impressive lineup of well-executed matches throughout the night. Held in 2014, this event showcased the SummerSlam 2014 underrated WWE event with a solid card from start to finish, offering fans a memorable experience that deserves more recognition for its consistent quality and exciting moments.
A Strong and Consistent Undercard Set the Tone
The undercard at SummerSlam 2014 was notably robust, featuring no weak matches, which is uncommon for many WWE pay-per-view events. Dolph Ziggler kicked off the show by defeating The Miz to claim the Intercontinental Championship in a fast-paced contest lasting just under eight minutes. This energetic opener successfully energized the crowd and set an enthusiastic tone.
Following closely was a Divas Championship match where Paige dethroned AJ Lee in a brief yet impactful contest, lasting just under five minutes. Despite the short duration, both competitors made a significant impression, contributing to a night filled with high-quality matchups and title changes that kept viewers engaged.
The event’s Flag Match pitting Rusev against Jack Swagger was the least remarkable but still effective, allowing Swagger to garner crowd support and giving Rusev a substantial push as WWE’s new foreign antagonist. The undercard closed with Bray Wyatt’s solid victory over Chris Jericho, a victory that helped Wyatt recover some momentum after previous losses and demonstrated the depth within WWE’s roster at this time.
Major Matches Delivered Intense and Memorable Action
The higher-profile matches at SummerSlam 2014 lived up to expectations, offering intense performances and story progression. The Lumberjack Match between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose stood out as an incredible bout that many regard as the best of its kind. Despite initial skepticism about the match type, they expertly utilized the lumberjacks to amplify the chaos, with the wrestlers’ animosity fueling a dynamic fight that often spilled outside the ring and thrilled the audience.
Stephanie McMahon made a surprise return to the ring after an 11-year absence, competing against Brie Bella. Much to many fans’ surprise, McMahon performed like a seasoned professional. Though her technique was straightforward, her effective moves and ring presence elevated the match. Brie Bella played a key role in carrying the bout, and the outcome catalyzed the Bella Twins’ transformation, with Nikki Bella turning heel to assist McMahon. This match served as a pivotal moment for the Divas division, marking a new chapter in WWE’s women’s wrestling storylines.
Roman Reigns faced Randy Orton in a compelling penultimate singles contest, where Reigns showcased the potential that WWE hoped to build upon him as a singles star. The two displayed strong chemistry, delivering a hard-hitting encounter with an electric finish where Reigns secured a prestigious win. Although Reigns’ popularity would later see fluctuations, at SummerSlam 2014 he appeared as a credible rising star positioned to lead WWE’s future.
Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena Created an Unforgettable Main Event
The event’s main event was a landmark moment in WWE history, with Brock Lesnar and John Cena bringing an intense and brutal showdown. Lesnar dominated from the start, striking quickly with an F5 within the opening seconds, effectively upending the traditional comeback narrative associated with Cena. From there, Lesnar unleashed a relentless assault that saw Cena overwhelmed and nearly powerless throughout the match.
Lesnar’s brutal display included a staggering 16 German suplexes, showcasing his dominance and reinforcing his reputation as WWE’s most fearsome performer. Cena, typically portrayed as indomitable, was depicted as vulnerable and outmatched, a unique and bold storytelling choice for a SummerSlam headliner. Lesnar’s towering victory and his retention of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship marked the match as a defining point that distinguished this SummerSlam card.
This main event has been widely viewed as a daring departure from WWE tradition. Its shock value and intensity have kept it remembered even though this style of dominance has rarely been replicated in future shows. The event’s conclusion reinforced SummerSlam 2014 as an extraordinary occasion deserving of its place among WWE’s best.
Lasting Impact and Recognition Still to Come
Despite featuring strong performances from all involved and delivering a cohesive, high-quality show, SummerSlam 2014 remains somewhat overlooked in WWE’s storied history. Its combination of consistent undercard matches, breakout moments such as Stephanie McMahon’s ring return, and a main event that redefined expectations contributed to crafting an event that was both entertaining and groundbreaking.
For fans and analysts alike, SummerSlam 2014 exemplifies a period where WWE balanced exciting storytelling with athleticism, making it a significant event in the company’s growth during the Attitude Era’s legacy and beyond. As future WWE productions progress into multi-night spectacles, looking back at this underrated card offers valuable insight into how a well-constructed single-night event can captivate audiences and build stars.
Ultimately, the event deserves wider appreciation for delivering memorable moments from Dolph Ziggler’s opening victory to Brock Lesnar’s unforgettable main event, solidifying SummerSlam 2014 as one of WWE’s most underrated and consistently entertaining pay-per-view events.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is WrestleMania or SummerSlam bigger?
A. SummerSlam is a yearly wrestling event organized by WWE, the biggest wrestling company, beginning in 1988. Known as “The Biggest Party of the Summer,” it ranks as WWE’s second most important event, just after WrestleMania, their main event.
Q. Is SummerSlam 2025 2 nights?
A. Like WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series, SummerSlam is one of WWE’s big four major events. This year, it’s expanding to a two-night event for the first time.
Q. Is SummerSlam 2 nights in 2025?
A. WWE SummerSlam 2025 will feature two nights of action. It includes a WrestleMania rematch with John Cena facing Cody Rhodes.
Q. Will John Cena be in SummerSlam 2025?
A. WWE legend John Cena is set to have his last SummerSlam. He will face Cody Rhodes in a much-awaited Street Fight rematch. Cena won against Rhodes at WrestleMania earlier in April. At that event, he promised to “ruin wrestling” and end his career holding the title, calling himself the “Last Real Champion.”
