Night One of SummerSlam 2025 delivered a mix of thrilling action and unexpected disappointments at the New Jersey event, with several surprises that left fans uneasy. The event climaxed when Seth Rollins appeared on crutches right after CM Punk’s intense win over Gunther, only to shock the audience by revealing the injury was fake and cashing in his Money in the Bank contract to defeat Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship. This dramatic moment was among the most talked-about SummerSlam 2025 Night One highlights.
Jade Cargill’s WWE Women’s Title Shot Ends in Unexpected Defeat
The WWE Women’s Championship match featured Jade Cargill battling Tiffany Stratton in a fast-paced contest that ended abruptly with a surprising outcome. Despite Cargill landing her signature move, the Jaded, Stratton escaped the pinfall by using the ropes for leverage and eventually countered a top-rope Super Jaded attempt to secure the win with her finishing move, The Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
Cargill’s loss was particularly startling given her recent momentum, including a key victory over Asuka in the Queen of the Ring Final, which had positioned her as a clear favorite for the championship. With Naomi having cashed in her Money in the Bank contract earlier to win the Women’s World Championship, Cargill’s defeat now places her significantly behind former allies and disrupts her championship trajectory. The road ahead for Cargill remains uncertain after this loss, especially with limited clear opponents to target next.
Randy Orton’s Tag Team Effort Falters with Celebrity Partner Jelly Roll
In a high-profile tag team match, Randy Orton joined forces with country music artist Jelly Roll to face Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul, but the unusual pairing failed to produce victory. Throughout the bout, McIntyre and Paul maintained control, and the match saw Jelly Roll take several heavy blows, including a table spot that required medical attention. Despite returning to the ring and managing a Chokeslam on Logan Paul, Jelly Roll ultimately could not secure the win, which came after a Frog Splash from McIntyre.
Orton’s involvement was limited, mostly playing a supportive role rather than showcasing his signature aggression. This lackluster performance was a major setback for the veteran wrestler, as he rarely had opportunities to assert himself and remained mostly on the sidelines during critical moments. While Orton was not pinned, the overall impression was one of frustration and underutilization for the former World Champion.
CM Punk Edges Out Gunther in a Brutal Main Event Battle
The main event saw CM Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Gunther in a grueling match that lived up to its hype. The intense back-and-forth duel took a turning point when Gunther fell face-first onto the announcers’ desk, leading to heavy bleeding and compromising his ability to defend. Despite this, Gunther showed remarkable resilience, executing a sleeper hold even while nearly blinded by blood and enduring two GTS moves from Punk before finally being pinned.
This hard-fought victory not only elevated Punk but also set the stage for Seth Rollins’ immediate cash-in and title win, although some critics argue that WWE missed an opportunity to protect both Gunther and Punk by having Rollins interfere earlier. Unlike the previous strategy used when Naomi cashed in on Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY, this finish left Gunther vulnerable and diminished, raising questions about his long-term status in WWE after this second major loss, the first being at WrestleMania 41 against Jey Uso.
Karrion Kross Suffers Defeat Against Sami Zayn, Feud Loses Momentum
A tense storyline between Karrion Kross and Sami Zayn came to an unfulfilling close when the two met in the ring after weeks of intense buildup, including Kross attacking Zayn with a steel pipe. WWE fans had hoped for a decisive win to mark a shift in their rivalry, but Zayn chose to reject the weapon and concluded the match cleanly with his Helluva Kick, handing Kross a defeat.
This result appears to stall any future momentum for Kross’ character, known as the Herald of Doomsday, whose recent efforts to portray a darker, psychological edge have garnered fan interest. With no clear victory or significant storyline advancement from this encounter, speculation grows about Kross’ diminishing role in WWE, particularly as his contract’s future remains unclear despite his impactful presence in recent months.
Implications of Night One’s Results for WWE Storylines and Future Events
SummerSlam 2025 Night One delivered electrifying moments but also sparked frustration around how some key stars were handled. The surprising losses for Jade Cargill, Randy Orton, Gunther, and Karrion Kross have shifted the landscape of WWE’s top-tier narratives, leaving several prominent characters in precarious positions. Seth Rollins’ dramatic title win established a powerful comeback story, but the setbacks for others may limit their immediate prospects.
As WWE moves forward, the fallout from these matches will likely affect upcoming rivalries and the direction of story arcs, particularly for those who experienced significant defeats. Fans can expect renewed focus on Seth Rollins as champion, while the future roles of WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, CM Punk, and the other impacted performers will unfold in the weeks ahead.
