As WWE prepares to host the first-ever two-night SummerSlam event at MetLife Stadium on August 2nd and 3rd, the company has reflected on its history by ranking the top 25 WWE SummerSlam matches ever. Highlighting this prestigious list is Bret Hart, who stands out for having three iconic matches featured among the very best moments in SummerSlam history, cementing his legacy in the spotlight of WWE’s biggest summer showcase.
Bret Hart Secures the Top Spot and Multiple Placements on SummerSlam’s Greatest Matches
WWE’s all-time best SummerSlam match, according to the new ranking, is the legendary 1992 Intercontinental Championship contest between Bret Hart and The British Bulldog. The bout took place at Wembley Stadium and is widely regarded as a defining moment in WWE history.
Beyond dominating number one, Bret Hart also ranks third and fifth on the list. His 1991 Intercontinental Title match against Mr. Perfect earned the bronze position, showcasing his technical mastery and storytelling in the ring. Additionally, the fifth-ranked match is the gripping 1994 WWE Title steel cage showdown between Bret Hart and his brother, Owen Hart, emphasizing the intense family rivalry on a grand stage.
Other Notable Matches Among the Top 25 WWE SummerSlam Bouts
The full list includes a diverse array of matches featuring WWE legends and memorable rivalries across decades. Prominent names such as John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, Randy Orton, and Roman Reigns make multiple appearances.
Highlights include John Cena’s recent title defense against Cody Rhodes in 2023 at number 25, and the intense 2016 match between Cena and AJ Styles ranked second. Shawn Michaels, often hailed as “Mr. WrestleMania,” also shines with two matches featured in the top ten, including his 1995 ladder match against Razor Ramon and a 2002 unsanctioned street fight with Triple H.
Other significant matches include The Undertaker versus Bret Hart for the WWE Championship (1997), The Hardy Boyz in a groundbreaking TLC match at SummerSlam 2000, and the high-stakes triple threat for the Universal Championship in 2017 featuring Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Samoa Joe, and Braun Strowman.
Complete Ranking of WWE’s Top 25 SummerSlam Matches
- 1992: Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog – Intercontinental Title
- 2016: John Cena vs. AJ Styles
- 1991: Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect – Intercontinental Title
- 2013: CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar – No DQ Match
- 1994: Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart – Steel Cage Match for WWE Title
- 2000: The Hardy Boyz vs. Dudley Boyz vs. Edge & Christian – TLC Match for Tag Team Titles
- 2002: Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H – Unsanctioned Street Fight
- 2002: The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar – Undisputed WWE Championship
- 1995: Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon – Ladder Match for Intercontinental Title
- 2008: The Undertaker vs. Edge – Hell in a Cell Match
- 2013: John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan – WWE Championship
- 2023: Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar – Last Man Standing Match for WWE Championship
- 2011: John Cena vs. CM Punk – Undisputed WWE Championship
- 1998: The Rock vs. Triple H – Ladder Match for Intercontinental Title
- 2017: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe vs. Braun Strowman – Universal Championship
- 2005: Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero – Ladder Match
- 2001: Steve Austin vs. Kurt Angle – WWE Championship
- 2009: Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk – TLC Match for World Heavyweight Championship
- 2015: Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker
- 2011: Randy Orton vs. Christian – No Holds Barred for World Heavyweight Championship
- 2022: Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch – Raw Women’s Championship
- 2019: Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins – Universal Championship
- 1997: The Undertaker vs. Bret Hart – WWE Championship
- 2015: Seth Rollins vs. John Cena – Title vs. Title for WWE and United States Championships
- 2023: Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
Upcoming SummerSlam and WWE’s Continued Focus on Star Power
Set against the excitement of this historic two-night event, John Cena is slated to defend his WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes, while Jade Cargill will challenge Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Title, indicating a diverse and highly competitive card ahead.
This ranking not only honors the exceptional performances of past WWE performers such as Bret Hart, but it also sets the stage for new legends to rise during this unprecedented SummerSlam. With matches covering decades of wrestling evolution, the list highlights what fans have come to expect from WWE’s grand summer celebration—high stakes, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable action.
