The WWE SummerSlam Best Matches from the week of July 28 to August 3 showcased an intense lineup, highlighted by the groundbreaking two-night SummerSlam event. Gunther’s bout against CM Punk stood out as the definitive highlight, delivering a blend of classic storytelling and raw emotion that captivated audiences worldwide. Though WWE dominated with marquee bouts, AEW countered with impressive performances, ensuring an action-packed week for pro wrestling fans.
Giulia and Zelina Vega Battle for the United States Title on SmackDown
SmackDown offered a notable match between Giulia and Zelina Vega, who clashed in a United States Championship encounter filled with palpable tension. Their bout earned a solid 7.5/10 rating from TheSportster, as the wrestlers showcased a compelling back-and-forth dynamic. Vega, elevating her game to match Giulia’s intensity, demonstrated remarkable chemistry that kept fans deeply invested throughout the contest.
Despite Vega’s efforts, she fell short of reclaiming the championship, but this match marked one of her strongest showings during her WWE tenure. The rivalry had been simmering for weeks, and their confrontation effectively capitalized on that buildup, blending technical skill with emotional stakes.
Tag Team Face-Off: Roman Reigns & Jey Uso Against Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed
SummerSlam 2025’s Saturday event opened with an engaging tag team match pitting WWE’s Roman Reigns and Jey Uso against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, earning an identical 7.5/10 score. The match was highlighted by a methodical structure, starting with a bruising heel assault on Uso that generated substantial crowd heat.
The momentum shifted dramatically when Reigns entered, sparking a chaotic sequence that energized the audience. The story was clear and effective—Reigns risked serious harm to save Uso, ultimately helping secure their victory. This straightforward but compelling narrative emphasized teamwork and sacrifice, reinforcing Reigns and Uso’s position as dominant forces in WWE.
AEW’s FTR and Bang Bang Gang Deliver Intense Tag Team Contest
On AEW Collision, FTR’s encounter with Bang Bang Gang was a showcase of expert tag team psychology, rated at 7.75/10. Their longstanding chemistry was evident in the match’s dynamic, with a steady exchange of moves and dramatic near-falls that kept the crowd highly engaged.
While the bout was technically engaging, some aspects lacked deeper storyline development, leaving room for enhancement in future matchups. Still, this clash underscored both teams’ abilities to elevate tag team wrestling through in-ring storytelling and athleticism.
Women’s World Title Showdown: Naomi, Rhea Ripley, and Iyo Sky
The second night of SummerSlam 2025 featured a triathlon for the Women’s World Championship, as Naomi, Rhea Ripley, and Iyo Sky competed at a brisk pace. The match earned an 8/10 from TheSportster due to its swift tempo and high technical quality, despite a relatively loose narrative structure compared to other women’s title bouts this year.
Throughout the contest, all participants remained active, exchanging momentum with impressive spots. Naomi ultimately secured the victory by pinning Ripley, managing to retain her championship in a thrilling conclusion. The contest combined speed and skill, appealing strongly to fans of women’s wrestling.
Becky Lynch Faces Lyra Valkyria in a Physical Intercontinental Title Match
Another standout from SummerSlam Sunday was the intense encounter between Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria for the Intercontinental Title, scoring 8.25/10. The match embraced a high level of physicality and animosity, deepening the rivalry developed over previous bouts.
Despite an awkward moment involving Valkyria’s zip-tie restraint loosening, the pair delivered a compelling performance marked by impactful weapon strikes and fierce psychological interplay. Valkyria’s resilience as a babyface balanced Lynch’s ruthless heel tactics, creating a gripping contrast.
The match‘s ending was somewhat marred by Bayley’s interference, which unintentionally cost Valkyria the victory, adding frustration to the finish but intensifying the storyline’s ongoing drama.
John Cena and Cody Rhodes Reignite Their Rivalry in an Energetic Main Event
WWE SummerSlam’s Sunday main event, rated 8.5/10, brought John Cena and Cody Rhodes back into the ring in a highly anticipated rematch. The encounter was a marked improvement over their previous WrestleMania clash, featuring Cena’s remarkable agility and connection with the crowd.
The two babyfaces displayed exceptional resilience, kicking out of signature finishers and absorbing punishing moves, which hooked the audience with every near-fall. Although the match embraced a deliberately over-the-top and chaotic style at times, this approach generated an electric atmosphere fitting for a marquee bout. Rhodes passing the torch by defeating Cena created a memorable moment in WWE history.
AEW Dynamite Rematch: Adam Page vs. Jon Moxley
On AEW Dynamite, Adam Page and Jon Moxley squared off in a rematch from their All In 2025 encounter, also receiving an 8.5/10 rating. This singles contest refrained from excessive interference, despite attempts from The Death Riders, which added tension without detracting from the match’s flow.
The two wrestlers relied on their natural chemistry, emphasizing stiff technical exchanges over dramatic bloodshed. Page’s victory, though expected, did not diminish the contest’s intensity, as fans were drawn into a hard-hitting and emotionally charged battle for the AEW World Title.
Bitter Showdown: Dustin Rhodes and Kyle Fletcher Close AEW’s Chicago Residency
Also on AEW Collision, Dustin Rhodes and Kyle Fletcher clashed in a grueling, brutal match that showcased a veteran fighting through injury against a ruthless young heel. This bout earned an 8.5/10 rating as it combined storytelling with credible physicality, reflecting both competitors’ personas perfectly.
Rhodes, despite a compromised knee, displayed fierce determination, while Fletcher embodied the violent challenger eager to end the veteran’s career. The violent, bloodied contest culminated in Fletcher becoming the new TNT Champion, marking a poignant title change at AEW’s Chicago stop.
Massive SmackDown Tag Team TLC Match Featuring Six Teams
SummerSlam’s Sunday card included a rare six-team TLC match for the SmackDown tag team titles, which earned an 8.75/10 and provided non-stop action without becoming overly chaotic or confusing. The participants delivered a chaotic yet carefully balanced bout, full of inventive sequences involving tables, ladders, and chairs.
Each team, including notable groups like DIY, Fraxiom, and the Wyatt Sicks, received moments to shine, blending high-flying spots with moments highlighting individual personality. The Wyatt Sicks ultimately retained their tag titles using their numerical superiority, leaving a slightly controversial but thrilling finish.
Gunther Emerges Victorious Against CM Punk in World Heavyweight Title Match
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly Gunther’s World Heavyweight Championship match against CM Punk at SummerSlam Saturday night, receiving the highest rating of 8.75/10. While not every moment featured seamless action, the bout’s classic storytelling and psychological intensity resonated deeply with the crowd.
Punk played the determined underdog, seizing an opportunity as Gunther sustained a significant cut that hampered his focus. The slow-building, old-school pace drew in fans, culminating in a gripping conclusion that saw Punk overcome the champion.
The drama escalated as Seth Rollins made a surprise post-match return, revealing a staged injury and cashing in his Money in the Bank contract to capture the title from Punk. This unexpected twist provided a memorable and dramatic close to SummerSlam, underscoring the unpredictable nature of WWE storylines.
This week’s WWE SummerSlam Best Matches demonstrated the power of narrative, athleticism, and passion in professional wrestling. With such a compelling array of bouts, fans were treated to a dynamic blend of classic and modern wrestling styles. The intersection of these performances signals exciting developments ahead as rivalries intensify and new champions emerge across both WWE and AEW.
