WWE SummerSlam Night 1 delivered several thrilling matches and a surprising twist, but the event was marred by noticeable flaws that affected the overall excitement. Fans and critics alike pointed out key missteps that detracted from what could have been a truly unforgettable opening night.
Prolonged Entrances Delayed the Opening Match
The evening began with much anticipation, featuring a unique video introduction narrated by internet personality Druski, followed by a live performance from Cardi B, the event’s host. Despite these creative elements setting the stage, the lengthy entrance segments that followed tested the patience of viewers. Both Roman Reigns and Jey Uso’s walk-ins extended the pre-match buildup to nearly 20 minutes, which many fans felt drained the momentum before the first bout even began. While grand entrances are typical at major WWE pay-per-views, this extended wait diminished initial excitement and disrupted the event’s pacing.
Unclear Direction and Declining Momentum for Karrion Kross
Karrion Kross’s trajectory within WWE remains confusing to the audience, as his repeated losses contrast sharply with his high popularity. Despite his strong presence, Kross’s defeat to Sami Zayn during Night 1 raised questions about the promotion’s plans for him and left many puzzled. Fans speculate that Kross’s underwhelming booking might be linked to potential contract issues, but his current treatment only weakens the character’s impact. Meanwhile, Sami Zayn’s win did little to enhance his own standing, making the ongoing feud feel unnecessarily prolonged and ineffective. If the character known as The Herald of Doomsday continues under WWE, last night’s loss could further diminish his credibility. The only consolation is that Kross’s final performance took place on a major stage, should he be heading towards departure.
Jade Cargill’s Unexpected Defeat Undermined Her Momentum
Jade Cargill’s rise was once viewed as WWE’s investment in a future star, especially after overcoming injury setbacks and capturing The Queen Of The Ring Tournament by defeating veteran Asuka. Expectations were high for her to claim the Women’s Championship at SummerSlam Night 1, yet she was stunned by Tiffany Stratton in a surprisingly brief and uneven contest. The match’s awkward pacing and the swift conclusion undermined Cargill’s stature, casting doubt on her position in the women’s division. Many fans felt this outcome was undeserved and could have been avoided with a more polished booking, which would have better showcased her potential rather than weakening it.
Awkward Execution of Seth Rollins’ Cash-In Diminished the Moment
The suspense surrounding Seth Rollins’ ‘injury’ after the previous Saturday Night’s Main Event had fans debating whether it was genuine or scripted. However, WWE’s handling of his cash-in at SummerSlam Night 1 failed to capitalize on that intrigue. Rollins’s prolonged entrance allowed CM Punk time to recover, resulting in a clumsy and unimpressive cash-in scene that lacked impact. A more effective approach might have mirrored the surprise intervention Rollins famously executed at WrestleMania 31, injecting immediate excitement and nostalgia. Such a throwback could have elevated the moment, transforming it into a memorable highlight instead of an awkward segment.
While no event can satisfy all expectations perfectly, these notable missteps stood out amid an otherwise entertaining card. With Night 2 featuring strong matchups on the horizon, there is hope that WWE will address these issues, tightening the event’s flow and enhancing its overall impact. Doing so could ensure SummerSlam remains a landmark occasion in WWE’s annual calendar.
