WWE SummerSlam 2024: The Hits & Misses

A lot was going on at yesterday’s SummerSlam, and as everyone is processing the results, FightsATW gives you the “Hits” & “Misses” from the event.

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa- Hit (ish) 

It felt like the WWE was panicking as this storyline did not get the traction they hoped for. It began on Smackdown, and they made it into a “Bloodline Rules” match in hopes of getting fans excited as they quickly remembered what that meant at WrestleMania. With rumors of Roman Reigns’ return and the Hardy Boyz talking to the WWE, it felt like we were in for a big pop moment. Then, the exaggerated long entrance of Cody Rhodes’ with him running into Arn Anderson for a brief conversation. It was all to beef up the match that didn’t have much buzz to it.

The match between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa didn’t hit how they hoped. The spots weren’t big, and it just felt like the potential of Roman Reigns returning sucked the air out of the stadium. Even when the Bloodline came in to interfere, the arena was quiet, but when Reigns’ music hit, that pop was insane. You can say that Reigns salvaged the match with his appearance but also killed the vibe of the match with his appearance. It’s complicated, but in the end, Roman Reigns is back, and business should pick up. 

CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre- Miss

This match between Drew McIntyre and CM Punk was all over the place, but in the end, the WWE did what they wanted us to know: that they were going in the direction of starting a feud between CM Punk and Seth Rollins. This is an interesting direction to take, as Seth Rollins represents more of AEW’s Jack Perry than anyone else in his relationship with Punk. The promos will be filled with “gloves off” material, and the fans, knowing the back stories, will soak it up. Unfortunately, this match felt like they were going through the motions, and it was likely forgotten about 60 seconds after the match.

World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest vs. Gunther- Hit

Unfortunately, the Damian Priest title reign is over, but at the same time, Gunther received a much-deserved world title run. They had a great match, and it was expected between these two workhorses. I really wish Priest would have been given more time, but that hiccup at Money in the Bank cost him a longer run. Now Gunther will have a solid title run, but will he get the call for a John Cena match as United Wrestling Network Heavyweight champion Danny Limelight mentioned on the InFighting Podcast on Friday?

WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley vs. Nia Jax- Miss 

It doesn’t look like the WWE universe wanted a Nia Jax title run, but here we are. She is involved in more botches than a little, and now she has her title. I’m assuming the WWE wants a heel title run, as it didn’t feel like Bayley was doing anything with it. The match was okay, but it didn’t move the needle, and even worse, Nia Jax is the new champ. There was a moment that could have salvaged it: Tiffany Stratton cashing in the Money in the Bank briefcase, but that will be left for another day.

Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley- Hit

There was hope that the biggest storyline going into SummerSlam would be the main event, but instead, the match ended up being the opener. It felt clunky at times and predictable, but the end result was still well welcomed, and the title should stay with Liv Morgan for now. I don’t see Rhea Ripley making a face change, but this story will be layered further in the coming weeks, which could lead to an even bigger match at next year’s WrestleMania.

United States Championship: Logan Paul vs. LA Knight- Hit

It’s no secret that LA Knight went from being one of the biggest up-and-coming faces to not being featured in a major storyline. Regardless, Knight has made the best of it and was rewarded for it last night with a win over Logan Paul. The match had some big spots, and Knight’s experience as a good worker showed with the young Paul, who is still getting the hang of it. LA Knight now gets the much-deserved title run and will elevate the U.S. title even higher.

Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker- Miss

Although putting the IC title on Bron Breakker may seem rushed, it was the right move. The match wasn’t anything to write home to your kids about, but the job they were there to do was done. The outcome was a hit, but the match was a miss. Breakker is being built up as the second coming to WCW Bill Goldberg from the 90s. He has the whole package and all that was needed for him to get the “workhorse” title and see if he can have the type of connection Goldberg had with the fans, which saw him become a megastar in the industry. Sami Zayn’s singles run may have ended, as I can see him teaming up with Jey Uso for a tag title run in the future.

Abraham Gonzalez

Abraham Gonzalez is the founder of FightsATW. His journalistic work has been published and used across several platforms to include online, network TV and promotional companies. He is an American Public University alumnus and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). Abraham was the Managing Editor for NYFights, Big Fight Weekend, contributed to FanSidedMMA and ProBoxTV.

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