A former WWE star has criticised the company for its SummerSlam decisions.
Night 1 of the latest WWE PLE featured many unexpected developments, including Seth Rollins’ Money In the Bank cash-in. The one result that fans questioned the most, however, was Karrion Kross’ loss to Sami Zayn.
The former TNA star has seen a rise in popularity in recent times despite the company giving him limited TV time. Many believed that Kross deserved the victory in this rubber match between the two wrestling veterans.
Retired wrestling personality Matt Morgan seems to agree with the sentiment of the fans. He sent out a tweet after the show, claiming that he doesn’t understand the company’s decision not to support a self-made man like Karrion Kross:
“I say this as a huge Sammy Fan. I don’t understand how #WWE continues to beat THE SELF MADE MAN, @realKILLERkross! You can hear it when the most beloved babyface in the company pinned him! The fans were not feeling it. No disrespect to Sammy.”
I say this as a huge Sammy Fan. I don’t understand how #WWE continues to beat THE SELF MADE MAN, @realKILLERkross ! You can hear it when the most beloved babyface in the company pinned him! The fans were not feeling it. No disrespect to Sammy. Secondly don’t put @Jade_Cargill…
Morgan also called out the company on the decision of Tiffany Stratton retaining the Women’s title over Jade Cargill. The former WWE star claimed that Stratton has done nothing to grow the title, and objected to the finish of the match.
The ending of the Women’s title match at SummerSlam saw Jade Cargill hitting her finisher, only for Stratton to use the ropes to break the pin. The defending champion then hit the PME to retain her title.
One of the realities of John Cena’s farewell tour is that he wasn’t actually around that much for the first two months of it. Yes, he cut an emotional promo on the Raw premiere on Netflix and he worked the Royal Rumble, including finishing as the match’s top runner up. That’s really all Cena gave WWE fans to remember from the first sixth of his final year, though.
At Elimination Chamber, Cena turned heel, completely reinventing his 2025. Going into SummerSlam, this is the version of him fans have seen for five months, with the three and a half months of that stretch spent as reigning WWE Champion.
Cena’s WWE Championship defense against Cody Rhodes is expected to close out SummerSlam 2025 and that match should mark both the end of Cena’s last title reign and the end of his work as a heel.
John Cena’s Heel Run Has Run its Course
John Cena on SmackDown. Photo: WWE
Many fans have rejected John Cena’s heel run—citing the matches have been lackluster and the heel alignment falls flat when most of the audience wants to cheer him on his way out of the WWE Universe.
This creative arc has been better than those fans give it credit for, with the novelty of the heel persona making rematches with classic rivals feel fresh, besides the booking intrigue covering up that the champ has clearly lost a step in the ring. However, he’s running out of iconic feuds to revisit and, after over a quarter of the year, the top title in the business does deserve a better in-ring champion.
In many ways, WWE rolling out its Unreal series on Netflix has put a bow on Cena’s heel run, showing how the powers that be decided upon this monumental booking decision in ways that lend closure to the meta-story alongside what should be the end of a story on screen.
A Five-Month Version Of The Babyface Farewell Tour Will Work Better Than The Originally Expected Year
Photo credit: WWE
When John Cena announced that he’d work all of 2025 but that that would be his final year as an in-ring performer, it made fans emotional and created a lot of interest. An uncomfortable truth to go with that narrative, though, was that it was hard to imagine a babyface Cena being featured for twelve months straight and not having the fans turn on him. That point only became clearer as Cena demonstrated he wasn’t as sharp in the ring as he once was.
The heel run gave a segment of fans permission to boo him and a more jaded demographic a chance to cheer the villainous character a lot of them had been calling for for over a decade and had long given up hope of seeing.
However fans have felt about the last five months, now that Cena only has five months remaining as a wrestler, it’s much more palatable for fans of all persuasions to fully get on board the nostalgia train and celebrate a final babyface run.
Another Turn Invites One More Chapter Of The Rock’s Involvement John Cena’s Story
The Rock and John Cena. Photo: WWE.com
The big loose end WWE left dangling coming out John Cena’s heel turn was The Rock’s involvement in it. After all, Rock was there for the moment itself and, alongside Travis Scott, helped Cena brutalize Cody Rhodes. The Final Boss was conspicuous in his absence from WrestleMania 41, though, and hasn’t been a presence in a WWE arena since.
Cena renouncing his bad guy ways could invite one last angle with The Rock. Might The Great One feel betrayed by Cena for eschewing what they’d agreed on. Might he pick another proxy to represent him against Cena and Cody Rhodes, or might The Final Boss himself get back in the ring, be it in singles or tag team action? While folks who loved the Rock vs. Cena matches at WrestleMania 28 and 29 are few and far between, there’s still a lot of intrigue around the possibility of a final showdown between The Final Boss and one of the greatest babyfaces in WWE history in 2025.
WWE has filed to trademark “The Vision” with the United States Patent Trademark Office, officially branding Seth Rollins’ faction that has dominated Monday Night Raw for months. The application was submitted on August 2, 2025 – the same date as Rollins’ triumphant “Ruse of the Century” at SummerSlam.
The faction, consisting of Rollins, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and advocate Paul Heyman, formed in April following Heyman’s shocking betrayal of CM Punk and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 41. Breakker joined the alliance on the April 21 episode of Raw, while Reed was added during Saturday Night’s Main Event in May.
The Vision
The trademark filing represents the final piece of the puzzle for a group that has lacked an official identity despite months of on-screen dominance. The goods and services description follows WWE’s standard template for entertainment properties, covering wrestling exhibitions and performances across broadcast media and digital platforms.
The strategic timing proves particularly significant, as the trademark application coincided with Rollins’ masterful deception at SummerSlam. After weeks of appearing injured on crutches, Rollins revealed his condition was fabricated when he cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase on the newly-crowned CM Punk, reclaiming the World Heavyweight Championship in what Michael Cole dubbed the “Ruse of the Century.”
During Rollins’ absence, Breakker and Reed have stepped into leadership roles. The official “Vision” trademark signals WWE’s long-term commitment to this powerhouse stable, even as its leader recovers.
The filing transforms months of unnamed dominance into a branded legacy, cementing “The Vision” as Rollins’ evolution from solo “Visionary” to faction leader.
While WWE SummerSlam weekend is in full swing, a new report has revealed that one top Raw star was originally expected to have a more significant role on the card. According to Fightful Select, sources within WWE had expected The Judgment Day’s Damian Priest to have a “bigger role” at the event.
The report notes that some within the company were surprised that Priest was not booked for a major match at the two-night premium live event. This is especially the case after he reportedly worked through multiple injuries during his recent high-profile feud with Drew McIntyre.
Despite being a former World Heavyweight Champion and a key member of the dominant Judgment Day faction, Priest does not have a match scheduled for either night of SummerSlam. His last major bout was at the Saturday Night’s Main Event special in July, where he unsuccessfully challenged GUNTHER for the World Heavyweight Championship.
While Priest is not in action, his Judgment Day stablemates have had a busy SummerSlam weekend. On Night One last night, Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez lost their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships to the team of Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Tonight on Night Two, “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio is scheduled to defend his Intercontinental Championship against AJ Styles.
Seth Rollins’ fake injury storyline that culminated in him dropping his crutches and cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase on CM Punk ranks among WWE’s most memorable swerves this century. Michael Cole’s “Ruse of the Century” moniker draws clear parallels to Rollins’ previous “Heist of the Century” at WrestleMania 31, and the comparison is apt.
The storyline succeeded because it struck the perfect balance between believability and suspicion. While a select group of fans and analysts suspected Rollins’ injury at Saturday Night’s Main Event was fabricated, the majority of the WWE Universe bought into the deception completely. When Rollins hobbled out on crutches after CM Punk’s victory over Gunther, shouting at the new champion in apparent frustration, most fans saw genuine emotion rather than calculated performance. The moment he dropped those crutches and rushed into the ring was pure wrestling theater at its finest.
How It Compares to Other Century-Defining Swerves
The Shield’s Betrayal (2014) Seth Rollins betraying The Shield remains the most pivotal in-ring moment in wrestling this century. Nearly a decade later, this betrayal continues to drive storylines across WWE programming. When Rollins turned on Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose with those chair shots, he didn’t just break up a faction—he fundamentally reshaped WWE’s landscape. The ripple effects include Roman’s evolution into the Tribal Chief, countless championship reigns, and the fact that Shield members have dominated the world title scene throughout the 2020s.
John Cena’s Heel Turn (2025) After 22 years as WWE’s ultimate babyface—the longest such run in company history—John Cena’s shocking betrayal of Cody Rhodes at Elimination Chamber was perhaps the most stunning swerve in over two decades. What made this turn so impactful wasn’t just its execution, but its impossibility. This was supposed to be Cena’s farewell retirement tour, a year of heartfelt goodbyes and nostalgia. Instead, he attacked the WWE Champion and aligned with The Rock, completely rewriting expectations.
The turn worked because WWE finally had a worthy replacement in Cody Rhodes, who had become the company’s emotional center over the previous two years. For the first time in nearly two decades, WWE didn’t need Cena as their top babyface, freeing them to make this unprecedented move.
The Verdict
The “Ruse of the Century” stands as a masterfully executed swerve that successfully fooled most fans while rewarding the skeptical few. Its perfect execution—from the believable injury angle to Rollins’ committed crutch performance—reminded everyone why wrestling swerves work best when they feel both surprising and inevitable in hindsight.
However, it likely falls short of The Shield betrayal in terms of long-term storytelling impact. While Rollins created an unforgettable moment, The Shield’s dissolution fundamentally altered WWE’s trajectory for an entire decade. The “Ruse of the Century” excels in its immediate impact and flawless presentation, cementing its place among the great wrestling swerves of this century.
That Rollins stands at the center of two of this century’s most shocking moments—both as betrayer and deceiver—solidifies his standing as a generational talent whose every move demands the audience’s closest attention.
Two members of the popular former WWE faction, The Hurt Business, are set to reunite for the first time in two years. United Pro Wrestling has announced that Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin will team up for one night only at their “Battleground in Gastonia” event on September 13th.
In an announcement on their Instagram page, UPW confirmed that the former WWE Raw Tag Team Champions will reunite in their ring. The promotion noted that Cedric Alexander was originally targeting the UPW Heavyweight Championship, but is now “calling for a tag team war instead.” Their opponents have not yet been announced.
The reunion is a rare inter-promotional team-up between stars currently signed to two different major companies. Shelton Benjamin is currently in AEW, where he is a member of The Hurt Syndicate alongside Bobby Lashley and MVP. Cedric Alexander, meanwhile, recently made his debut for TNA Wrestling, making this a special attraction match for the independent event.
The one-night reunion sees two wrestlers currently active in major promotions teaming up. Shelton Benjamin is one-half of the reigning AEW World Tag Team Champions, The Hurt Syndicate. Cedric Alexander made his TNA Wrestling debut at the Slammiversary pay-per-view on July 20, where he faced his former WWE colleague, Mustafa Ali, in a singles match.
Tonight, WWE’s biggest party of the summer reaches its explosive conclusion as SummerSlam Night Two emanates from the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The “Biggest Event of the Summer” promises to deliver championship drama and unforgettable moments as WWE’s top superstars clash under the bright lights of one of sports entertainment’s premier venues. Fans can witness all the action live on Peacock in the United States and Netflix for international audiences.
Here’s the final match card for SummerSlam Sunday:
Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
Women’s World Championship 3-Way: Naomi (c) vs. Rhea Ripley vs. IYO SKY
Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles
Stage Cage Match for the United States Championship: Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
Women’s Intercontinental Championship (No Disqualification): Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria
6-Pack TLC for the WWE Tag Team Championship: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. The Street Profits vs. The Motor City Machine Guns vs. #DIY vs. Fraxiom vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix
WWE superstar Jacob Fatu will step into a steel cage at SummerSlam this weekend to face Solo Sikoa for the United States Championship, but the most difficult battles of his life happened long before he ever set foot in a wrestling ring.
In a raw and emotional interview on Cheap Heat podcast, Fatu opened up about his criminal past and the jail time that ultimately saved his life. Starting at age 18, Fatu found himself repeatedly behind bars for robbery charges, experiencing a side of life that would fundamentally change his perspective forever.
“I was 18, what? I have great parents. We come from a great family, but man, you know, man, you running around in the streets, all that time on your hands, and you eventually going to get caught up,” Fatu admitted. “It was a whole another mindset. I wasn’t thinking about nobody but myself.”
The reality of incarceration hit harder than any wrestling move ever could. Fatu described the dehumanizing conditions with brutal honesty that few public figures would dare share.
“Being locked up in jail that first time going over there. Man, you can’t you don’t get no privacy over there,” he revealed. “There’s six there’s 12 toilets and they’re not even they’re facing each other, man. It was awkward, man. Sitting down had to use the bathroom looking at another grown man.”
But it was watching his family suffer that truly broke him. The sight of his parents visiting him in jail became the turning point that wrestling alone never could have provided.
“That was the worst, man. Seeing my parents come visit me in that thing. Like man, what the hell?” Fatu said, his voice breaking with emotion. “My mom put her uh man she put up her van man just to bail me out… that’s why when y’all see me here I’m so I’m so thankful I’m here cuz I I know what it could have been.”
Perhaps most remarkably, his future wife stood by him through the darkest period of his life, even helping to name one of their children while he was incarcerated.
“That’s why I knew my wife was the one. You know what I mean? Like, damn, bro. She taking care of me. I’m What the hell am I doing? I’m supposed to be out there taking care of her and my kids,” he reflected.
Now, as one of WWE’s fastest-rising stars, Fatu credits that painful period with giving him the perspective that makes every opportunity precious. When WWE came calling after years of independent wrestling, it wasn’t just a job offer—it was vindication of a completely transformed life.
“WWE blessed me, took care of everything, and you know, um they took a chance on me, not knowing, you know, not know it was just mind-blowing,” he said. “I’m very thankful I have a job now. Very very thankful.”
This weekend at SummerSlam, when Jacob Fatu steps into that steel cage, he’ll be fighting for more than just a championship. He’ll be representing every second chance, every moment of growth, and every person who believes that your past doesn’t have to define your future.
The steel bars around the ring may look intimidating, but they’re nothing compared to the ones he’s already escaped.
The wrestling veteran defended his TNT Championship against Kyle Fletcher in a brutal match earlier this week. Not only did he drop the title, but Rhodes was seemingly written off TV with a post-match attack from Fletcher, which led to Dustin being stretchered out of the arena.
The former Goldust then provided an update on his health on X, revealing that he’ll be undergoing an ‘invasive major surgery’ and will be out for a while.
Fightful Select has now revealed some more details on the situation. While Dustin Rhodes blamed the injury on Fletcher, the site revealed that the 56-year-old is actually headed for a double knee surgery.
The major surgery means the now former TNT Champion will be out of action for a long time and he is not expected back until 2026 at the earliest.
This leaves the fate of the ROH Tag Team Titles currently held by Dustin and his partner, Sammy Guevara, up in the air. Guevara had tweeted about the end of his run with Rhodes, suggesting that their Sons of Texas tag team had come to an end.
This likely means that the duo will be stripped of the title and new champions will be crowned by the company. An official announcement regarding the same however, has not been made so far.
Could Cody Rhodes’ SummerSlam match be affected by his upcoming project?
The American Nightmare is one of the wrestling names set for a role in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie, which will begin production later this year.
With Rhodes scheduled to challenge John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Title at night 2 of SummerSlam, a lot of people wondered if the upcoming project would affect the outcome of this match.
Fightful Select recently provided an update on the matter. They revealed the movie, also starring Roman Reigns and possibly Hirooki Goto, is set to film in September.
Though the WWE quarterback is not expected to be on the set for an extended period of time, and sources within the company are optimistic that the filming would not interfere with storylines.
This means the company officials can put the title back on Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam if they choose, without worrying about his upcoming project affecting the plans for the title.
Whether or not it actually happens will only be revealed this Sunday night, as the officials are keeping the plans for the night 2 main event very quiet.
You can check out what happened during the SummerSlam night 1 main event and how the wrestling world reacted to it here.
Seth Rollins went to great lengths to cover his tracks.
The Architect surprised everyone when he showed up after SummerSlam night 1 main event match between CM Punk and Gunther. The MITB holder had been selling a knee injury but he shed all signs of it and cashed in his contract on Punk to become the new World Champion.
Fightful Select provided some backstage details on how the whole thing came together. According to them, the cash in had been the tentative idea since before Rollins’ Saturday Night’s Main Event match against LA Knight.
Regarding the injury angle in the match against Knight, the site noted that the medics and producers backstage were treating the injury as real on the night. Even people close to Rollins were concerned about his health at the start.
The opinion started changing when the former Shield member appeared on the Rich Eisen show only days later. Though nobody was specifically told that the injury was a work. Rollins went as far as to work the trainees at his wrestling school and the cash in had not been listed on the internal rundowns for tonight’s PPV.
Becky Lynch posted a video of herself reacting to Seth’s win in the Gorilla position. WWE Unreal director Chris Weaver was also spotted in the video, suggesting that we might see an Unreal episode on Rollins’ injury angle down the line. WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker was in Gorilla for the segment as well, though it’s unknown if he was involved in the planning of it in any way.
Charlotte Flair has commented on her SummerSlam win.
The Queen teamed up with Alexa Bliss to challenge The Judgment Day for Women’s Tag Team Championships at the PLE. This make-shift team which has become a fan favorite in recent times, ended up winning the titles.
The duo appeared on the SummerSlam post-show to talk about their victory. Charlotte Flair mentioned how teaming with Bliss was not on her 2025 bingo card:
“Honestly, the 10 years I’ve been here, tonight felt like a top three moment, I’m not just saying that. I didn’t expect this or want this, and I didn’t even think I was gonna be at SummerSlam after WrestleMania, so I was very much directionless.”
Charlotte Flair later discussed how she wasn’t sure about her SummerSlam spot after losing to Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania 41. The pairing with Alexa, however, gave her a new direction:
“So after ‘Mania, I was like, damn, I came back, I gave it all, and I don’t know what’s next, and then here’s like this little five feet of fury who is like, hey, what’s going on with you, come hang out with me, and I’m like no,
And here we are at SummerSlam, and it’s just like, damn, even after 10 years, and everything I’ve done, this felt really frickin’ cool.”
SummerSlam features multiple other women’s matches but there is one title that has been left out of the card. You can check out what a top star said about this glaring omission here.
Jelly Roll has revealed where his SummerSlam match ranks among his other achievements.
The singing star made his wrestling debut at night 1 of the show from MetLife Stadium. He teamed up with Randy Orton to take on the duo of Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre but the faces ended up losing the bout.
The Celebrity wrestler then appeared on the SummerSlam post show to talk about his experience. Jelly Roll ranked the whole thing above his music achievements, saying that it’s up there with the birth of his child:
“It’s right up there next to marrying my wife and having the birth of my child. It’s the greatest show on I’ve ever done. It feels right up there with the first time I played the Grand Ole Opry.
It was spiritual. It was special, even to be getting my ass kicked a bunch. It’s funny to be getting your butt kicked and still feel kind of good about it afterwards.”
Jelly Roll later discussed how he has been a lifelong WWE fan and he’s been watching wrestling since the 90s. He claimed that he learned a lot about himself while preparing for the match.
Triple H was part of the post-show as well, where he talked about the 40-year-old’s performance and his future with the company. You can check out what he said here.
Stephanie McMahon has commented on her future with WWE.
The WWE Executive has maintained her distance from the TV programming in recent times, only making a few cameos here and there. Though with the female star not being retired from the ring officially, fans have still been hopeful about a potential in-ring return for her somewhere down the line.
The Attitude Era star commented on the possibility while appearing on SummerSlam night 1 pre-show. She first claimed that she won’t be returning to the ring because she can’t match the performance of today’s talents. Though Stephanie McMahon did not rule out a non-wrestling role, saying that she would be open to becoming a manager for the right name:
“Trust me, I can’t hang with these women. I mean, you’re going to see Tiffany Stratton, you’re going to see Jade Cargill, you’re going to see all of these incredible matches. I just can’t compete at their level. I appreciate the question. You know, I could be the mouthpiece. I’ll come talk a good game, but you don’t want me in the ring.”
Stephanie McMahon last wrestled during WrestleMania 34 back in 2018. She teamed up with Triple H to take on a debuting Ronda Rousey and her partner Kurt Angle. McMahon’s team lost the bout.
Tonight’s SummerSlam PLE featured a big surprise ending with Seth Rollins cashing in his MITB contract on CM Punk after faking an injury. You can check out how the wrestling world reacted to it here.
Triple H has reacted to Jelly Roll’s SummerSlam performance.
The singing star made his wrestling debut in a tag team match at night 1 of the Biggest Party of the Summer. He teamed up with Randy Orton to take on the duo of Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre.
During the SummerSlam post-show, Triple H was asked if Jelly Roll delivered what he had expected. The Game praised the newest WWE star, revealing what he told JR backstage after the show:
“100%. I said this to him in the back, when he was done and he walked in the back. The doc was checking him out and making sure he was okay, and I walked up to him, and I said, ‘The one thing you did here was make everybody proud. You earned your spot in our business.’ You earned that.”
The WWE Chief Content Officer was also asked about the future of Jelly Roll after tonight. Triple H claimed that the 40-year-old has already started planning his return to the ring:
“I don’t think I can stop it. He’s already talked to me about coming back. He’s already talked to me about doing more.
We’ll see when the time is right, and you know, when you have that level of respect for people, you want to be able to see them have that opportunity again. So, we’ll be talking, and we’ll see what he can do. I’m sure he’s got some payback coming for Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre, so we’ll see.”
The ending of tonight’s match saw Logan Paul pinning Jelly Roll with a frog splash. So it’s possible that the company will revisit this rivalry down the line.
The WWE Chief Content Officer appeared at the SummerSlam post-show. He was asked about Seth Rollins faking his knee injury to cash in his MITB contract on CM Punk at the end of the PLE.
The Game played innocent to the whole thing. Triple H first praised Seth Rollins for fooling everyone and claimed that he is not thrilled about the bogus medical reports he received:
“Seth Rollins is playing chess while everyone is playing checkers, and he comes out, goes through none of it, and takes the World Heavyweight Championship. My hats off to Seth Rollins. That’s a smart way to do business. Not thrilled about bogus medical reports, but we’ll deal with that down the line.”
Triple H also commented on the rivalry between Punk and Rollins that has been going on since the Straight Edge star returned to WWE. He explained that Seth Rollins believes Punk wronged the business and so they’re destined to continue this feud forever:
“CM Punk, in his mind wronged the one thing Seth Rollins cares about, and it is the WWE and the respect for this industry, and he will never forgive him for that. He can’t get past it; he can’t grow past it. I think they’re destined to do this until one of them is done.”
Seth Rollins ended the PLE with his signature celebration with the belt. CM Punk on the other hand stayed in the ring, trying to get a grasp of the situation even after the show. You can check out what happened with him after SummerSlam went off air here.
The wrestling world is in shock at the ending of SummerSlam.
The main event of night one of the WWE PLE featured Gunther defending his World Heavyweight Championship against CM Punk.
Punk managed to defeat the Ring General to win his first WWE championship in over a decade, after the defending champion got busted open from a spot.
The celebration didn’t last for long, however, as Seth Rollins showed up with his MITB briefcase. The architect who had been selling a knee injury in recent weeks, shed all signs of it and cashed in his contract on Punk to become the new champion.
Multiple wrestling personalities reacted to this surprise turn of events after the show went off air. Becky Lynch posted a backstage video of herself reacting to her husband’s win and advised fans not to believe everything they read on the internet:
Matt Hardy sent out a hilarious tweet referencing Punk’s MITB cash-in on his brother Jeff Hardy at the 2009 Extreme Rules PPV. Matt thanked Rollins for avenging his brother after all these years:
Drew McIntyre comments on CM Punk being cashed in on by Seth Rollins.
"Karma is a hell of a thing, tonight was the cherry on top. Congratulations Seth, you deserve it, and karma is indeed a bitch."#SummerSlampic.twitter.com/EzCyYmEWts
CM Punk lost the title but earned the respect of the fans at SummerSlam.
The Straight Edge star faced the biggest challenge since his return to WWE at the latest PLE from MetLife Stadium, going up against Gunther in the main event of SummerSlam Saturday.
The action went outside the ring towards the ending of the bout, and the Ring General got on top of the Spanish announce desk to proclaim himself the best in the world. The premature celebration cost the defending champion, however, as Punk managed to trip him into the table.
Gunther started bleeding heavily after this spot and lost his momentum. The World Champ tried to regain control with a sleeper hold in the ring but Punk managed to break away and deliver a Go To Sleep for the pin.
— Anutosh Bajpai || SEScoops || Wrestling News (@AuthorAnutosh) August 3, 2025
The former AEW star was visibly emotional at winning his first title in WWE after more than a decade, though his celebration didn’t last long.
Seth Rollins’ music hit, and the Architect showed up on crutches with his MITB briefcase. Rollins, however, shed all signs of injury and went after his arch-rival. Seth successfully cashed in his contract to become a world champion again, and the show ended with Rollins and his group celebrating in the ring.
CM Punk stayed in the ring for a while trying to get a grasp on the turn of events after SummerSlam went off air. He then slowly made his way to the back, greeting the fans through the ramp.
Drew McIntyre expressed satisfaction with Seth Rollins’ dramatic Money in the Bank cash-in on CM Punk at WWE SummerSlam 2025, telling WWE broadcaster Cathy Kelly that the shocking turn of events was “karma” for his longtime rival.
In a stunning conclusion to SummerSlam’s opening night at MetLife Stadium, CM Punk defeated GUNTHER for the World Heavyweight Championship, only to immediately lose it when Seth Rollins revealed his knee injury was a ruse and cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase.
“Karma’s a hell of a thing,” McIntyre said in the digital exclusive interview. “I’ve been watching what’s been going on on Raw with Seth. Seth and I, professional rivals, not like Punk and I. Seth has done exactly to Punk what Punk did to me, and tonight was the cherry on top. Congratulations, Seth. You deserve it.”
Revenge for Past Interference
Drew McIntyre says that he still doesn't respect Jelly Roll as a wrestler.
— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) August 3, 2025
McIntyre’s comments reference CM Punk’s pattern of interference that cost the Scottish Warrior championship opportunities at WrestleMania 40 and Clash at the Castle in 2024. Their bitter rivalry began when McIntyre injured Punk during the 2024 Royal Rumble, leading to Punk’s extended absence with a torn triceps.
The feud between McIntyre and Punk was notable for its genuine animosity, with both wrestlers acknowledging real personal feelings behind their on-screen conflict. Their rivalry concluded with Punk winning a Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood 2024.
Rollins’ cash-in, dubbed “the Ruse of the Century” by commentator Michael Cole, saw him discard his crutches and knee brace before attacking an exhausted Punk moments after his championship victory. The move left Punk’s title reign lasting just over five minutes and gave McIntyre a sense of vindication after his rival’s brief moment of glory was cut short.
In the world of WWE, Solo Sikoa is known for his stoic demeanor, intimidating presence, and no-nonsense attitude. But according to Jacob Fatu, there’s a whole other side to Solo that fans rarely get to see—a side that’s full of humor, quick wit, and a knack for keeping the locker room entertained.
In a recent interview, Jacob Fatu pulled back the curtain on his longtime friend and SummerSlam steel cage opponent, revealing:
“People don’t know this, but Solo is a straight-up comedian backstage. He’s always cracking jokes, doing impressions, and making everyone laugh. You see him out there all serious, but behind the scenes, he’s the life of the party. I call him ‘Solo Entertainment’ for a reason.”
Fatu went on to share how Solo’s comedic chops have actually helped both of them prepare for high-pressure moments.
“Before our SummerSlam match, we were both feeling the nerves. Solo just started riffing, making fun of my entrance music, and doing this hilarious impression of Paul Heyman. Next thing you know, the whole locker room is in stitches. That’s his gift—he knows how to break the tension and get everyone loose.”
But Solo’s humor isn’t just for laughs. Fatu explained that it’s also a tool for creativity.
“When we’re working on promos, Solo’s the guy who’ll throw out the wildest ideas. Some of them are so funny, but then you realize, ‘Hey, that could actually work on TV.’ He’s helped me find my voice out there, and I know I’m not the only one.”
Despite his tough exterior, Solo Sikoa’s hidden comedic personality has made him a beloved figure among his peers. As Fatu put it:
“He’s got that stone-cold look, but trust me, he’s the funniest guy in the room. WWE fans might never see that side of him, but those of us who know him best, we appreciate it every day.”
As the WWE Universe gears up for their highly anticipated SummerSlam steel cage showdown, fans can be sure that while Solo Sikoa may bring the intensity to the ring, he’s also bringing the laughs backstage—proving that there’s much more to the Enforcer than meets the eye.
In a stunning turn of events to close out WWE SummerSlam 2025, Seth Rollins made a surprise return and cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to win the World Heavyweight Championship, just moments after CM Punk had finally dethroned Gunther in a brutal title clash.
The main event saw CM Punk emerge victorious in a hard-fought battle against the dominant Gunther, capturing his first World Heavyweight Championship since returning to WWE. The emotional win capped off a war of attrition, with Punk and Gunther pushing each other to their physical and mental limits. Fans erupted in celebration as Punk stood triumphant, title in hand — but the celebration was short-lived.
As Punk barely had time to catch his breath, the arena lights shifted and shock reverberated through the crowd as Seth Rollins’ music hit. Despite months of speculation about his status — with Rollins last seen recovering from a knee injury and reportedly still on crutches — the architect stormed the ring, briefcase in hand.
Rollins officially cashed in his contract on the exhausted Punk, and in a matter of minutes, capitalized on the opportunity. After landing a quick sequence of signature offense, Rollins pinned Punk to claim the World Heavyweight Championship — executing one of the most opportunistic and dramatic Money in the Bank cash-ins in recent memory.
THE RUSE OF THE CENTURY! ?
Seth Rollins just cashed in on CM Punk and just became the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion at SummerSlam! pic.twitter.com/p7LED0AvPn
The moment drew immediate comparisons to Rollins’ iconic “Heist of the Century” at WrestleMania 31, once again proving his knack for delivering in high-stakes scenarios. Fans and analysts alike were left in disbelief, erupting on social media and hailing the shocking twist as an instant classic in SummerSlam lore.
As the broadcast ended, Rollins held the title aloft atop the turnbuckle, grinning amid a chorus of cheers and boos — the WWE Universe still processing yet another bold play from one of the company’s most cunning competitors.
With Rollins now reigning atop Raw as World Heavyweight Champion, and a fuming Punk staring up from the canvas, the road to Payback just got a whole lot more volatile.
WWE Superstar Becky Lynch gloated about her role in the deception.
Bron Breakker appears to have been injured during the opening contest of Saturday’s WWE SummerSlam premium live event.
After his match, a losing effort that saw him team with Bronson Reed against Roman Reigns and Jey Uso, Breakker was showing signs of an injury. A fan in attendance caught this footage of Breakker limping while being helped to the back after his match.
WWE’s first-ever two-night SummerSlam, held at MetLife Stadium, kicked off with global music superstar Cardi B. Dressed in sleek all-black attire, the SummerSlam host was given a high-profile entrance fitting her star power. With the fans buzzing, she took the microphone to officially welcome everyone to the historic event.
She let it be known that SummerSlam was emanating live from the tri-state area, and gauged the crowd’s support of several Superstars. Logan Paul didn’t get much support, but Randy Orton did. Cardi B shared her love for the Viper, proclaiming “I love me some Randy Orton!”
Backstage Meeting with Triple H
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque shared behind-the-scenes footage of his backstage interaction with Cardi B just moments before her live appearance. The clip, taken from the ‘gorilla position,’ shows them having a brief exchange and sharing a hug.
WWE Women’s World Champion Naomi has delivered her most direct threat yet to SummerSlam host Cardi B, warning the rapper to stay out of her way when they’re both at MetLife Stadium tonight.
With just hours until WWE SummerSlam 2025 kicks off at MetLife Stadium, the tension between Women’s World Champion Naomi and event host Cardi B has reached a boiling point.
“She better hope she don’t run into me at MetLife,” Naomi declared in her US Weekly interview. “She’s been talking real crazy and reckless and I don’t like that,” sending an unmistakable message to Cardi B ahead of tonight’s premium live event.
How the Feud Escalated
The conflict escalated after weeks of social media exchanges, with Cardi siding with WWE superfan Sign Guy in mocking Naomi’s championship victory. What began as playful banter turned serious when Naomi fired back, questioning both Cardi’s opinion and her credentials as a SummerSlam host.
Ironically, Cardi B herself admitted she may have bit off more than she could chew. After meeting WWE’s women’s roster in person, the rapper said: “I was talking a lot of smack with the WWE girls on Twitter for like two weeks. You know, the b***** are kinda big—I kinda changed my mind.”
Tonight’s Stakes
Naomi’s warning carries extra weight as she prepares to defend her Women’s World Championship against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY in a triple threat match at SummerSlam.
Despite the conflict, Naomi emphasized her appreciation for mainstream crossovers. “I love the mainstream crossovers. I love when we can bring in different, amazing artists and performers into our world,” she told US Weekly.
As SummerSlam unfolds tonight, all eyes will be on whether this heated exchange spills over into the live event. Naomi has made her position clear: the Women’s World Champion won’t tolerate disrespect, Grammy winner or not.
AEW veteran Dustin Rhodes announced Saturday that he will undergo major surgery following the brutal knee injury sustained during his TNT Championship loss to Kyle Fletcher on Thursday’s AEW Collision.
“Sorry guys, feel like I failed my fans,” Rhodes posted on social media. “Gonna be out for a while as Doc said I need a very invasive major surgery. MRI’s and cat scans this week, due to Kyle Fletcher.”
Sorry guys, feel like I failed my fans. Gonna be out for a while as Doc said I need a very invasive major surgery. MRI's and cat scans this week, due to Kyle Fletcher.
In any case, for the time I was the face of TNT was special to me. I will never take what I have for granted.… pic.twitter.com/RUostUw0MM
The 56-year-old wrestling legend added that he has “a hole in my leg” and is experiencing “a terrible amount of pain” but remains determined to “#KeepSteppin.”
Rhodes lost his TNT Championship to Fletcher in a Chicago Street Fight that turned extremely violent when Don Callis provided Fletcher with a screwdriver. The Australian wrestler repeatedly stabbed Rhodes in the knee with the weapon before delivering a brainbuster for the victory.
The match, which received a rare five-star rating from Dave Meltzer, ended Rhodes’ emotional first AEW singles championship reign after just 19 days. Rhodes had captured the title at All In Texas on July 12 in his home state, defeating Fletcher, Daniel Garcia, and Sammy Guevara in a four-way match.
“For the time I was the face of TNT was special to me,” Rhodes reflected. “I will never take what I have for granted.”
Fletcher’s post-match assault continued with chair shots to Rhodes’ injured knee before officials intervened, leading to Rhodes being stretchered from the arena.
