WWE’s party of the summer is bigger than ever − and it’s already been burned down.
SummerSlam 2025 arrived and it’s the grandest edition of the storied event yet as it takes place over two days this weekend. Six matches kicked off the action on Saturday, Aug. 2, featuring a mix of championship matches and heated rivalries coming to a collision. Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker met Roman Reigns and Jey Uso in a major battle of groups, and Jelly Roll made his in-ring debut in tag team action.
The main event of the night was CM Punk against Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship as ‘The Best in the World’ went for his first WWE title in more than a decade.
Everything changed with an unbelievable ending.
Night one had the opportunity to set the stage for a massive weekend for WWE, and it’s safe to say it already has delivered. USA TODAY Sports had all the action for SummerSlam 2025 night one:
Watch: SummerSlam post-show
World Heavyweight Championship match: Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk
Both stars took the slow approach to the main event match, understanding the absolute battle it was going to be. After feeling it out, Gunther finally landed a chop since Punk was blocking the early attempts. Despite the brutal shot, Punk didn’t get rattled and got back to executing some submissions. It wasn’t until Gunther landed more chops throughout Punk’s body that he finally gained some control.
Punk took chop after chop and tried to fight back several times, only to see Gunther respond with an even bigger shot with his hands or boot. Gunther was gloating about his domination as Punk tried to get back to his feet, only to just receive more punishing chops and more taunting from the champion.
There was a small of window of hope for Punk that was quickly shut down. Gunther had his opponent in a sharpshooter, and Punk somehow reversed it into his own submission. It’s been known the champion can’t handle submissions, but Gunther was able to grab the ropes to break it up. Both stars got back to their feet and Gunther got back to punishing Punk. The taunting continued but Punk didn’t let it happen long, trading shots with Gunther.
Momentum was finally turning toward Punk’s side, getting some offense in despite how gassed he looked. He climbed up the top rope but Gunther met him to throw him off of it and regain control. Gunther nearly had victory and was closing in but Punk kicked out. The challenger almost shocked him with a GTS, however Gunther got out and landed a power bomb. Gunther hit the drop kick and another power bomb, but the pin didn’t work, leaving the champion in disbelief.
With Punk on his feet, Gunther laughed and delivered more chops. The action moved outside of the ring with Gunther soaking in premature victory on the announcer’s table. He wasn’t paying attention to Punk, who got up and dropped him on the table to give himself more time to recover. The fall busted Gunther open and he was bleeding profusely. He scurried to the ring and Punk saw his opportunity. He went on the attack as Gunther tried to protect himself.
Punk delivered a flying elbow and went for the GTS, just for Gunther to move it into the sleeper hold. Punk got out and got back to his feet and finally landed the GTS. He landed one more finishing move and it knocked Gunther down. Punk then got the pin and he’s finally a champion again in WWE.
Seth Rollins comes back
The celebration for CM Punk doesn’t last long.
Seth Rollins comes out with a brace and crutches to remind Punk he is Mr. Money in the Bank. But he takes the brace off to reveal he is fine, and he comes to the ring and beats Punk with the briefcase.
Seth Rollins cashes in Money in the Bank contract
Wow.
After it was speculated Rollins would be out for an indefinite period, he comes back and is healthy. He cashes in the Money in the Bank briefcase and it takes just one stomp to put Punk down and Rollins becomes the new World Heavyweight Champion.
Analysis: The entire WWE universe just got played.
It wasn’t even a month ago everyone was under the belief Rollins suffered a major injury that was going to sideline him for months. It felt like there was going to be massive changes to the copmany’s trajectory.
Instead, it was the plan all along.
The main event match was already stellar, and it went a different route than typical matches Gunther loses in. Him taking a hard fall and bleeding changed the entire tone of the match, paving the way for Punk to win. He capitalized on the opportunity and seeing his emotional reaction to winning the championship was a sweet moment to savor.
But remember, Rollins swore he wouldn’t let Punk become a champion, and he delivered on his promise. His injury actually being a work is one of the greatest fake-outs in recent memory, given the extremes Rollins went to, to make it seem legit.
The collective gasp seeing Rollins toss the crutches is already another signature moment in his career, which he somehow continues to create in what has been a huge 2025 for ‘The Visionary.’ He showed he truly is one of the greatest minds in the business, and it’s another major chapter in the Rollins vs. Punk rivalry. It’s going to be intriguing seeing how this develops in what has once again become a top-tier storyline.
Another major event Rollins steals the show at.
Watch: CM Punk makes entrance
Randy Orton and Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul
Paul has made no secret about his distaste for Jelly Roll, and he delivered a cheap shot to the musician before the bell rang. Orton was going to start the match, but Jelly Roll tagged himself in to face Paul. He landed some shoulder shots to Paul and then landed a slam to rattle his opponent. McIntyre insisted he go in and deal with Jelly Roll, and Orton tried to hype up his teammate to face the ‘Scottish Warrior.’ Jelly Roll slapped McIntyre and landed some jabs before he was delivered a Glasgow Kiss.
Jelly Roll had to endure the attack of Paul and McIntyre before he was able to tag in Orton and let the ‘Viper’ turn the tide. He was readying for an RKO to McIntyre until Paul dragged his teammate out of danger. Instead, Orton delivered each opponent a slam on the announcer’s table. But McIntyre bounced back and delivered a Claymore to Orton.
After he punched Jelly Roll, Paul cleared the announcer’s table and McIntyre propped Jelly Roll on it. Paul climbed to the top turnbuckle and launched himself off to send Jelly Roll through the table in a big-time spot. Medical personnel came to check in on Jelly Roll.
Back in the ring, McIntyre and Paul teed off on Orton while Jelly Roll was taken out of the ring. But the musician stopped and insisted he get back to help his teammate. Orton tagged in Jelly Roll and he was back to life, punishing Paul with a chokeslam. McIntyre then got slammed by Jelly Roll but he was able to prevent him from pinning Paul.
Then came the wild sequence of a Claymore to Jelly Roll and Orton delivering an RKO to McIntyre. But Paul got up and threw Orton out of the ring and climbed up the turnbuckle for another splash onto Jelly Roll. He got the pin to defeat the artist making his in-ring debut.
Analysis: In terms of celebrities, Paul proves he is the better one. The winning team proves that not all celebrities can just walk in and win WWE matches, and flexed its muscle in a decisive victory. It was almost shocking given how celebrities typically win.
It was hard to predict how this match was going to go. There had been constant talk about how much Jelly Roll had been training for this, but it was fair to doubt it was going to be a great match. It wasn’t Bad Bunny-level good, but Jelly Roll held his own and did well in his wrestling debut.
Props to him for taking brutal spots in this match, on the announcer’s table and even taking the losing pin. It was an entertaining match and seeing the fight in the musician had the crowd rocking, and that’s half the battle in making it mean something. If this is Jelly Roll’s lone match in WWE, he did a solid job.
WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
Cargill showed a different edge to start the bout, taking Stratton outside of the ring and using the barricade to her advantage. But the quick start got to Cargill’s head and Stratton let the challenger know you can’t slip against her.
Despite losing focus, Cargill didn’t spend much time down, landing the Eye of the Storm on Stratton for the first real pin attempt. Stratton kicked out and it started what was a back-and-forth sequence from the competitors. Stratton tried the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and instead ate Cargill’s boots. The champion was down and Cargill executed Jaded. She had the title in her hands, but she rolled Stratton onto the ropes so the referee couldn’t count the pin.
Stratton was fazed and Cargill tried to set up Jaded on the top turnbuckle, but the champion countered it. Cargill hit the ground and Stratton went back up for her finisher. This time she landed it and pinned Cargill to keep her title.
Analysis: A match that had the potential to be the best of the night ends in a dud.
Cargill and Stratton each possess power and skill to really get the crowd on their feet, and while they did have some solid spots, it was such a quick match. You’d figure with how heavy Cargill has been pushed, she would have put on a big performance. But she didn’t really get the chance to have a high-quality one. It was extremely rushed and did a lot of damage to Cargill’s momentum, as she would’ve been better off with not having the match happen.
Stratton has had a stronghold on the title since she won it, but there hasn’t been a real good challenge for her since WrestleMania. Cargill had the potential to be that, but the women didn’t get the time to make it happen. An underwhelming ending makes a rematch not ideal, but if it happens, let’s hope it’s a better match that this.
WWE pays tribute to Hulk Hogan
WWE honors icon Hulk Hogan, who died at the age of 71 on July 24. In attendance is Hogan’s son, Nick.
SummerSlam attendance
WWE announces an attendance of 53,161 inside MetLife Stadium for night one.
Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
A really fast-moving start between Zayn and Kross led to no real advantage, with the stars trading shots in and out of the ring. When Kross was on offense, he made sure to try and get in the head of Zayn, continuously taunting him. Perhaps Kross was too focused on trying to get Zayn to break, as he wasn’t going down easy.
With Zayn down, Kross’ wife, Scarlett, snuck him the steel pipe to hit Zayn with while she distracted the referee. However, he missed and Zayn landed the Blue Thunderbomb, going for a pin that was unsuccessful. From there, an angry Zayn emerged as the referee had to stop him several times from continuously attacking Kross.
While the referee checked on Kross, Scarlett then gave Zayn the steel pipe to use on her husband. Zayn grabbed it and contemplated using it, but he threw it out of the ring. Kross tried a roll-up but Zayn got out of it. Zayn then threw Kross into the turnbuckle and landed the Helluva Kick to take him down and get the pin for another victory over Kross.
Analysis: Guess Kross can’t get to everyone he crosses paths with.
It seemed inevitable Zayn would crack and finally embrace the sinister side, but he refused to do so and stays morally right. It was another quick bout and was rather forgettable, but it wasn’t about who won. Rather, would Kross be successful? He wasn’t, and losing the match is an extra sting.
This seems like the end of the road of a storyline that felt mostly underwhelming given the avenues it could go. It should get Zayn back into a title picture soon, but it puts Kross in dangerous territory of fading off into the back.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
While the challengers tried to determine who would start the match, Perez and Rodriguez saw the perfect opportunity to launch the attack. Flair had briefly stopped the early disadvantage, but Rodriguez delivered a clothesline to Flair the referee didn’t see. The champions were very wise in how they plotted their hits so there wasn’t a window for Flair to get an advantage.
Flair was able to tag Bliss in and she unleashed the fury onto Perez. She went for the Twisted Bliss but Perez got her knees up, and she walked right into the power clothesline from Rodriguez to get the champions rolling again. Even though it’s been a short partnership with Perez and Rodriguez, they were flowing extremely well with the power and speed each possess.
Bliss was struggling to tag her partner in, with her opponents taunting her between hits. But she got it and the ‘Queen’ went to work with the signature Flair chops to Rodriguez. With Rodriguez and Perez on the ground, Flair hit the moonsault on both, but Rodriguez kicked out of the pin attempt. Flair then tried the Figure Eight that was quickly broken up by Perez.
The big moment happened when Bliss tried to hit the opponents but they moved out of the way, and she instead hit Flair on accident. It shocked her, and led to the champions readying for victory with a Tejana Bomb and Pop Rox. But just when the champions were about to retain, Bliss ran in to prevent the pin.
Bliss then had Perez ready for Sister Abigail when she turned and saw Flair staring at her. She said something to Flair, who looked like she was about to kick her partner. Instead, she kicked Rodriguez, and Bliss hit Sister Abigail on Perez to win the titles.
And the Allies of Convenience hugged to celebrate.
Analysis: They are indeed friends.
The match didn’t have any spectacular moments but there wasn’t any bad spots. However, the ending was pristine, giving fans a sudden moment of not knowing how this was going to end. The anticipation was one of the best a match could have, and the result made it even more satisfying to take in.
The Bliss and Flair storyline has been brilliant work, allowing the decorated stars the chance to show a different side of themselves and is something that has really hit with the fanbase. It’s been fun and fresh, and it would have been wrong to see this partnership end when it was getting good. Now they get the chance to flesh out a friendship while reigning over the tag team division.
On the other hand, the title loss will add a big problem for The Judgment Day. It’s going to make Rodriguez more upset with Perez, and friction will be heightened on whether the new member stays or not. It’s something that can continue until Liv Morgan returns.
Roman Reigns and Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed
No time was wasted with all four stars getting the action started immediately. Uso and Reigns had the early momentum, and they were feeling good as they started to ‘Yeet’ once more. But they got too cocky and Seth Rollins’ henchmen brought the brutality to their opponents. Breakker was showing off the speed with big running shots to both Reigns and Uso.
The match got to a traditional tag team format with Uso absorbing all of the powerful blows from the heavy hitters, with Reed and Breakker showing their chemistry has grown with some nice combination moves. Breakker went for a flying dive outside of the ring, but Uso moved out of the way and Breakker went into the announcer’s table. Uso had a window to tag-in Reigns, but he was too slow and the heels prevented it from happening.
After spending so much time taking hits, Uso finally got the hot tag in and Reigns went to work on Breakker. The OTC sent Breakker over the top rope, and then Reigns flew far outside of the ring to take both opponents out. Back in the ring, Breakker locked in for the spear but was met with a Superman punch.
Reed then came in and landed big shots to both stars, despite Uso trying a sneak attack. Reed showed he could fly as well with a suicide dive on Reigns and Uso. Breakker followed it with a flying clothesline on Reigns over the announcer’s table, leaving Uso a sitting duck. Despite the disadvantage, Uso kicked out of a pin after a signature Steiner tag team move.
Reed and Breakker were locking in for the finishing spears, but Reigns saw it and delivered the Superman punch to Breakker before he sent him through the barricade with a spear. Reed and Uso were alone and Reed readied for a tsunami, but Reigns emerged to deliver the Superman punch. Then, The Bloodline members used the signature 1D Uso move on Reed. However, Breakker came back to break up the pin.
Breakker had his sights on delivering a spear to Uso, but Reigns moved Uso out of the way to take the hit for his family member. Breakker lost focus, giving Uso time to hit a super kick. He then got Reed, and went up the turnbuckle to hit the Uso Splash and pinned Reed to secure the win.
Analysis: You must still acknowledge the OG Bloodline.
A stellar tag team match kicked off SummerSlam in a highly entertaining bout that showcased the current and future of the business. Reigns has undoubtedly cemented himself among the greatest to ever do it, and he proved it once more. Even though they lost, Breakker and Reed were each able to show they can handle going against the big names on their own.
This match could’ve gone so many ways given the compelling story developing between groups led by Reigns and Rollins. A win would’ve really catapulted Reed and Breakker to superstar status, but it’s hard to really launch them forward with Rollins still out. Reigns and Uso emerging victorious gives Paul Heyman motivation to make sure this new group doesn’t lose steam, and they’ll be hunting to get even in what feels like a long storyline developing.
Bronson Reed enters with Roman Reigns’ shoes
The ‘Tribal Thief’ sports the ‘Shoe-la Fala’ after he took Reigns’ shoes after Raw.
Jey Uso enters through the crowd
Uso continues his signature entrance, making his way through the crowd while the WWE universe hits the ‘Yeet.’
Who is host of SummerSlam?
Grammy Award-winning artist Cardi B.
The host kicks off the night entering the ring and welcoming the crowd to the first two-day SummerSlam.
Druski opens SummerSlam
The comedian does the promo to start the show.
When is SummerSlam 2025 night one?
SummerSlam 2025 night one takes place Saturday, Aug. 2.
SummerSlam start time 2025 night one
SummerSlam 2025 starts at 6 p.m. ET. The preshow begins at 3 p.m. ET.
Where is SummerSlam 2025?
The event takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets..
How to watch SummerSlam 2025
SummerSlam 2025 will stream on Peacock, but you must have their premium or premium-plus subscription to watch. Internationally, it will be available on Netflix in most markets.
SummerSlam 2025 also will be available to watch at select Regal Cinemas theaters around the country. Tickets to see WWE SummerSlam in theaters are available on Fandango’s website.
SummerSlam 2025 preshow: how to watch
The SummerSlam preshow will be available to watch on Peacock, and on WWE’s social channels, including YouTube.
Stream WWE SummerSlam on Peacock
SummerSlam 2025 night one match card
Matches not in order
Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
Randy Orton and Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul
Roman Reigns and Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
World Heavyweight Championship match: Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk
SummerSlam 2025 night one match order
While the complete match list hasn’t been made official, we know which ones will start and end the night.
Roman Reigns and Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed will kick off SummerSlam, and night one will be capped off by the World Heavyweight Championship match between Gunther and CM Punk.
SummerSlam 2025 stage
The stage has been shown for SummerSlam, and it’s a massive screen inside MetLife Stadium.
WWE makes SummerSlam two nights
For the first time in its 38-year history, SummerSlam takes place on two nights.
WWE first announced the decision for the 2026 event in Minneapolis, with it joining WrestleMania as the company’s two-day extravaganzas. But in September 2024, WWE said the 2025 edition in New Jersey would be a double-night event, kickstarting the timeline early.
With SummerSlam taking over Saturday and Sunday, it allows WWE to have more matches spread across the event rather than only having less than 10. In 2024, SummerSlam had just seven matches, and in 2025, it will have 12.
SummerSlam returns to New York area
It’s another SummerSlam in the New York area as it will be the fourth time it takes place in East Rutherford. Counting New Jersey and New York, the area has hosted 10 SummerSlam’s already, the most of any city.
The inaugural one took place in 1988, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and was last in the area in 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
SummerSlam 2025 night one predictions
USA TODAY Sports’ wrestling writers predict night one of SummerSlam. See the full predictions for the entire event here.
Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
Jordan Mendoza: Karrion Kross
Richard Morin: Sami Zayn
Randy Orton and Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul
Jordan Mendoza: Randy Orton and Jelly Roll
Richard Morin: Randy Orton and Jelly Roll
Roman Reigns and Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed
Jordan Mendoza: Roman Reigns and Jey Uso
Richard Morin: Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
Jordan Mendoza: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
Richard Morin: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill
Jordan Mendoza: Tiffany Stratton
Richard Morin: Jade Cargill
World Heavyweight Championship match: Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk
Jordan Mendoza: Gunther
Richard Morin: Gunther
SummerSlam 2025 night two matches
What matches are taking place on night two? Here’s what’s happening on Sunday, Aug. 3:
Matches not in order
Tables, ladders and chairs match for WWE Tag Team Championship: The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy) (c) vs. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) vs. The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Saban) vs. Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) vs. Andrade and Rey Fenix
Steel cage match for United States Championship: Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
No disqualification, no countout match for Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria
Intercontinental Championship match: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. AJ Styles
Women’s World Championship match: Naomi (c) vs. Iyo Sky vs. Rhea Ripley
Street fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
Is there a SummerSlam post-show?
Yes, a post-show will air immediately once the show concludes. It will air on Peacock and WWE social media, including YouTube.