WWE SummerSlam 2025: Two-Night Mega Event Recap, Results, Aftermath & Surprises

WWE SummerSlam 2025, officially titled SummerSlam: New Jersey, took place over two nights—August 2 and August 3, 2025—at the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This marked the first time in SummerSlam history that the event was held across two nights, mimicking WrestleMania’s successful two-part model. Hosted by Cardi B, the event featured blockbuster title matches, celebrity appearances, surprise returns, and unforgettable betrayals.

The event attracted a combined crowd of over 113,000 fans, making it the highest-attended SummerSlam to date. Streaming exclusively on Peacock (U.S.) and Netflix (internationally), the event represented the next step in WWE’s global digital expansion.

Background#

This year’s SummerSlam was designed to elevate WWE’s summer showcase into a spectacle that could match WrestleMania’s scope. With John Cena’s final SummerSlam appearance, the stakes were already high. Major titles were defended across both nights, and the card was bolstered by new alliances, emerging stars, and shocking twists.

WWE deliberately chose MetLife Stadium to tap into the New York-New Jersey media market and ensure maximum attendance. With the event divided into two nights, WWE could space out marquee matches and allow talent to shine on an individual basis without the constraints of time.

Celebrity & Former Wrestlers in Attendance#

• Cardi B (Event Host)
• Jelly Roll (Performed in-ring)
• Logan Paul (Celebrity competitor)
• Brock Lesnar (Surprise appearance)
• The Undertaker (Backstage)
• Trish Stratus (Guest of honor Night 1)
• Mick Foley (Seen ringside Night 2)
• Lita (WWE Digital Interview segment)
• Booker T (Kickoff panel)
• Bad Bunny (Special appearance in VIP)

Night 1 – Saturday, August 2, 2025#

Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed#

Reigns and Jey, united under the remnants of The Bloodline, faced off against two of WWE’s most physically imposing rising stars. Breakker and Reed, while lacking tag experience, brought brute force and agility that surprised the veterans.

This bout opened the night with intensity. Breakker landed a huge spear on Reigns early, but Jey’s resilience and Reigns’ awareness turned the tide. After a dramatic series of tags and a Samoan Splash from Jey, the duo emerged victorious.

Winner: Roman Reigns & Jey Uso

This win reminded fans of Reigns’ dominance, but also teased possible friction between Jey and Reigns, hinting at unfinished business from their prior rivalry.

Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill – WWE Women’s Championship#

Tiffany entered with months of momentum and a reinvented image. Jade Cargill, still undefeated in televised singles matches, was her most intimidating challenger yet.

The clash was athletic and intense. Cargill countered a Moonsault with a gorilla press slam but failed to capitalize due to Stratton’s resilience. Tiffany ultimately reversed a Jaded attempt into a small package for the win.

Winner: Tiffany Stratton (retains title)

Jade’s first loss in WWE sets her on a new path, while Stratton’s reign becomes more legitimate with each passing defense.

Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair – Women’s Tag Team Championship#

Charlotte Flair returned to PPV action alongside Alexa Bliss, who has embraced a darker persona. Their challengers, Rodriguez and Perez, were fan favorites but struggled to gel consistently.

This match was frenetic. Flair dominated mid-match with a double Natural Selection, and Bliss capitalized with Twisted Bliss on Perez for the pin.

Winners: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss (new champions)

The odd-couple pairing raises questions about long-term chemistry, while Perez and Rodriguez now face internal evaluation.

Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul vs. Randy Orton & Jelly Roll#

Logan Paul continued his string of high-profile matches, this time teaming with Drew McIntyre against the surprising duo of Orton and country star Jelly Roll.

Jelly Roll was electric—hitting an elbow drop through a table—and the crowd erupted. Logan ultimately secured the win via brass knuckles and a frog splash.

Winners: Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul

Despite the loss, Jelly Roll earned crowd respect, while Logan Paul’s antics continued to make him a must-watch competitor.

Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross#

This battle of ideology was built on character. Zayn fought for redemption after months of failure; Kross fought to tear everything down.

Kross dominated early with suplexes and limb work. Zayn endured, countering a Doomsday Saito with a Helluva Kick out of nowhere for the three count.

Winner: Sami Zayn

Zayn’s win could place him back in IC or US title contention, while Kross’ aura now hinges on reinvention.

CM Punk vs. Gunther – World Heavyweight Championship#

A clash of styles and eras. Punk, fresh from a decade-long title drought, aimed to dethrone the Ring General in a match heavy with emotion.

Gunther punished Punk’s limbs and mocked his past. Punk absorbed a chop barrage but rallied with a GTS to win his first world title since 2013.

Winner: CM Punk (new champion)

The feel-good moment lasted only minutes…

Seth Rollins Cash-In vs. CM Punk – Money in the Bank#

Rollins limped to the stage in street clothes and crutches, fooling everyone. In seconds, he attacked Punk, cashed in, and nailed three curb stomps.

Winner: Seth Rollins (new champion via MITB)

Punk’s dreams turned to dust. Rollins now wears gold again—through deceit, not dominance.

Night 2 – Sunday, August 3, 2025#

Naomi (c) vs. Rhea Ripley vs. IYO SKY – Women’s World Championship#

The Raw Women’s division took center stage in a triple threat where Naomi defended against two of the brand’s most decorated stars.

All three hit signature finishers. Sky nearly won with a Moonsault on Ripley, but Naomi returned and stole the pin on IYO.

Winner: Naomi (retains title)

Tensions between IYO and Ripley will likely escalate, but Naomi remains the heart of the division.

WWE Tag Team Championship – Six-Pack TLC Match#

The Wyatt Sicks defended against five other teams in a chaotic ladder match filled with blood, debris, and brutal offense.

Table powerbombs, top rope neckbreakers, and a flaming ladder spot defined the match. Ultimately, Wyatt Sicks retained.

Winners: Wyatt Sicks (retain titles)

Their dominance now unquestioned, they emerge as WWE’s most feared unit.

Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu – U.S. Championship Steel Cage Match#

Two Samoan monsters locked in a cage. Fatu had never been pinned in WWE. Solo had to pull everything from the family playbook.

Steel chair assaults, Superfly splashes, and escape teases defined the match. Solo hit a Samoan Spike and climbed out.

Winner: Solo Sikoa (retains title)

Sikoa inches closer to Reigns’ legacy, while Fatu remains dangerous.

AJ Styles vs. Dominik Mysterio – Intercontinental Championship#

Background#

Originally scheduled for Night of Champions 2025, the Intercontinental Title bout was postponed after Dominik Mysterio suffered a rib injury. With speculation mounting over whether Dominik was ducking AJ Styles, the match was officially rebooked for SummerSlam Night 2. Styles, returning from a short hiatus, took the challenge personally. His mission was to restore honor to the title—declaring that Dominik had “disgraced the Intercontinental legacy” with cowardice and corner-cutting.

Match Highlights#

Styles entered the stadium in a custom lowrider with his son Avery, wearing Eddie Guerrero-inspired gear in a subtle tribute. Dominik mocked the moment, but couldn’t break Styles’ focus. In the ring, Styles grounded the champion with punishing legwork and multiple Calf Crusher attempts. Dominik tried to escape repeatedly, feigning injury and even staging a classic Eddie chair fake-out, only to be outdone by Styles’ counter-trickery. Near the end, Dominik pulled off his boot mid-match to bait a final submission. As Styles locked in the Calf Crusher, Dom clobbered him with the loose boot while the ref was checking on the hold. A quick Frog Splash sealed the win.

Winner: Dominik Mysterio (retains the Intercontinental Championship) There was no outside interference. Rhea Ripley is no longer aligned with Dominik, and Judgment Day had no role. The result—while sneaky—was earned entirely through Dominik’s in-ring manipulation.

This match elevated Dominik’s standing as a self-reliant heel champion. He used mind games and opportunism, not backup. For Styles, the loss stung—but the crowd’s sympathy and the visual storytelling have set the stage for a personal redemption arc. A rematch at Payback 2025 with stricter rules or a special stipulation is heavily rumored. Whether Dominik continues to honor Guerrero—or simply exploit his legacy—remains at the center of fan debate.

Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena – WWE Championship Street Fight#

A main event for the ages and Cena’s SummerSlam swan song. The bout spilled through the crowd, involved trash cans, crutches, and scaffolding.

Cena hit two AAs; Cody kicked out. Cody landed a Cross Rhodes on steel steps and got the three-count.

Winner: Cody Rhodes (new WWE Champion)

After the match, Cena raised Cody’s hand—until Brock Lesnar returned, F5’d Cena, and stared down Rhodes to close the show.

Attendance & Ticket Sales#

• Night 1: 53,161
• Night 2: 60,561
• Total Attendance: 113,722

This blew past 2024’s Cleveland figure of ~56,000. Nearly 100,000 tickets were sold before the first match began.

Aftermath#

• Punk vs. Rollins now defines Raw’s main title picture.
• Cena’s attack by Lesnar sets up a rumored final feud at WrestleMania 41.
• Naomi and Stratton stand tall, but challengers are circling.
• Dominik may have to face Styles again.
• Rhodes begins a new chapter, but Lesnar looms.

What Comes Next?#

• Seth Rollins is likely to defend his newly stolen title at Payback against Punk.
• Lesnar vs. Cena could headline Survivor Series or be saved for WrestleMania.
• The tag division heats up with Wyatt Sicks’ dominance.
• Bianca Belair is rumored to return soon, targeting Stratton.

Match Results#