WWE fans have always had a fondness for standout Pay-Per-View (PPV) posters, and even in today’s digital era where promoting events isn’t as crucial as before, WWE continues to deliver striking posters. Over the years, SummerSlam has showcased some iconic posters that have captured the hearts of fans. Let’s take a look at some of the best.
Since its inception in 1988, WWE has consistently designed SummerSlam posters that stand out as classic, stylish, and impactful, each appreciated by fans for various reasons.
10. SummerSlam 2019: Held on August 11, 2019, at the Scotia Bank Arena in Toronto, Canada, with the main event featuring Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins. This poster is straightforward, highlighting top WWE stars like Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Kofi Kingston, and Becky Lynch using vibrant colors to create a clean and professional look. Including Kofi Kingston alongside big names made this poster special.
9. SummerSlam 1992: On August 29, 1992, Wembley Stadium in London hosted this event, headlined by Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog. The poster aimed for a more serious, professional vibe, emphasizing the marquee matchup. Though it could have included more venue elements, it successfully conveyed the importance of the event.
8. SummerSlam 2001: Taking place on August 19, 2001, at the Compaq Center in San Jose, California, the main event featured Booker T vs. The Rock. The poster centered on Rock striking his famous pose with the word “Finally” behind him, effectively capturing his aura and the excitement of the event.
7. SummerSlam 2012: Held on August 19, 2012, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, this poster featured the tagline “The Perfect Storm,” showing Brock Lesnar’s rain-covered intense face, symbolizing the clash amid sunny and stormy imagery. Lesnar went on to defeat Triple H in the main event, despite breaking his arm.
6. SummerSlam 2009: On August 23, 2009, at the Staples Center, the main event was Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk. The poster resembled those of WrestleMania with various stars prominently displayed against a star-themed background, complementing the event’s logo colors.
5. SummerSlam 2000: This August 27, 2000 event at the Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena featured Rock vs. Triple H vs. Kurt Angle. The poster embodied the Attitude Era with broken glass motifs and spotlighted Rock alongside Triple H and Undertaker, making for a memorable design.
4. SummerSlam 2004: Held on August 15, 2004, at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, this poster incorporated an Olympic Games theme, showcasing WWE stars like Big Show, Rey Mysterio, Undertaker, and Batista in various athletic poses, creating a clean and professional presentation.
3. SummerSlam 1997: On August 3, 1997, at the Continental Airlines Arena, the main event featured Undertaker vs. Bret Hart. The poster contrasted Bret Hart standing over his logo with Undertaker looming in a smoky purple sky, highlighting the rivalry’s intensity.
2. SummerSlam 2006: The August 20, 2006, poster from the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston was playful and humorous, showing D-Generation X members Shawn Michaels and Triple H hosting a barbecue by the pool with other WWE stars, capturing a fun SummerSlam spirit despite somewhat amateurish editing.
1. SummerSlam 2002: Taking place on August 25, 2002, at Nassau Coliseum, with Rock vs. Brock Lesnar as the main event, the poster’s simplicity and warm sunset hues, featuring The Rock’s face in the sky, evoke a nostalgic and special SummerSlam feeling, resonating as one of the greatest.
Fan Take: These posters do more than just advertise events; they capture the unique energy and moments that define each SummerSlam. For WWE fans, they are a visual celebration of wrestling history and storytelling that continue to fuel passion for the sport.
