WWE’s SummerSlam event has produced many memorable shows over the years, with standout years like 1992, 2001, 2002, and 2013 often hailed as some of the best. However, the 2014 edition is frequently overlooked despite being one of the most consistently entertaining and solid cards from start to finish. While it may not top the all-time lists, SummerSlam 2014 deserves more recognition from fans for its quality matches and exciting moments.
The undercard of SummerSlam 2014 was notably strong. Dolph Ziggler captured the Intercontinental Championship from The Miz in a fast-paced opening match that energized the crowd. Paige and A.J. Lee also delivered an impactful Diva Championship bout despite a brief time slot. Rusev’s flag match against Jack Swagger wasn’t the night’s highlight but still played its part well, helping to build Rusev’s character as a dominant foreign heel. Bray Wyatt scored a significant win over Chris Jericho, adding depth to the event with no weak matches on the card.
The biggest matches of the night all lived up to expectations. The Lumberjack match featuring Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose stood out as perhaps the best of its kind, filled with brutal action and intense rivalry. Stephanie McMahon surprised fans with a strong in-ring performance in her first match in 11 years, holding her own against Brie Bella and helping elevate the Bella twins as key figures in the Diva division. Roman Reigns faced Randy Orton in another well-executed match, showcasing Reigns’ potential as a rising star despite his momentum soon fading.
The main event between Brock Lesnar and John Cena was an unforgettable showdown. Lesnar dominated Cena from start to finish in a shocking display that firmly established him as WWE’s most fearsome performer. Cena, known for his resilience, was decisively overpowered, and the brutal match closed the show on an intense and historic note. This bold booking made SummerSlam 2014 a true classic and a must-watch event that remains underrated today.
Fan Take: For WWE fans, SummerSlam 2014 is a testament to the power of strong storytelling and consistent match quality throughout an entire event. Rediscovering this show reminds us that memorable moments come from more than just star power—they come from passion, creativity, and the willingness to shake up expectations in professional wrestling.
