The main event of SummerSlam Night 1 showcased CM Punk facing Gunther for the World Championship. Contrary to speculation about Seth Rollins potentially interfering due to his recent injury, WWE opted for a decisive outcome.
Punk faced arguably his toughest challenger since his WWE comeback in what was his biggest singles match yet. Fresh off a loss in WrestleMania’s main event, Punk aimed to redeem himself in New Jersey. The match started with both wrestlers cautiously gauging each other. Early on, Punk injured his arm trying to fend off Gunther’s powerful chops, one of the latter’s signature moves. Gunther relentlessly targeted Punk’s arm and took control of the match. Despite Punk’s repeated efforts to fight back, Gunther dominated, delivering heavy chops that left Punk bleeding and battered.
As the match progressed, Punk showed signs of resilience, landing impactful kicks and a neckbreaker, but Gunther remained in control. After multiple exchanges and dramatic high-risk maneuvers, including a failed top-rope attempt by Punk, Gunther executed a frog splash but Punk kicked out. Even after several brutal clotheslines, Punk’s stubbornness kept him in the fight. He attempted his GTS finishing move, but Gunther countered with power bombs and a dinosaur dropkick. Despite severe punishment, Punk kept fighting.
Gunther grew overconfident and taunted Punk outside the ring, but Punk seized the moment to slam Gunther onto an announce table, causing Gunther to bleed profusely. The match reached a climax when Punk went for another GTS, which Gunther countered with a sleeper hold. Punk reversed it and landed a second GTS, securing the victory and claiming the World Championship.
Immediately after, Seth Rollins appeared, accompanied by Paul Heyman, on crutches. He warned Punk of his intentions before dramatically revealing that his injury was a ruse. Rollins removed his knee braces and attacked Punk relentlessly, using the Money in the Bank briefcase to cash in his title opportunity. Rollins dominated Punk, delivering a decisive stomp and taking the championship from him. Rollins and Heyman gloated post-match while Punk lay devastated in the ring.
Fan Take: This dramatic title change and sudden Rollins cash-in shake up WWE’s landscape, offering fans thrilling storylines and intense rivalries ahead. It highlights WWE’s commitment to unpredictable and emotionally charged moments that keep viewers invested in the sport’s evolving narratives.
