WWE SummerSlam 2024: 3 Things We Hated And 3 Things We Loved

Welcome to WatchWrestling2.com’s annual review of WWE SummerSlam 2024! Last year, we ambitiously covered “4 things we hated and 4 things we loved,” but now we’re sticking to our usual “3 things” format. Despite the change, we managed to cover all seven matches from SummerSlam 2024. For a complete picture, check out our SummerSlam results page. Here are three things we hated and three things we loved about WWE SummerSlam 2024!

Hated: Breakker’s Trial Run at the IC Title

I have to start by saying I absolutely love Bron Breakker. His growth since “WWE NXT” has been impressive. However, his Intercontinental title win at WWE SummerSlam 2024 should have happened at Money in the Bank. Sami Zayn, though great, should have moved on to challenge GUNTHER instead.

The match leading up to SummerSlam 2024 was predictable and lacked variety. Despite being a fast-paced match, it was expected to be quick, especially with Breakker’s style. Many fans, including those at WINC, believed Breakker would win this time. Zayn’s victory over GUNTHER at WrestleMania 40 was notable, but it’s time for him to move on and for Breakker to shine.

Hated: The Ballad of the Brass Knucks Ends with a Whimper

The match between LA Knight and Logan Paul for the United States Championship had the potential to be the best of Knight’s career. Paul continued to impress with his wrestling skills. However, the ending was disappointing.

For the past year, Paul has been winning matches using brass knuckles. The expected counter was for someone to figure out how to neutralize them. Instead, LA Knight simply no-sold the brass knuckles, countered Paul’s move, and won the title.

Hated: Tiffy Time for a Hot Minute, but Only a Minute

During WWE SummerSlam 2024, when Bayley and Nia Jax were engaged in their intense championship match, Cleveland Browns Stadium was suddenly illuminated with pink lights as Tiffany Stratton’s music played. Stratton hurried to the ring with a referee and her Money in the Bank briefcase, reminding everyone of her pact with Jax to prevent a cash-in at SummerSlam. As Stratton attempted to cash in her contract, she was immediately knocked down by Bayley.

Following this, nothing significant occurred. Stratton lay in pain on the floor, and after Jax secured her victory, Stratton celebrated alongside her as if nothing had happened. Stratton is one of WWE’s most popular female wrestlers, and this scenario felt like a missed opportunity. The tease of a cash-in with no payoff left fans puzzled. Why did Jax celebrate with Stratton despite the attempted cash-in? Why was Stratton’s role in the match so inconsequential? If the intention was for Stratton to distract, why not simply have her at ringside?

This odd booking decision made Stratton feel like an afterthought, raising questions about whether her Money in the Bank cash-in was a last-minute addition. The distraction disrupted the match’s flow and detracted from Jax’s first world championship win since 2018. Although Stratton’s popularity ensures she will recover, the situation still felt unorganized and ultimately a waste of time.

Loved: McIntyre, Punk, Rollins Kill It

Despite initial skepticism about Seth Rollins serving as the special guest referee for the CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre showdown at WWE SummerSlam 2024, the decision turned out to be effective. Rollins played a non-distracting, equally vindictive mediator, engaging physically with both competitors while maintaining his authority.

McIntyre’s victory was anticipated and worked well, as Punk didn’t need a win at this stage. The match advanced the storyline effectively, setting up future possibilities involving Rollins and McIntyre. Rollins’ inclusion, initially doubted, ended up enhancing the match, paving the way for potential future showdowns, including a possible WrestleMania headliner. This segment was a highlight of SummerSlam 2024, showcasing the best of all involved.

Loved: It’s been a long time coming for The Judgment Day

When JD McDonagh joined The Judgment Day, the stable’s perfect facade began to crack. R-Truth’s involvement deepened the cracks, and Liv Morgan’s return left The Judgment Day hanging by a thread.

At WWE SummerSlam 2024, Morgan retained her title, Dominik Mysterio shared a controversial moment with her, and Damian Priest lost his championship. Finn Balor observed the chaos. While it’s not official until “WWE Raw” after SummerSlam, it’s clear The Judgment Day’s unity has been irreparably damaged. The implosion of The Judgment Day at SummerSlam marks a significant shift, and all members, including Morgan, Mysterio, Priest, Balor, and Rhea Ripley, played their roles to perfection.

The event began with a strong match between Morgan and Ripley for the WWE Women’s World Championship. Mysterio’s assistance to Morgan post-victory, followed by their unexpected kiss, left Ripley and the audience in shock. This development, although a stereotypical “two women fighting over a man” storyline, has set the stage for Morgan as a heel and Ripley as a babyface, clarifying their roles moving forward.

Balor’s betrayal of Priest was also a highlight. Their tension dates back to the early days of Señor Money in the Bank and Balor’s World Heavyweight Championship ambitions against Seth Rollins. While Mysterio’s betrayal was expected due to Morgan’s recent influence, Balor’s turn against Priest was shocking yet logical, given their history. This betrayal did not feel rushed, and it opens numerous possibilities for future storylines.

Loved: Roman Reigns wrecks Solo Sikoa and leaves

Months of “We want Roman” chants culminated in an electrifying moment at WWE SummerSlam 2024 in Cleveland. Four years after his transformation into the “Tribal Chief” at SummerSlam 2020, Roman Reigns returned as “The Original Tribal Chief” to thwart Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline splinter group from defeating Cody Rhodes.

Interference from Randy Orton and Kevin Owens, countered by Sikoa’s stable, set the stage for Reigns’ dramatic return. This moment brought closure to the rivalry with Rhodes and set the stage for The Bloodline Civil War II, aligning perfectly with the upcoming Survivor Series: WarGames. Reigns’ appearance hinted at a monumental babyface run, with the crowd firmly behind him as the anti-hero, the Batman to Cody Rhodes’ Superman. The aftermath of this confrontation remains to be seen as Solo and his group react to the events in Cleveland.