Jul 27, 2026, 09:09 AM ET

SummerSlam has stood as a key WWE event since 1988. Among the promotion's standout bouts are Bret Hart facing his brother Owen in a steel cage classic (1994), the debut TLC encounter (2000), Shawn Michaels returning to face Triple H (2002) and CM Punk meeting Brock Lesnar (2013).

Yet those contests did not headline the card.

With the 39th SummerSlam set for Saturday and Sunday, here is a review of some of the most notable main-event matches in the history of WWE's biggest summer party.

1988 | The Mega Powers (Hulk Hogan & 'Macho Man' Randy Savage) vs. The Mega Bucks (Andre the Giant & Ted DiBiase)

The opening SummerSlam main event delivered a clash that embodied the period in WWE. Hogan and Savage served as the top fan favorites, their partnership carrying a super-team vibe thanks to strong chemistry and building friction that led to their split in 1989.

Opposite them, Andre the Giant and DiBiase acted as leading villains. Jesse Ventura worked as special guest referee, adding prestige to the bout.

The ending featured Savage's wife Miss Elizabeth stepping onto the apron to distract the heels, swinging momentum toward Hogan and Savage. They finished the job as Hogan landed his leg drop on DiBiase. Ventura, aligned with the heels, paused on the count until Savage forced his hand down for the three-count. The match offered strong contrasts, big personalities, crowd heat and a finish that drew fans into the moment.

1992 | The British Bulldog vs. Bret Hart

The 1992 SummerSlam marked the first premium event held outside North America, taking place at London's Wembley Stadium.

Local star British Bulldog challenged brother-in-law Bret Hart for the Intercontinental Championship in a main event often ranked among the best in SummerSlam history.

The contest built to a tense finish, with Hart outwrestling Bulldog at key points. Bulldog reversed a sunset flip attempt and pinned Hart's legs for the three-count to claim the title. The conclusion boosted Bulldog's standing and stands as one of SummerSlam's signature images.

2002 | Brock Lesnar vs. The Rock

Lesnar enjoyed a breakout 2002. He arrived on the main roster in March, captured the King of the Ring tournament in June and earned a WWE Championship main event at SummerSlam against The Rock.

The match marked a shift as WWE moved from the Attitude Era toward the Ruthless Aggression period.

The Rock tried a Rock Bottom, but Lesnar reversed it into an F-5 for the win. The crowd, strongly behind Lesnar, booed The Rock, showing readiness for new stars.

2006 | Edge vs. John Cena

Few rivalries defined careers like the one between Edge and Cena. It started in January 2006 when Edge became the first to cash in Money in the Bank against Cena after an Elimination Chamber win at New Year's Revolution.

By SummerSlam, Edge held the WWE title for a second time. The main event advanced their story and solidified Edge as a top heel.

Edge kept the title in a strong match thanks to Lita, who handed him brass knuckles to stun Cena and retain the belt while deepening their feud.

2008 | The Undertaker vs. Edge (Hell in a Cell)

This marked the first Hell in a Cell match at SummerSlam and closed a year-long Undertaker-Edge rivalry on SmackDown.

The bout highlighted Undertaker at his most destructive. He used tables, chairs, ladders and steps in wild spots. Undertaker beat Edge, then choke-slammed him through the ring as flames rose, creating a striking visual. The showing underscored Undertaker's command in Hell in a Cell settings.

2013 | Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena

Cena selected Bryan as his opponent, boosting the rising star riding the Yes Movement fan wave.

After a competitive match, Bryan pinned Cena cleanly with his running knee. The celebration ended quickly when guest referee Triple H turned on Bryan with a Pedigree, letting Randy Orton cash in Money in the Bank to win the WWE title.

The angle set up Bryan's WrestleMania XXX peak and ranks as a key moment of the decade.

2022 | Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar

Reigns and Lesnar met several times, yet few reached the level of this Last Man Standing main event.

The wild match featured broken tables, smashed chairs, steel steps and a teased Money in the Bank cash-in by Austin Theory. The standout spot came when Lesnar drove his tractor into the ring and lifted a section of the canvas, sending Reigns tumbling. The Usos then interfered for Reigns, burying Lesnar under debris to win.

2025 | CM Punk vs. Gunther

The match pitted veteran antihero CM Punk against powerhouse Gunther. It blended drama, physicality and strong storytelling as Punk defeated Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship.

The celebration ended when Seth Rollins returned on crutches with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Rollins dropped the crutches, attacked the tired Punk and cashed in to become the new champion in the so-called Ruse of the Century.

2025 | Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena

At WrestleMania 41 in April 2025, Cena captured a record 17th world title after a heel turn, ending Rhodes' long reign.

The rematch at SummerSlam Night 2 used street fight rules and proved far more intense. Rhodes hit a Cody Cutter through a table and a final Cross Rhodes to win, completing his redemption arc by reclaiming the top title.

The night closed with Brock Lesnar returning to interrupt Cena's farewell with an F-5, leading to their Wrestlepalooza match.