From body slams to broken hearts, SummerSlam has always been WWE’s midsummer proving ground. Since 1988, this annual event has delivered unforgettable moments, classic matches, and storyline shifts that have redefined careers. At Back Sports Page, we’re diving deep into every SummerSlam in history—breaking down the main events, spotlighting the must-watch bouts, skipping the filler, and analyzing the aftermath that shaped the future. Whether it’s legends colliding, titles changing hands, or unexpected swerves, this series captures it all. Welcome to the ultimate retrospective on The Biggest Party of the Summer.
Venue: MCI Center, Washington, D.C.
Date: August 21, 2005
Attendance: 18,176
MAIN EVENT:
Hulk Hogan vs. Shawn Michaels
This wasn’t for a title—it was for legacy, pride, and ego. Billed as “Icon vs. Icon,” the dream match between Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels was drenched in backstage politics and creative tension. Originally pitched as a trilogy, plans fell apart over control and outcomes. What fans got was one match—and one of the most infamous performances in SummerSlam history.
Michaels, clearly frustrated with creative direction, oversold almost every move Hogan delivered in cartoonish fashion, turning what could’ve been a classic into a bizarre spectacle. Hogan hit the leg drop and won, but the buzz afterward was more about HBK’s antics than Hogan’s victory.
Why it Mattered:
Despite the circus, the bout drew huge interest and remains one of the most talked-about main events in SummerSlam history. It was the first—and only—meeting between two of the industry’s biggest icons.
WHAT TO WATCH:
1. Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero (Custody of Dominik – Ladder Match)
Yes, the storyline was absurd, but the match was phenomenal. Emotional, violent, and high-risk, Rey and Eddie put on a war that tugged at real feelings beneath the soap opera setup. Rey’s win provided a satisfying conclusion to their intense and deeply personal rivalry.
2. John Cena vs. Chris Jericho (WWE Championship)
This was Cena’s first SummerSlam as WWE Champion, and Jericho pushed him to the limit. A crisp, back-and-forth match that elevated Cena’s credibility in the ring. The crowd was hot, split between cheers and boos for both men—a preview of Cena’s polarizing future.
3. Kurt Angle vs. Eugene
It was a squash, but an entertaining one. Angle was ruthless, the crowd was behind him, and it re-established him as a no-nonsense threat. Eugene played his role well, but this was all about making Angle look dominant again.
WHAT TO SKIP:
The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Their feud was great overall, but this match wasn’t the strongest chapter. Pacing issues, a flat crowd, and a predictable run-in from “Cowboy” Bob Orton made this feel more like a TV segment than a SummerSlam showdown.
Edge vs. Matt Hardy
Given the real-life heat behind the feud—stemming from Lita and Edge’s affair—fans expected fireworks. But the match was short, bloody, and ended with a referee stoppage. It served a purpose but didn’t come close to matching the hype.
AFTERMATH:
SummerSlam 2005 was a turning point. Hogan would disappear after one final nostalgia run. Michaels returned to regular programming, slowly transitioning into one of the best storytellers of the decade. Cena continued to polarize fans, while Edge and Hardy’s feud would get more brutal—and better—on Raw.
It wasn’t the most technically sound SummerSlam, but it was explosive, unpredictable, and packed with attitude—just the way WWE wanted it.
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