As the countdown to WWE SummerSlam 2025 at MetLife Stadium begins, Back Sports Page proudly launches the SummerSlam Review Series—a nostalgic, in-depth look back at the most iconic moments in the history of WWE’s summer spectacle. From the legendary main events to unforgettable rivalries and pivotal turning points, we’ll revisit each SummerSlam in chronological order, breaking down what made them special—and what didn’t. Join us on this journey through time as we relive the legacy of SummerSlam while building the excitement for one of the biggest wrestling events ever to hit the New York/New Jersey area.
Venue: The Palace of Auburn Hills, Michigan
Date: August 30, 1993
Attendance: 23,954
MAIN EVENT:
Yokozuna (WWF Champion, w/ Mr. Fuji & Jim Cornette) vs. Lex Luger
WWF Championship Match
After body-slamming Yokozuna on the USS Intrepid in July, Lex Luger was launched as America’s next hope—the heir apparent to Hulk Hogan’s throne. The Lex Express tour was marketed as a national movement, culminating in this title shot. On paper, it had all the makings of a coronation.
But in the match’s final moments, Luger won… by count-out.
The decision stunned fans. Luger celebrated like he’d just won the Super Bowl, hoisted on babyfaces’ shoulders with confetti raining down—despite the fact that titles don’t change hands on count-outs. It was a marketing misfire and a critical turning point: Luger’s momentum fizzled, and he never fully recovered as WWF’s top babyface.
Why it Mattered:
This was supposed to be Luger’s moment. Instead, it marked the beginning of the end for his main-event run. Behind the scenes, Vince McMahon reportedly had second thoughts about making him champion—and that indecision echoed through this confusing finish.
WHAT TO WATCH:
1. Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. Doink the Clown/Jerry “The King” Lawler
A brilliant piece of storytelling. Hart was set to face Lawler, who feigned injury and substituted Doink. Bret beat Doink, only for Lawler to reveal he was fine and attack Bret. The second match was filled with drama, heat, and technical excellence. Even the DQ finish worked for the story.
2. The Steiner Brothers vs. The Heavenly Bodies (Tag Team Championship)
An underrated gem. Fast-paced and hard-hitting, this match showcased the Steiners’ athleticism in their home state. The Heavenly Bodies were great heels, and Jim Cornette’s ringside antics added flair.
3. Razor Ramon vs. Ted DiBiase
Short but effective. This match helped solidify Razor as a rising face while quietly ushering DiBiase out—he retired from in-ring action shortly after. It’s a meaningful “passing the torch” moment.
WHAT TO SKIP:
Undertaker vs. Giant Gonzalez (Rest in Peace Match)
A rematch nobody needed. The feud overstayed its welcome, and while the gimmick match tried to add intrigue, it was slow, awkward, and full of gimmicky fog and symbolism. Watch for historical curiosity only.
IRS vs. 1-2-3 Kid
Two talented workers, but the crowd wasn’t into it, and the match never got out of second gear. It felt like a Monday Night Raw undercard bout, not a PPV feature.
AFTERMATH:
SummerSlam 1993 ended with a party, but not a payoff. Luger’s failure to win the title left a narrative void—one that would eventually be filled by Bret Hart’s redemption arc heading into WrestleMania X.
Meanwhile, Bret vs. Lawler kicked off one of the most personal and effective feuds of the era, and the undercard quietly elevated the next generation (Razor, Steiner Brothers). But the shadow of what could’ve been with Luger still looms over this show.
This wasn’t just the night Lex Luger didn’t win—it was the night WWF quietly pivoted its future elsewhere.
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