Venue: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Date: August 29, 1994
Attendance: 23,000
Promoted by: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
MAIN EVENT:
Bret “Hitman” Hart (WWF Champion) vs. Owen Hart (Steel Cage Match – WWF Championship)
More than just a title match, this was the emotional and technical apex of the long-brewing Hart family feud. Bret vs. Owen wasn’t about theatrics—it was about pride, legacy, and proving who truly was the best there is, was, and ever will be. The steel cage kept outside interference at bay (mostly), allowing the brothers to put on a dramatic, 30-minute clinic of psychology, athleticism, and pacing.
Bret retained the title by climbing over the cage, narrowly beating Owen in a race to the floor. But the post-match ambush by Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, who joined Owen in attacking Bret, made it clear this war wasn’t over.
Why it Mattered:
This was one of the greatest steel cage matches in WWF history. Bret proved his legitimacy as champion, while Owen firmly established himself as a main-event heel. It also gave fans a satisfying continuation of the best in-ring feud of 1994.
WHAT TO WATCH:
1. The Undertaker vs. The “Fake” Undertaker
Yes, the match itself is slow and clunky—but the spectacle, buildup, and bizarre “double vision” storyline deserve credit. Ted DiBiase’s fake Taker (Brian Lee) versus Paul Bearer’s real one was weird, but it worked in its own way thanks to the production and the surreal vibe. Plus, the debut of the druids and the eerie purple lighting cemented Taker’s evolution into a darker character.
2. Razor Ramon vs. Diesel (Intercontinental Championship)
A hard-hitting, well-paced bout featuring two of the WWF’s future stars. Shawn Michaels added chaos at ringside, leading to Walter Payton—yes, that Walter Payton—helping Razor secure the win. An underrated gem with big names and Chicago crowd heat.
3. Alundra Blayze vs. Bull Nakano (WWF Women’s Championship)
One of the best women’s matches of the 1990s in WWF. Nakano was a legitimate threat, and Blayze sold her offense beautifully. Physical, fast-paced, and a rare spotlight for women’s wrestling at the time.
WHAT TO SKIP:
Tatanka vs. Lex Luger
The match wasn’t bad, but the real story was the post-match heel turn. Tatanka, not Luger, was in league with Ted DiBiase. While the turn was well executed, the match itself felt like a setup, not a payoff.
Mabel vs. Jeff Jarrett
A filler match with little build and no consequence. Both men would have better nights in the years to come, but this wasn’t one of them.
AFTERMATH:
SummerSlam 1994 helped solidify the New Generation Era. Bret Hart continued to carry the company on his back, while Owen emerged as a credible top heel. The tag scene and women’s division had brief sparks of brilliance, and Razor vs. Diesel showcased the company’s evolving main-event scene.
The event also marked the WWF’s first major show at the newly opened United Center, underscoring the company’s commitment to presenting major matches with a “big fight” feel—even if the card had its strange moments.
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