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: Pittsburgh Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: August 27, 1995
Attendance: 18,062
MAIN EVENT:
Diesel (WWF Champion) vs. King Mabel (WWF Championship)
Despite holding the title for nearly nine months, Diesel’s reign was already wearing thin by the time he headlined against King Mabel. Unfortunately, the match did little to help. Mabel’s push—fueled by his King of the Ring win—never truly connected with fans. The match was sluggish, poorly received, and even included a botched spot where Mabel accidentally injured Diesel with a sit-down splash.
Diesel retained, but the main event left a sour taste and confirmed that Mabel wasn’t ready for the main event spotlight.
Why it Mattered:
This match is often cited as one of the weakest SummerSlam main events. It marked the downturn of Diesel’s babyface run and prompted Vince McMahon to start rethinking how to position the title scene moving forward.
WHAT TO WATCH:
1. Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon (Intercontinental Championship – Ladder Match)
This rematch from WrestleMania X delivered. While not as revolutionary as the original, it was more polished, more psychological, and arguably more dramatic. Michaels retained in a spectacular battle that solidified both men as cornerstones of the New Generation Era. A must-watch classic.
2. Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. Isaac Yankem, DDS
Yes, it’s Kane in his first major gimmick—and yes, it’s absurd. But Bret works his magic, dragging a decent match out of a limited gimmick. The post-match angle involving the steel cage and Jerry Lawler adds to the spectacle and keeps the Hart-Lawler feud going.
3. The Undertaker vs. Kama (Casket Match)
This feud was long and slow, but the casket match was a fitting conclusion. Taker’s presentation, Paul Bearer’s presence, and Kama’s physicality made it better than expected. Plus, Taker’s casket customization for Kama gave it a nice, spooky touch.
WHAT TO SKIP:
Barry Horowitz vs. Skip
While Horowitz’s underdog story was fun for a bit, this rematch with Skip (Chris Candido) didn’t need to be on pay-per-view. It felt like a Superstars TV segment stretched too long.
Bertha Faye vs. Alundra Blayze (WWF Women’s Championship)
This match was more about comedy and awkwardness than athleticism. Both women were capable workers, but the presentation undermined them completely.
AFTERMATH:
SummerSlam 1995 exposed the cracks in WWF’s main event structure. Diesel’s popularity was fading, Mabel was not ready, and fans were clearly gravitating toward more dynamic workers like Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart.
The real standout was the ladder match—again proving that Michaels and Razor could steal the show any night of the week. Behind the scenes, it also confirmed HBK’s rise toward the main event, a climb that would culminate just months later at WrestleMania XII.
If nothing else, SummerSlam ‘95 was a warning bell: the New Generation needed fresh direction—and fast.
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