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: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York
Date: August 25, 2002
Attendance: 14,797
Promoted by: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE – rebranded in May 2002)
MAIN EVENT:
Brock Lesnar (w/ Paul Heyman) vs. The Rock (Undisputed WWE Championship)
This was more than a title match—it was the symbolic passing of the torch. Brock Lesnar, barely five months into his main roster run, defeated The Rock clean in the middle of the ring, cementing himself as the future of WWE. The match was intense, hard-hitting, and backed by a molten crowd that turned on The Rock and fully embraced the Next Big Thing.
Lesnar’s mix of speed, power, and believability was unlike anything fans had seen since the early days of Goldberg or early ’90s Vader. After multiple F-5s, Brock stood tall with the championship, officially becoming the youngest Undisputed Champion in WWE history.
Why it Mattered:
This wasn’t just about Lesnar winning—it was about The Rock leaving. The crowd knew it, and WWE leaned into it. Brock’s win was clean, dominant, and decisive. It signaled the dawn of a new, ruthless era in WWE.
WHAT TO WATCH:
1. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H (Unsanctioned Street Fight)
This was supposed to be a one-night-only comeback for Shawn Michaels. Instead, it turned into a masterpiece. Wrestling his first match in over four years, HBK proved he hadn’t lost a step. The emotion, storytelling, and brutality delivered one of the greatest matches of either man’s career. Michaels won, but was attacked post-match with a sledgehammer—reigniting a feud that would define the next several years.
2. Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio
A dazzling opener and Rey Mysterio’s WWE pay-per-view debut. This was a sprint, with Angle grounding Rey’s aerial assault at every turn. The chemistry was instant, and the crowd was white-hot. In just under 10 minutes, they delivered a modern classic.
3. Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero
Two workhorses with something to prove. Guerrero was just getting back into his groove, and Edge was on the rise. Hard-hitting, technical, and crisp—this match is often overlooked but absolutely worth revisiting.
WHAT TO SKIP:
Undertaker vs. Test
While not terrible, it felt like a Raw main event. Undertaker winning with little challenge and dispatching Test didn’t do much to elevate either man. This was more about America vs. The Un-Americans had a meaningful feud.
Trish Stratus & Bubba Ray Dudley vs. Molly Holly & Christopher Nowinski
This mixed tag was short and forgettable. Trish was improving rapidly, but the match itself was basic filler and had no real bearing on future storylines.
AFTERMATH:
SummerSlam 2002 is considered a modern classic for good reason. It elevated Brock Lesnar, reintroduced a better-than-ever Shawn Michaels, and featured a stacked card with incredible in-ring quality. The event also marked the final pay-per-view match for The Rock until 2003, as he transitioned into Hollywood full-time.
This wasn’t just a great wrestling show—it was a reset button for WWE. With stars like Lesnar, Angle, Edge, and Mysterio ascending, and Shawn Michaels returning, the post-Attitude Era finally found its identity.
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