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: America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
Date: August 24, 2003
Attendance: 16,113
MAIN EVENT:
Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Championship:
Triple H (c) vs. Goldberg vs. Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Nash vs. Randy Orton vs. Shawn Michaels
This was the second Elimination Chamber match in WWE history, and it was Goldberg’s time—or so it seemed. He tore through the competition, eliminating Orton, Michaels, and Jericho in dominant fashion before standing alone with a battered Triple H, who had been hiding behind his Evolution teammates and a protective chainmail vest (thanks to a real-life groin injury).
Despite the red-hot crowd and Goldberg’s momentum, Triple H hit a sledgehammer-assisted finish to retain the title. Fans were stunned—and furious.
Why it Mattered:
This match was intended to make Goldberg, and while it did to some extent, the ending sparked outrage. It became a lightning rod for criticism of the “Reign of Terror” era of Triple H’s dominance. Still, the match itself delivered drama, violence, and memorable moments.
WHAT TO WATCH:
1. Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar (WWE Championship)
Two legitimate athletes with incredible chemistry. Angle and Lesnar traded suplexes, submissions, and reversals in a match that was every bit the athletic clash fans expected. Angle retained by making Lesnar tap to the ankle lock, giving him a bit of revenge for WrestleMania XIX.
2. Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit vs. Tajiri vs. Rhyno (U.S. Championship – Fatal 4-Way)
A fast-paced, action-packed bout showcasing four elite workers. Guerrero retained in a match filled with wild spots, submission counters, and nonstop energy. The crowd loved it, and it gave the U.S. Title renewed prestige.
3. Shane McMahon vs. Eric Bischoff
This overachieved. What started as a spectacle turned into a fun, chaotic match, featuring run-ins from Steve Austin and a returning Linda McMahon. Shane hit a Coast-to-Coast, Bischoff took a beating, and it was exactly the kind of “Attitude-lite” fun SummerSlam needed.
WHAT TO SKIP:
Kane vs. Rob Van Dam (No Holds Barred Match)
This was part of Kane’s unmasking storyline, but it didn’t land. Despite their chemistry, the match was slow and underwhelming. Kane’s post-match chokeslam through the stage was memorable—but not enough to save the bout.
La Résistance vs. The Dudley Boyz (World Tag Team Titles)
A forgettable tag title match that suffered from crowd apathy and clunky execution. The feud had run its course, and the match felt like filler despite the Dudleys’ popularity.
AFTERMATH:
SummerSlam 2003 was a tale of two brands. SmackDown was thriving with Angle, Lesnar, Eddie, and Benoit delivering high-caliber matches. Raw, however, was mired in creative stagnation, with Triple H’s dominance suffocating emerging stars like Goldberg.
Still, the show provided star power, violence, and storytelling in true SummerSlam fashion. And while Goldberg didn’t win here, the seeds were planted for his eventual coronation one month later at Unforgiven.
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