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: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date: August 15, 2004
Attendance: 17,640
MAIN EVENT:
Chris Benoit (World Heavyweight Champion) vs. Randy Orton (World Heavyweight Championship)
The moment had arrived—not for Benoit, who had fought for decades to get to the top—but for a third-generation prodigy named Randy Orton. At just 24 years old, Orton was poised, protected, and perfectly positioned by Evolution’s grip on Raw.
In a match filled with crisp counters, clean pacing, and a respectful post-match handshake that stunned the crowd, Orton hit the RKO out of nowhere and cleanly pinned Benoit. It was a coronation for the future—a controversial one in hindsight—but at the time, it marked the dawn of a new era.
Why it Mattered:
Orton became the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in WWE history, breaking Brock Lesnar’s record and stepping out of Triple H’s shadow. Benoit, ever the professional, made Orton look like a star in the process.
WHAT TO WATCH:
1. Edge vs. Batista vs. Chris Jericho (Intercontinental Championship – Triple Threat)
A hot Toronto crowd backed hometown hero Edge, and the three veterans delivered a physical, fast-paced opener. Edge retained, but Batista’s stock continued to rise and Jericho’s veteran savvy held the match together. Underrated gem.
2. Kurt Angle vs. Eddie Guerrero
A WrestleMania XX rematch with a different energy. This time, Angle was laser-focused and merciless, working Guerrero’s ankle and tapping him out clean. It was technical wrestling at its finest, with both men showing why they were the cornerstones of SmackDown.
3. JBL vs. The Undertaker (WWE Championship)
While the match itself was nothing spectacular, the post-match angle stole the show: Undertaker chokeslamming JBL through the roof of his limo. It was a wild visual that got fans talking, even if the title stayed with JBL via disqualification.
WHAT TO SKIP:
Kane vs. Matt Hardy (“Till Death Do Us Part” Match)
This storyline—centered around Lita being “forced” to marry Kane—was controversial and tasteless, and the match didn’t help. Kane won, securing the storyline marriage, but the entire angle aged poorly and felt exploitative even at the time.
Booker T vs. John Cena (Best of Five Series – Match 1)
This series had potential, but the first match felt like a throwaway TV bout. Cena’s rise was clear, but this opener didn’t have much juice. Future matches in the series would be better.
AFTERMATH:
SummerSlam 2004 officially launched Randy Orton into the main event. But just one night later, Evolution turned on him—starting a feud with Triple H that would define his early singles run. Benoit quietly returned to the midcard, while SmackDown continued to lean on Guerrero, Angle, and JBL for its top-tier programs.
The show had its uneven moments, but its historical significance can’t be denied. A new star was crowned, and WWE’s post-Attitude Era was taking shape—one calculated RKO at a time.
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