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 c
Venue: Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Date: August 17, 2008
Attendance: 15,997
MAIN EVENT:
The Undertaker vs. Edge (Hell in a Cell Match)
Following their brutal feud over the World Heavyweight Championship, which saw everything from flaming tables to wedding sabotage, the war between Edge and The Undertaker culminated inside Hell in a Cell. Though it wasn’t as violent as some past Cell classics, it was dripping with story and emotional payoff.
Edge was desperate, devious, and fearless—channeling all of his Rated-R tricks—but The Undertaker was relentless. He won decisively, then added insult to injury by chokeslamming Edge through the ring in a post-match symbolic “send to hell” moment, complete with fire and smoke.
Why it Mattered:
This match wrapped up one of the best rivalries of the PG era and re-established the Cell as a match for finality. It also sent Edge away for a brief storyline hiatus, allowing his character to reset before returning reinvigorated.
WHAT TO WATCH:
1. John Cena vs. Batista
A true “dream match” of the Ruthless Aggression Era, pitting two of WWE’s top stars against each other for the first time in a major singles match. It lived up to the hype with a stiff, hard-hitting encounter. Cena tore his neck in the process, but gutted through the finish, putting over Batista clean with two Batista Bombs. A defining win for The Animal.
2. CM Punk vs. JBL (World Heavyweight Championship)
Punk was still finding his footing as champion, but he proved he could hang with a top-tier heel like JBL. The match was physical and more about credibility than flash. Punk retained clean, a necessary step in solidifying him as a main eventer.
3. MVP vs. Jeff Hardy
A midcard gem that furthered MVP’s rise and gave Jeff a strong performance in defeat. Both men were on the verge of breaking through to the next level, and this match showcased their chemistry and athleticism.
WHAT TO SKIP:
Triple H vs. The Great Khali (WWE Championship)
This was a slog. Triple H did what he could, but Khali’s limitations again hurt the overall product. The match was short and basic, with no suspense regarding the outcome.
Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry (ECW Championship)
A three-minute non-match ending in a DQ after Tony Atlas interfered. While it advanced a story, it didn’t belong on a card this big. ECW continued to feel like a distant third brand.
AFTERMATH:
SummerSlam 2008 marked a shift in WWE’s power structure. Punk retained his title, Batista finally bested Cena, and The Undertaker sent Edge to hell (temporarily). It was a night where newer stars were pushed to the forefront, while established icons like Triple H and Taker anchored the show.
Though not the most loaded SummerSlam ever, the event succeeded in spotlighting transition, renewal, and rivalry resolution—true to the spirit of WWE’s summer classic.
hanging hands, or unexpected swerves, this series captures it all. Welcome to the ultimate retrospective on The Biggest Party of the Summer.
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