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: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Date: August 15, 2010
Attendance: 17,463
Promoted by: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
MAIN EVENT:
Team WWE (John Cena, Edge, Chris Jericho, Bret Hart, R-Truth, John Morrison & Daniel Bryan) vs. The Nexus (7-on-7 Elimination Tag Match)
This was the culmination of one of the hottest angles WWE had seen in years. The Nexus, a group of NXT rookies led by Wade Barrett, had been wreaking havoc since debuting in June, and SummerSlam was supposed to be their coronation.
Instead, it was John Cena’s.
After being DDT’d on the concrete and seemingly eliminated, Cena made a miraculous comeback, taking out Justin Gabriel and Barrett in back-to-back moments and winning the match for Team WWE. The finish—produced largely at Cena’s insistence—sparked major debate backstage and among fans, with many feeling The Nexus lost all their momentum in one night.
Why it Mattered:
This match was the peak—and sudden fall—of The Nexus. It also marked Daniel Bryan’s triumphant return to WWE after being released earlier in the summer, adding a layer of redemption to the match. Still, the decision to have Cena go over is one of the most second-guessed creative calls of the decade.
WHAT TO WATCH:
1. Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Kofi Kingston (Intercontinental Championship)
A solid midcard match that showcased the athleticism and timing of two future main-eventers. The bout ended in a no-contest due to Nexus interference, but what we got was high-energy and well-executed.
2. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus (WWE Championship)
While the DQ finish dulled its impact, the match itself was a strong showing for both men. Orton’s popularity was surging, and Sheamus was still developing as a top heel. Post-match, Orton’s RKO on the steel steps was a great exclamation point.
3. Team WWE vs. The Nexus (despite the booking)
The match itself was thrilling. Bryan’s surprise return, the storytelling between Edge and Jericho, and Nexus dominating most of the bout created a compelling narrative. Only the finish truly hurt its legacy.
WHAT TO SKIP:
Big Show vs. The Straight Edge Society (3-on-1 Handicap Match)
Despite CM Punk being involved, this was a forgettable squash. Show ran through the SES, and the match did little to help anyone involved. Punk’s star power was wasted here.
Melina vs. Alicia Fox (Divas Championship)
Melina returned in front of her hometown crowd and won the title, but the match was too short to matter. The women’s division was in a holding pattern until the true Divas Revolution would begin years later.
AFTERMATH:
SummerSlam 2010 will always be remembered for the night Nexus lost their edge—and for John Cena’s questionable creative influence. While it delivered entertaining action and significant returns (Bryan), it also exposed WWE’s resistance to letting new stars truly break through.
Despite that, the energy and crowd investment in the main event carried the night. And while The Nexus never recovered, Daniel Bryan’s long road to WrestleMania glory quietly began here.
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