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 17, 2014
Attendance: 17,537
Promoted by: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
MAIN EVENT:
John Cena (WWE World Heavyweight Champion) vs. Brock Lesnar
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match
Billed as a blockbuster clash, this match turned into something no one saw coming—an absolute mauling. Brock Lesnar hit John Cena with 16 German suplexes and two F-5s in the most lopsided main event in SummerSlam history. Cena barely got any offense in, and the crowd watched in stunned silence as The Beast conquered the company’s poster boy.
This wasn’t just a title change. It was a statement: Lesnar was untouchable.
Why it Mattered:
This match redefined Brock Lesnar’s character post-Streak. WWE turned a typical “big fight feel” main event into a squash that reshaped how dominant booking could look. It also shook Cena’s aura for the first time in a decade. Nothing was the same after this.
WHAT TO WATCH:
1. Stephanie McMahon vs. Brie Bella
What could’ve been a throwaway was instead one of the most entertaining matches of the night. Stephanie looked sharp in her first match in over a decade, and the crowd was hot. The match ended in a shocking heel turn by Nikki Bella, attacking her sister and aligning with the Authority. The segment, not the wrestling, made it memorable.
2. Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton
A big test for Reigns as a solo star, and he passed. Orton gave a veteran performance, and the match had strong psychology. Reigns kicked out of an RKO and hit a massive spear to earn a statement win.
3. The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler (Intercontinental Championship)
A great opener that saw Ziggler win gold again. Miz’s Hollywood heel persona was in full swing, and Dolph was at peak babyface momentum. A feel-good start to the night.
WHAT TO SKIP:
Rusev vs. Jack Swagger (Flag Match)
Both guys worked hard, and the crowd was into it, but the match fell flat. The stipulation was confusing, and Rusev winning (again) did little to elevate either man beyond midcard status.
AJ Lee vs. Paige (Divas Championship)
While this match had potential and a cool finish, it was rushed and lacked flow. Paige won her second title on her 22nd birthday, but they’d have better matches later.
AFTERMATH:
SummerSlam 2014 was Brock Lesnar’s show. His dismantling of Cena rewired how WWE handled dominance and storytelling. The aftermath led to months of Lesnar’s near-mythic title reign, while Cena shifted into a more nuanced veteran role.
Elsewhere, Reigns gained credibility, The Authority continued manipulating outcomes, and the Bellas launched a personal feud that would carry through the fall. This show may not have had a five-star card from top to bottom—but the main event alone made it a historic night.
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