Venue: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
Date: August 23, 2015
Attendance: 15,702
Promoted by: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
MAIN EVENT:
The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar
Their first singles match since WrestleMania XXX—and the breaking of The Streak—was billed as a personal war. This time, Taker was out for revenge. What fans got was a stiff, violent, and emotional battle that veered into chaotic storytelling.
The finish? Wildly controversial. Lesnar had Taker locked in the Kimura Lock, and the timekeeper (not the referee) rang the bell, believing Taker had tapped. Amid the confusion, Taker low-blowed Brock and locked in Hell’s Gate until Lesnar passed out—flipping the script with a disputed victory.
Why it Mattered:
The finish was divisive, but it extended the feud to Hell in a Cell and gave Taker a needed win without fully derailing Lesnar’s aura. It was one of WWE’s most unique finishes in years and played up the “who really won?” narrative brilliantly.
WHAT TO WATCH:
1. Seth Rollins vs. John Cena (Winner Takes All – WWE World Heavyweight & United States Championships)
The best match of the night. Rollins and Cena had top-tier chemistry, and this was the peak of Rollins’ weasel-champion run. With both belts on the line, the match was fast, physical, and dramatic. Rollins won (with help from Jon Stewart, of all people), becoming the first man to hold both titles simultaneously.
2. Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro
A sleeper hit. Two of WWE’s best in-ring workers went all out in a match filled with crisp offense, counters, and big spots. Owens won, but both men came out looking great. It was a reward for wrestling fans who love workrate and storytelling through action.
3. The New Day vs. Prime Time Players vs. Lucha Dragons vs. Los Matadores (Fatal 4-Way – Tag Team Titles)
Fun, fast-paced chaos. New Day’s charisma was unmatched, and their win here reignited their historic tag run. Everyone got a moment to shine, but this match belonged to Big E, Kofi, and Xavier Woods.
WHAT TO SKIP:
Ryback vs. The Miz vs. Big Show (Intercontinental Championship)
This match just never clicked. Despite the star power, the action was slow, the crowd was dead, and the finish—Ryback pinning Miz while Show stood outside—felt uninspired.
Team Bella vs. PCB vs. Team B.A.D. (Triple Threat Tag Match)
The crowd was hyped for the Divas Revolution, but the match was overbooked and far too long. Each team had talent, but it lacked cohesion and flow. A noble effort that didn’t quite hit the mark—though it foreshadowed what the women’s division would become.
AFTERMATH:
SummerSlam 2015 showed WWE’s shift into the New Era. Rollins was at the top of his game. The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar brought drama, and the seeds of the Women’s Evolution were officially planted—even if the match didn’t land.
The finish to Taker/Lesnar was polarizing, the Stewart interference was head-scratching, but the wrestling quality was high across the board. This four-hour event felt like a true “WrestleMania of the summer”—chaotic, ambitious, and conversation-starting.
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