Summerslam 2023 Review: Missed Opportunities & Mistakes?

Summerslam 2023 is in the books. And boy does it look like WWE dropped the ball on a lot of feuds and matches. Let’s get into it with my thoughts on this PLE.

Logan Paul vs Ricochet

Logan Paul and Ricochet had the curtain jerker match of Summerslam 2023. Logan Paul worked over Ricochet with punches to the body, hit a running powerslam and a body slam leading to the crowd booing him. He also hit a big boot and running leg drop. Ricochet came back with spinebuster and his own version of a People’s Elbow except he did the People’s Moonsault instead. Paul gave Ricochet a big back body drop and hit a springboard clothesline while Ricochet was on the apron. They teased a Spanish Fly off the apron, but then they both landed on their feet and Ricochet gave Paul a Spanish Fly on Paul on the floor. Ricochet was back in the ring, so Paul pulled Ricochet back out to the floor.

Paul hit a somersault flip onto the floor leading to a clothesline. They teased a Spanish fly but eventually managed to land one. This was going to be the “Most Viral Match” in WWE history. I don’t think it reached those heights, but I commend them for their efforts in Summerslam 2023. Also kudos to Paul for milking his victory by teasing Samantha the ring announcer.

Cody Rhodes vs Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar fought Cody and hit him with a German Suplex. Cody came back with two Disaster Kicks. Lesnar hit his left shoulder against the ring post. Cody hit a suicide dive onto Lesnar on the floor. Lesnar picked up Cody and drove him back-first into the ring post. Lesnar hit a belly-to-belly suplex on Cody across the ring. Lesnar kicked Cody in the ribs followed by a vertical suplex. Lesnar hit a release German Suplex across the ring. Lesnar delivered another German Suplex across the ring as Cody rolled out of the ring to try to get back into it. Lesnar delivered another German Suplex across the ring. Lesnar tossed Cody out of the ring to the floor. When Cody got back into the ring, Lesnar said: “Cody, this is only going to get worse.” Lesnar hit a vertical suplex and sent Cody out of the ring again.

When Cody got back into the ring, Lesnar clotheslined Cody over the top to the floor. When Cody got to the apron, Lesnar picked him up and hit an F5 on the floor. Cody and Lesnar had an intense match. Cody managed to beat Lesnar with a Cross Rhodes after Lesnar tried to lift him up. Cody hit Cross Rhodes a second time and a third time for the pinfall win at 17:34. Lesnar had his shorts torn by the finish somehow, but nothing was exposed at least. Brock paid major respect to Cody by shaking his hand and raising it in front of the crowd and essentially gave the Brock rub to Cody. Good Summerslam 2023 for Cody Rhodes.

Summerslam 2023 SlimJim Battle Royal

In this match, Omos initially dominated by eliminating several opponents. Otis showcased his strength but was eventually eliminated by Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci. Chad Gable, Tommaso Ciampa, and others took part in eliminations. Omos displayed his power, eliminating Butch and Riddle simultaneously. Eventually, all competitors joined forces to eliminate Omos together. Grayson Waller and LA Knight stood out with impressive moves and eliminations. AJ Styles and Karrion Kross had their moments, with Kross promising future confrontations. In the end, it came down to LA Knight, Styles, and Sheamus. Knight eliminated Styles and then overcame Sheamus with a well-executed move to claim victory. The crowd nearly blew the roof at LA Knight’s win. WWE, just push him already to the fullest. But please let him be him.

Rhonda Rousey vs Shayna Bazler MMA Rules Match

Rousey and Baszler engaged in a competitive match. Baszler’s kicks and a roundhouse kick sent Rousey out of the ring, but Rousey rebounded with body shots and an armbar attempt. Baszler exited the ring due to an arm injury, prompting a check by medical personnel. Rousey dismissed them and the two clashed. Baszler executed a German Suplex and locked in the Kirifuda Clutch, causing Rousey to pass out, granting Baszler a technical submission victory. The crowd was meh on this match and I can see why. For an MMA rules match in a scripted medium like professional wrestling it doesn’t usually work well. Too bad because this was the launching point for a dominant Shayna singles run. And hopefully that is still the case.

Gunther vs Drew McIntyre Intercontinental Match

In a competitive match, Gunther and Drew began with lockups and shoulder tackles. Drew executed a belly-to-back suplex, but Gunther’s side headlock and strikes shifted momentum. Drew utilized a Glasgow Kiss headbutt, sending Gunther out. Gunther responded by sending Drew into the barricade and executing a belly-to-back suplex on the steel steps. In the ring, they traded strikes and clotheslines, with Drew performing consecutive belly-to-belly suplexes. Gunther’s Powerbomb and Drew’s Future Shock DDT garnered near falls. Gunther countered Drew’s Claymore attempts and landed a Superfly Splash for another two-count. They engaged in a fierce chop exchange, with Drew eventually gaining the upper hand.

Drew’s Claymore earned a close two-count, drawing “this is awesome” chants from the crowd. On the top rope, Gunther pushed Drew off and followed with a top rope splash, clothesline, and Powerbomb for the pinfall victory after 13 minutes and 40 seconds of intense action. This match should have been so much more with the talent of the two competitors but it lacked the sufficient build necessary for the excitement. I feel like its almost a miracle that Drew even made to Summerslame 2023. He really deserves better creative or he can easily find success outside of WWE, again.

Finn Balor vs Seth Rollins for WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Finn Balor and Seth Rollins engaged in an intense early brawl, with Balor focusing on Rollins’ left arm. Balor applied various holds and strikes, while Rollins executed a Falcon Arrow and a series of kicks. Rollins performed three suicide dives, causing Balor to bleed from the mouth. They exchanged impactful moves, including a Buckle Bomb by Rollins. Balor countered a Frog Splash and superplexed Rollins, leading to a cradle pin attempt. Rollins hit a Pedigree for a near fall. As Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, and Dominik Mysterio appeared at ringside, distractions ensued. Balor countered a Stomp, but Rollins eventually hit it after using the Money in the Bank briefcase as a weapon, securing the pinfall victory despite Balor’s valiant effort. The crowd reacted enthusiastically throughout the match, with chants and engagement in the action. This was one of the biggest ball drops of Summerslam 2023. They should have totally given the victory to Judgement Day. Finn looked like an absolute idiot for failing to claim victory.

Charlotte Flair vs Bianca Belair vs Asuka for WWE Women’s Championship

In a dynamic match, Flair, Belair, and Asuka showcased their athleticism and resilience. Belair executed a dive over the top rope onto both opponents, while Asuka delivered kicks and Flair demonstrated her signature moves. Flair’s wardrobe issue briefly paused the action. Flair hit double splashes and a double Natural Selection on both opponents. Belair displayed her strength with various impactful moves. Flair’s moonsault and Asuka’s DDT both had slight contact issues. Belair endured a knee injury and went to the back with medical assistance. Asuka executed a superplex on Flair. Belair returned and performed a flawless 450 Splash on Flair for a near fall. Asuka’s mist temporarily blinded Flair, allowing Belair to capitalize and secure the pinfall victory over Asuka. The match was marked by intense exchanges, near falls, and impressive maneuvers, culminating in Belair’s strategic triumph.

During the event, IYO SKY and Bayley interfered, attacking competitors with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Sky declared her intention to cash in on the WWE Women’s Championship. In an immediate match against Bianca Belair, Sky hit her signature move, the Over the Moonsault, and secured the pinfall victory within just ten seconds, resulting in a surprise title change that elicited a significant reaction from the crowd.

Jey Uso vs Roman Reigns for WWE Undisputed Universal Championship and Tribal Chief

In a Tribal Combat match with no disqualifications, Roman Reigns defended his title against Jey Uso. Jey was promised Roman’s red Lei if he won. The match started with a back-and-forth exchange, gradually intensifying. Reigns displayed dominance early on, but Jey found openings and attacked Reigns’ lower back. Jey introduced a table, but Reigns countered and controlled the match, employing kendo sticks and corner clotheslines. Jey showed resilience and executed a somersault dive to the outside. The pace increased as both used chairs and Reigns Powerbombed Jey onto chairs. Solo Sikoa, Jey’s brother, interfered, leading to a Spinning Solo slam through a table.

Reigns accidentally speared Solo and Jey capitalized with a Spear on Reigns. As Jey went for another move, Jimmy Uso, in disguise, entered to superkick Jey, assisting Reigns. Reigns eventually speared Jey through a propped-up table for the win. The match showcased brutal spots, interference, and emotional moments, culminating in Reigns’ victory after 36 intense minutes. SMH. This was the second ball drop of the night. What the hell? Jimmy’s appearance and Solo making this match almost a handicap match was baffling. Who knows? Maybe we are accustomed to a higher level of story telling when it comes to Bloodline matches. But this didn’t meet those expectations. But I still have the benefit of the doubt when it comes to bloodline with WWE.

Conclusion

Summerslam 2023 could have been so much more. That is the problem with this PLE. It didn’t meet with the general audiences’ expectations. It certainly didn’t meet mine. Here’s hoping the creative can justify the decisions they made during Summerslam 2023. Make sure to check my Money in the Bank Review. And if you like more wrestling content please check out this great podcast Steve and Larson’s Going in Raw.