Roman Reigns’ Triumphant Return and Key Highlights from WWE SummerSlam 2024
WWE hosted The Biggest Party of the Summer in Cleveland with a card that showcased the conclusion of some of the company’s most compelling storylines, the continuation of intense rivalries, and the crowning of new champions. Among the night’s highlights was the highly anticipated return of Roman Reigns, who solidified his status as the undisputed Tribal Chief.
The event, held at Cleveland Browns Stadium, significantly altered WWE’s landscape. But what were the most impactful moments of SummerSlam 2024? Here’s a recap of the night’s biggest takeaways.
The show opened with a surprising twist as Dominik Mysterio revealed his true colors, aiding Liv Morgan in retaining her Women’s World Championship against Rhea Ripley and then sharing a kiss with Morgan. This development marked the completion of Morgan’s Revenge Tour and elevated Ripley to a main event babyface role. Ripley, now free from her association with Mysterio, is poised to ascend to the top tier of WWE, joining the ranks of Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, Damian Priest, LA Knight, and Roman Reigns as a leading babyface.
Bron Breakker, a rising star widely regarded as a cornerstone of WWE’s future, had a defining moment by defeating Sami Zayn to capture the Intercontinental Championship. This victory, reminiscent of past era-defining moments like John Cena’s win at WrestleMania XX, signals the beginning of the Bron Breakker Era in WWE.
LA Knight’s journey from competing in small TNA Wrestling events to winning the United States Championship in front of a packed stadium at SummerSlam is a testament to his perseverance and popularity. His victory over Logan Paul was a significant milestone, marking the culmination of a year-long momentum build and setting the stage for Knight’s continued rise in WWE.
Nia Jax’s return to WWE was initially met with skepticism, but her performance over the past year has proven her critics wrong. At SummerSlam, Jax capitalized on a distraction to defeat Bayley and become the WWE Women’s Champion, marking a triumphant comeback for a performer who has worked tirelessly to improve her in-ring skills and character.
The rivalry between CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, and Seth Rollins drew comparisons to classic WWE storylines, with Rollins playing a pivotal role as the special guest referee. McIntyre’s victory over Punk, achieved through controversial means, sets the stage for a potential WrestleMania showdown between Punk and Rollins, continuing a narrative that has captivated fans.
The Judgment Day faction underwent a significant transformation, with Finn Bálor betraying Damian Priest and aiding Gunther in capturing the World Heavyweight Championship. This betrayal signals the end of The Judgment Day as we know it and the beginning of a new chapter, with Bálor, Dominik Mysterio, and Liv Morgan now positioned to lead the group.
Gunther’s victory and subsequent coronation as World Heavyweight Champion mark the start of what could be another dominant title reign for The Ring General, whose next challenge is likely to come at Bash in Berlin.
These key moments from SummerSlam 2024 will shape WWE’s narrative moving forward, with new champions, evolving rivalries, and emerging stars set to define the company’s future.
