Ranking the Best Summerslam Matches Ever

[hb2k]

As mentioned on last week's podcast (which you can find in my sig if you'd like to check it out), we're doing a show on the best Summerslam matches of all time this week and did a panel voting on the top 20 matches. Below is the outcome, based on the mean average score of the votes.

For the podcast, besides a debate on the final outcome below, we'd like your thoughts on which matches you rate higher or lower, or if you think any should be on the list that aren't. As always we'll be reading the best contributions on the show and crediting you accordingly.

1. Shawn Michaels Vs. Triple H (2002)
2. Bret Hart Vs. Mr. Perfect (1991)
3. Bret Hart Vs. Davey Boy Smith (1992)
4. Bret Hart Vs. Owen Hart (1994)
5. Edge & Christian Vs. Hardy Boyz Vs. Dudley Boyz (2000)
6. The Rock Vs. Triple H (1998)
7. Shawn Michaels Vs. Razor Ramon (1995)
8. Kurt Angle Vs. Rey Mysterio (2002)
9. Steve Austin Vs. Kurt Angle (2001)
10. Brock Lesnar Vs. CM Punk (2013)
11a. Bret Hart Vs. Doink/Jerry Lawler (1993)
11b. Brock Lesnar Vs. John Cena (2014)
13. Hart Foundation Vs. Brain Busters (1989)
14. The Rock Vs. Brock Lesnar (2002)
15. Hart Foundation Vs. Demolition (1990)
16a. Daniel Bryan Vs. John Cena (2013)
16b. The Ultimate Warrior Vs. Rick Rude (1989)
18. Steiner Brothers Vs. Heavenly Bodies (1993)
19. Shane McMahon Vs. Test (1999)
20. Christian Vs. Randy Orton (2011)

EDIT - The show discussing the above list, your comments on it and any notable omissions is now online and available to listen to at the following link: http://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/play/234e8w/SCGRadio51-RankingTheBestSummerslamMatchesEver.mp3

[Spaff]

No.2 wins easily

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Michaels and H was a great match as much as I hate to admit it, but I don't know about it being the best. I have to say, if we take ourselves back to that time period, it was SHOCKING to see that Michaels hadn't lost a step, in fact it seemed like he added more wrinkles to his game since he'd been in the ring last. Wasn't too fond of the angle at the end of it, though. Felt like Michaels should have been able to just have his moment.

[Damian Rey]

Bret v Perfect at Summer Slam is one of my favorite matches ever.

[#1-norm-fan]

HBK-HHH in '02 is the easy choice for me. HBK is my favorite of all time so there's bias... but I generally think as a stand alone match, it's one of the best I've ever seen. Add to that the build and the drama of HBK's comeback and I don't think anything else comes close.

[#1-norm-fan]

I'm surprised Lesnar vs Cena is ranked higher than Bryan vs Cena. The story told with Lesnar vs Cena was better but I don't know if I'd say it was a better match overall. I think it comes down to how you judge a wrestling match.

[The Condor]

Austin/Angle is top 3 for me.

[Shisen Kopf]

No.2 wins easily

This.

[Shisen Kopf]

Warrior vs Rude was equally excellent. Deserves to be much higher on the list. Also, when you say my name in the podcast can you please say it in received pronunciation or scouse. Thanks.

[Damian Rey]

Cena v Bryan was a classic as well. I think Lesnar v Punk has been Lesnar's best singles match to this point since his return.

The emotion behind HBK/HHH was phenomenal. Michaels showing up as good as he ever was, as if he'd never left, and having to make an in match comeback, was some of the finest in ring story telling in company history. It's the ultimate comeback match, imo.

[loopydate]

Random thoughts about some of the matches.

Shawn Michaels Vs. Triple H (2002)

There was a legitimate fear going into the match that Shawn would literally snap into two pieces if he took a bump. Instead, he put on one of the greatest matches of his already-HOF-worthy career. This match is basically perfect in every way. The fact that this kick-started what amounts to a SECOND HOF run makes it that much better in hindsight.

Bret Hart Vs. Mr. Perfect (1991)

I'm probably not the only one who'll say something like this, but this was the first match that I ever remember afterwards thinking "wow. That was better than the Hogan match." The 8-year-old mark had his workrate cherry popped that night.

Bret Hart Vs. Davey Boy Smith (1992)

When I think of Summerslam, this is the match I think of. One of the most iconic wrestling moments of my childhood. Davey Boy winning the IC belt in the main event at Wembley was spectacular.

Bret Hart Vs. Owen Hart (1994)

Best cage match of all time? I might be reaching, but I am having a hard time coming up with one. Perfect storytelling and just an overall tremendous effort by both.

Edge & Christian Vs. Hardy Boyz Vs. Dudley Boyz (2000)

I prefer their first ladder match from... The Rumble that year? But any time you got these six guys together, it was magic.

The Rock Vs. Triple H (1998)

This was one of those rare moments where Vince's "brass ring" bullshit seems feasible. Two midcard guys trying to look like main eventers come out looking like icons.

Shawn Michaels Vs. Razor Ramon (1995)

A year earlier, these two basically "invented" the most iconic match type of the last two decades (at least in the eyes of the mainstream fans). This night, they perfected it.

Steve Austin Vs. Kurt Angle (2001)

Oh, the InVasion (please note that I'm doing the WWE-approved capital V). What could have been. Two guys near the very peak of their powers going at it for something that ultimately didn't matter a bit. Still damn fun to watch.

Bret Hart Vs. Doink/Jerry Lawler (1993)

I don't know why this pissed me off so much as a kid. Lawler was great in his role, as was Borne. But it was still infuriating that I didn't get the match I wanted the way I wanted it. I guess I was destined to be a member of the IWC, wasn't I?

The Rock Vs. Brock Lesnar (2002)

This is what passing the torch looks like. Looking at you, Hogan, Bret, Austin, and Cena.

Steiner Brothers Vs. Heavenly Bodies (1993)

Maybe my favorite tag team match ever. I love love love this match. So happy to see it on the list.

Shane McMahon Vs. Test (1999)

One of those matches that had no business being good. So the fact that it was entertaining as hell puts it way up my list. That elbow drop? Who saw that coming?

Christian Vs. Randy Orton (2011)

Arguably Christian's only truly great singles feud. It's a crying shame, because there was a time when he was the most entertaining wrestler in the world. But for one glorious summer, we got what we all wanted: Christian - almost-main-eventer.




I might also include the Edge/Taker HIAC match, the Cena/Punk rematch, Jericho vs. himself 2/3 falls, Angle nearly dying against Rock and HHH, RVD/Jeff "hardcore ladder match..."

It's weird to think of how many great matches Slam has had over the years. Mania has always been the spectacle show, but in many ways, SS has frequently been the best-wrestled show of the year.

[Shadrick]

no kurt angle vs eugene? pfft shit list

[hb2k]

That's a retarded pick.

[Shadrick]

That's a retarded pick.

yeah? yeah? well fuck off

Edit: I see what you did thar

[#1-norm-fan]

I believe he meant that literally. lol

[Shadrick]

I believe he meant that literally. lol

oh shit lol, i just caught it

[Big Vic]

I think HHH vs Brock Lesnar (2012) is very underrated, should be on this list. played up the story of his diverticulitis perfectly.

[wwe2222]

To this day, Bret Hart vs Mr Perfect is one of my all time favorite matches. I was about 10 when I watched this and while I was a big wrestling fan before that, this match left a huge impression on me.

[What Would Kevin Do?]

HHH vs HBK is easily the best IMO, but it is also my favorite wrestling match of all time. Everything about it is perfect. It's the perfect lead up, the perfect story, and it is executed flawlessly.

[Emperor Smeat]

Out of that list, I liked HBK-Triple H the most with Rock-Triple H and Cena-Bryan in the Top 3.

HBK-Razor and Bret-Owen are also good but prefer their Mania matches more.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I'd say that's a very good list. I would probably rank Bret and Bulldog number one, but it's placement is fine where it is. The only match that popped into my head that's not on the list was Dolph Ziggler v. Rey Mystero in the 2009 opener. Shit hot match, tons of fun. Honorable mention at very least.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Eddie vs. Rey 2005. It didn't need the "Battle for custody of Rey's son" stip on it, but I feel like it was a fun match nonetheless.

[Heyman]

Austin vs. Taker from 1998 wasn't the best wrestling match per se, but the hype and build leading up to that match was off the charts. For that reason alone, I think Taker and Austin deserves a mention.

[NormanSmiley]

6 out of your top 20 feature bret hart, yet majority of these people who post here say bret matches suck

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I wouldn't say majority. Just a loud l minority of ignoramuses

[loopydate]

Gonna be honest, I don't know if I've ever seen anyone here say Bret matches suck. I've seen people call him an uncharismatic whiner and call his matches sort of predictable, but I think even his detractors agree that he was great.

[Damian Rey]

Hart and Flair matches are alike. It's usually the same formula with the same transitions and spots, but they're each so fucking good at what they did that it didn't matter because you got a quality match out of them 99% of the time.

[Shadrick]

I feel that way about Rey Mysterio matches. How formulaic they are, at least.

[loopydate]

Hart and Flair matches are alike. It's usually the same formula with the same transitions and spots, but they're each so fucking good at what they did that it didn't matter because you got a quality match out of them 99% of the time.

[#1-norm-fan]

Yeah, pretty sure that comment was just Norman Smiley reading the thread about Montreal and comprehending it horribly.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Hart and Flair matches are alike. It's usually the same formula with the same transitions and spots, but they're each so fucking good at what they did that it didn't matter because you got a quality match out of them 99% of the time.

It's funny because Bret always complained about how Flair was so repetitive, but I'd 100 per cent agree with this.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Most guys are pretty repetitive though. They have the same flow in their matches.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Fuck everybody. Bret Hart is the best wrestler ever. It didn't get repetitive until the end sequence, but that's what the business is based on.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Completed my thought quite nicely. Flair was the same too. I prefered the way Bret worked though, I thought his intensity was on a higher level. Flair had more charisma though.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Plus, Bret's sternum bump in the turnbuckle was un fucking real.

[NormanSmiley]

Yeah, pretty sure that comment was just Norman Smiley reading the thread about Montreal and comprehending it horribly.

You should probably sit a few plays out. You are a fuckin disaster of a fucktard as of late

[#1-norm-fan]

lol This guy.

[#1-norm-fan]

You should start a thread to call out and debate that shitload of posters who think Bret Hart's matches are awful.

[NormanSmiley]

Dumbfuck it had nothing do with anything else. Simply said a guy with hbk in his name put bret hart as alot of best matches. And said alot of you talk mad shit on bret.

[#1-norm-fan]

When you make that thread, make sure to quote all those guys who said Bret's matches suck so you can counter them properly.

[Damian Rey]

Flair was definitely more charismatic. His matches, and selling in particular, was far more flashy that Bret. Bret seemed more focused on everything being crisp and looking legit. Both were great. Just in different ways.

[Shadrick]

lol, fan is such a tweener.

[NormanSmiley]

If by tweener you mean a stupid little jared fogle fuckboy I agree

[Damian Rey]

Norman, why do you get so angry with people?

[NormanSmiley]

You would be angry too if his mother gave you the clap,wouldn't you?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

You can't have any Bret Hart matches because this isn't a list of matches from THE Summerslam. It's just SummerSlam matches.

[rob11]

You can't have any Bret Hart matches because this isn't a list of matches from THE Summerslam. It's just SummerSlam matches.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pIQW-XN5zoM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Damian Rey]

Bwa hahahahahaha

[#1-norm-fan]

Norman, why do you get so angry with people?

lol He gets angry and goes "generic internet insult" mode when people point out that he said something stupid like "The majority of people here think Bret Hart's matches suck" and he can't defend it. It just so happens most of his posts are stuff like that.

[#1-norm-fan]

lol, fan is such a tweener.

I'm full-fledged heel when it comes to Norman Smiley. It's like when someone would beat up Eugene. You can't stay face at that point.

[NormanSmiley]

You take every fucking at bret hart being boring, a mark for himself, a politicker, believing his own hype etc etc then all the sudden when I say something about it you are a huge supporter of bret hart's craft?? You are far from heel cocksucker, you are mick foley looking for cheap pops with city names. Talk aboit being a mark for yourself, catch aids candyass

[#1-norm-fan]

You take every fucking at bret hart being boring, a mark for himself, a politicker, believing his own hype etc etc then all the sudden when I say something about it you are a huge supporter of bret hart's craft??

...

Yeah, pretty sure that comment was just Norman Smiley reading the thread about Montreal and comprehending it horribly.

I think we can confirm this now.

[Damian Rey]

BAG GAWD THE YOU CAN FEEL THE INTENSITY BETWEEN THESE TWO, KING!

[#1-norm-fan]

You make a cogent point with that Foley comparison though. I've changed my mind and now consider myself a major face.

[NormanSmiley]

You make a cogent point with that Foley comparison though. I've changed my mind and now consider myself a major face.

Glad to see you are finally pulling your head from your ass and seeing things my way. You may have a redeeeming quality or two yet

[#1-norm-fan]

As the Mick Foley of TPWW, I have many redeeming qualities. Now let's discuss this Bret Hart thing. There's a spirited debate about whether his matches are shit or not to be had.

[NormanSmiley]

Like civilized people?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

This is the best feud in the wrestling forum since I trounced the CyNick in that Masterful politicking thread :shifty: lol I hope he doesn't read this

[#1-norm-fan]

Very civilized, please. I'd like you to start by quoting all the people who have talked about thinking Bret's matches are shit and state your counterpoint, good sir.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Fan, it's pretty clear that you think Bret Hart was the reason for the great depression.

[NormanSmiley]

My civilzed statement is I found it ironic that many people talk shit about bret hart then a top 20 list comes out with his matches all over it. So I will clarify they talk shir about bret then and his character and him as a person but they love his matches, my mistake.

The bret hart matches being repetitive is laughable as an argument though as if any top guys matches weren't

[#1-norm-fan]

Hah! I tricked you with that civilized argument thing! I just wanted you to admit you said something incredibly stupid.

SWERVED!

I fucked your mom, you fuck kids, you're retarded and such!

[#1-norm-fan]

#heel

[Damian Rey]

GAWD DAMN, KING! NORMAN SMILEY HAS A FAMILY FOR GAWD SAKES. THAT SON OF A BITCH!

[NormanSmiley]

When attempting to be a heel you shouldn't point out that you are going heel you should let the community proclaim you a heel. That was pretty bret hart self mark of you. I feel like I was supposed to go through the barber shop window but you didnt have the strength to do it. Also anyone using hashtags as a man is a total sissified cocksucker

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

he wiffed on the superkick, but you had to sell it... thus completely exposing the business.

YOU RUINED THE BUSINESS FAN

[NormanSmiley]

Next he will be doing a curtain call with his little loser friends here. Fucking curtain jerker

[#1-norm-fan]

Also anyone using hashtags as a man is a total sissified cocksucker

You think Dolph Ziggler's matches suck? Oof. That's not gonna go over well here.

[#1-norm-fan]

P.S. My huge swerve/heel turn was the climax of this feud. You're trying to keep it going too long and it's kill the heat. Much like Bret Hart did in any one of his shitty matches.

Also, like your mother riding my cock, you fucking a child or dog, etc.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

:roll: classic fan, breaking kayfabe... compromising the business like a primadonna pretty boy.

[#1-norm-fan]

Fuck kayfabe. I'm going full Russo. I'd suggest settling this with a "something on a pole" match but Norman Smiley would just try to sit on said pole because he's a male homosexual.

[#1-norm-fan]

Also, CM Punk vs Jeff Hardy was a very good match at The Summerslams.

[NormanSmiley]

Ok midcard, you are on a whole new level of desperation now sliding into my private messages like a fucking creeper looking for nudes from dome girl. Get the fuck off my jock you obsessive little bitch. This isnt tinder fuckboy. You wanna find the billy to your chuck thats your business but my tag team partner is dale newstead. Fuck off you gay jobber trying to private message another man

[NormanSmiley]

Also ,I dont see any hogan on this top 20 list. Imagine that

[#1-norm-fan]

Let's keep this civil. For real this time.

Please call out the members of the "Bret Hart's matches suck" majority and redeem yourself.

[NormanSmiley]

Dude this whole forum knows you tapped out like 6 posts ago , you are the only dipshit who doesn't know it. Sending me a private message is just beyond patheticly homo. Who the fuck even does that. Smiley/Newstead '16

[#1-norm-fan]

I'll again civilly ask you to call out all the posters who think Bret matches suck so we can have a civil discussion about it or we'll have to assume you were just lying. Which would be not very civil at all and a terribly dishonest thing to do. Being dead serious. You have my word. Point them out so we know that wasn't just a BS comment/horrible misinterpretation of people's words and I will respond civilly.

[#1-norm-fan]

Damn. He left before I could make him admit to it again and turn MEGA HEEL. Oh well...

https://24.media.tumblr.com/a606a77b7473349f484d29cf0556308f/tumblr_n6kp2j28A71srbyoyo1_400.gif

[#1-norm-fan]

Thread's boring now. You guys wanna talk about The Shield or something?

[Blonde Moment]

Hey look a good thread ruined by some socially challenged idiots.

P.S.: List looks pretty spot on although I would be tempted to make 1 and 2 a tie and move something else up to 20

[#1-norm-fan]

Fastway means business.

Please do not lump Newstead in with Smiley though. He's good people and his assessment that I believe Bret caused the Holocaust was actually spot on. That takes some kind of social skills.

[Blonde Moment]

Fastway means business.

Please do not lump Newstead in with Smiley though. He's good people and his assessment that I believe Bret caused the Holocaust was actually spot on. That takes some kind of social skills.

No I am just commenting on what I see which is a couple of tools derailing a thread.
Neg rep away.

[#1-norm-fan]

This all started with Shadrick calling me a tweener, thus encouraging me to go full heel on Corky for his Bret Hart comment. It was all Shadrick's fault.

[The MAC]

How is this not on the list ?

<iframe frameborder="0" width="480" height="270" src="//www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xlolud" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xlolud_031-the-undertaker-vs-bret-hart-summerslam-1997-wwf-championship-shawn-michaels-as-special-guest-ref_sport" target="_blank">031. The Undertaker vs. Bret Hart (SummerSlam...</a> <i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/ccu150" target="_blank">ccu150</a></i>

[#1-norm-fan]

Forgot that match existed until just now. I remember it being good though.

[hb2k]

Just wanted to thank everybody for the posts, comments and nominations, we got to read a good few of them on the show, and the podcast debating the Top 20 Matches in Summerslam History is now available at the following link:

http://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/play/234e8w/SCGRadio51-RankingTheBestSummerslamMatchesEver.mp3

Join us as we talk about the rankings determined by a cumulative vote, and debate which matches should be higher or lower, as well as your thoughts on the list, the classic encounters, and any matches you felt belong amongst the all time greats. A huge show this week, longer than usual so posting it a day early, check it out and let us know what you think!

[Blue Demon]

Bret Vs. The Bulldog is my favourite match of all the times!