WWE’s highly anticipated second-largest event of the year, SummerSlam 2025, launched its two-night extravaganza at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday night, providing a thrilling experience for fans. The first night concluded with a tumultuous twist as CM Punk secured the World Heavyweight Championship, only to be dethroned moments later when Seth Rollins made a dramatic cash-in of his Money in the Bank briefcase.
The night’s festivities opened with tag-team action, where Roman Reigns and Jey Uso triumphed over Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. This was followed by a pivotal moment when Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss clinched the Women’s Tag-Team Championships against Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez, marking one of the two title changes of the evening.
A notable highlight of the night included musician Jelly Roll competing alongside Randy Orton, facing off against Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre. Jelly Roll delivered a remarkable performance, taking one of the biggest celebrity bumps in WWE history, and showcased the evolving enhancement of crossover figures in the sport.
The main event saw CM Punk battling Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship over a grueling 30 minutes. Punk’s hard-fought victory led to his rapid fall from the championship after Rollins, feigning injury, surprised everyone by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract, dramatically overturning the tides and becoming the new champion.
Key results from SummerSlam Night 1 include:
– Seth Rollins cashes in the Money in the Bank briefcase to defeat CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship.
– Gunther loses to CM Punk in a championship match lasting 30:18.
– Jelly Roll and Randy Orton are defeated by Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre.
– Tiffany Stratton retains her WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill.
– Sami Zayn wins against Karrion Kross.
– Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss win the Women’s Tag Team Championship.
– Roman Reigns and Jey Uso triumph over Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker.
The night ended on an engaging note, setting the stage for a continuing rivalry between Punk and Rollins that could carry through to WrestleMania, where Punk may have the opportunity to reclaim his glory.
Overall, SummerSlam Night 1 was filled with surprises and dramatic moments that energized the audience and left viewers eager for Night 2. As the event unfolds, fans can look forward to continued excitement and high-stakes matchups in the ever-evolving narrative of WWE.