The Revolution of Wrestling: The History of SummerSlam

Date: August 29, 1988

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City

Main Event: The Mega-Powers (w/ Miss Elizabeth) vs The Mega-Bucks

This was make or break.

Would WWF see it's future broken in one night, or would it be saved from the depths?

Put it one way—WWE is still here now, so I think we know the answer to that one!

From the first ever SummerSlam match between The British Bulldogs and The Fabulous Rougeaus, to the inaugural main event pitting two of the most dominant tag teams of the time against each other, fans were treated to the birth of what is now known as one of the "Big Four."

Who can possibly ever forget the sight of Miss Elizabeth's "distraction," leading her team to victory over the tyrannical Mega-Bucks?

Where was there ever a more spectacular sight than that of The Ultimate Warrior, beating the Honky Tonk Man in a record 31 seconds to secure IC Gold?

This one event, despite initially getting very mixed reviews, is what helped to draw a generation of fans from the clutches of WCW, giving WWE a step up in their power game.

This set the boundary, but could the next SummerSlam prove better?

Date: Aug. 28, 1989

Venue: Meadowlands Arena, New Jersey

Main Event: Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake vs. Randy Savage and Zeus

This took the meaning of action movies to a whole new level!

The main event was based on the ramifications of the movie "No Holds Barred" that starred Hulk Hogan (Rip) and Tim Lister (Zeus).

Hogan, in film fashion, gained the victory in both fantasy and reality as he was able to beat Lister's challenges and secure the win for his team.

Booked as "The Rematch Of The Year", Ultimate Warrior regained the Intercontinental Title against the formidable foe known as Rick Rude. \

We were also treated to the stylings of Mr Perfect, Ted Dibiase and Rick Martel, who were all able to scratch a W in the Win/Loss columns.

Date: August 27, 1990

Venue: The Spectrum, Pennsylvania

Main Event: The Ultimate Warrior vs Rick Rude (Steel Cage match for the WWF title)

This was a SummerSlam of firsts.

The first women's match in SummerSlam history took place as Sensational Sherri was able to defeat Sapphire by forfeit to secure her first win at the event.

Sherri also became the first person to pull double duty at the show, not only competing, but managing Randy Savage to a victory over Dusty Rhodes.

It was also the first main event that was fought in both a steel cage and over the title—without Hogan being involved!

The big guys on that night were Ultimate Warrior and Rick Rude, who put an end to their fantastic year-long feud when they put themselves to the test inside a steel cage.

As the case of last year, Ultimate Warrior was the one standing tall at the end of the battle, marking three wins in three matches.

Date: Aug. 26, 1991

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City

Main Event: Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior vs Sgt. Slaughter, Colonel Mustafa and General Adnan

An event for both highs and lows.

Possibly the most memorable event in SummerSlam history, the world watched on as Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth tied the knot. However, being WWF, nothing goes smoothly.

Both the presence of Undertaker and Jake the Snake (and one of his cobras!) was enough to put the dampers on this emotional affair.

At the other end of the scale, we saw the "American Traitor" Sgt Slaughter side with the force of Mustafa and Adnan in an attempt to defeat the Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan.

In the end, Hogan and Warrior were able to renew the faith of Americans everywhere when they picked up the "W" against the Iraqi Sympathizers.

This was also meant to be the last event for Ultimate Warrior, who was fired by Vince McMahon the second the PPV finished over a controversial payment issue.

Date: Aug. 29, 1992

Venue: Wembley Arena, London

Main Event: Bret Hart vs British Bulldog (Intercontinental title)

The first event to step foot outside of American soil saw SummerSlam come to the shores of merry old London.

It was only fitting then that the hometown hero in British Bulldog was able to pick up the win and the IC Title against brother-in-law Bret Hart, in what is regarded as the greatest match in the history of SummerSlam.

It was also the SummerSlam return for Ultimate Warrior, who'd been fired the year before.

He won his championship match against Randy Savage by countout, meaning Savage was still champion. After the match, an attack by Ric Flair and Mr. Perfect on Savage prompted Warrior to return to the ring and defend his fallen opponent.

We were also granted matches between Legion of Doom and Money Inc., Undertaker and Kamala, and Shawn Michaels and Rick Martel.

This chapter of SummerSlam has been voted by many to be the greatest of them all, mainly due to the excitement of the main event, which has never been recreated.

Date: Aug. 30, 1993

Venue: The Palace Of Auburn Hills, Michigan

Main Event: Yokozuna vs. Lex Luger (WWF Title)

This was the frst SummerSlam on which every title in WWF was defended, with The Steiner Brothers, Shawn Michaels and Yokozuna retaining the Tag Team, Intercontinental and WWF Titles respectively.

This also featured the return match from Wrestlemania between Undertaker and Giant Gonzales, culminating in Undertaker finally gaining the decisive victory in a "Rest In Peace" match.

The event card also gave us matches such Jerry Lawler vs. Bret Hart, who were fighting over who was the "Ultimate King of Wrestling", the title going to Lawler after Hart got himself disqualified.

On a lighter note, we were also treated to the SummerSlam debut of Doink the Clown. He lost.

Date: Aug. 29, 1994

Venue: United Centre, Chicago

Main Event: The Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer) vs "The Undertaker" (w/ Ted DiBiase)

One Undertaker: Bad news
Two Undertakers: Holy Sh...Cow

That was the case though, as Ted DiBiase introduced a second Undertaker to the WWF. Fans weren't convinced that the real Undertaker would turn his back on them, so Leslie Nielsen was brought in to hunt him down.

The real Undertaker would appear, though, with one important message for Ted DiBiase: Nothing beats the original deadman!

Another featured match was the Steel Cage match between Bret and Owen Hart for the WWF Championship.

Although Bret won the confrontation, Owen was the one standing tall at the end after he and Jim Neidhart attacked Bret.

Apparently, Owen "kicked his leg out from under his leg!"

Of course you did.

Date: Aug. 27, 1995

Venue: Pittsburgh Civic Centre, Pennsylvania

Main Event: Diesel vs King Mabel (WWF Title)

Although Diesel and Mabel held the main event space, there was only one match that stole the show.

That was the re-birth of the ladder match.

The epic showdown between Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels for the Intercontinental title that has gone down as one of the most important matches in the history of the industry.

Of course, we all know what happened to the winner and the concept.

The PPV also featured Bret Hart getting into a spot of bother after his win against Isaac Yankem with Jerry Lawler, as well as the SummerSlam debut of Hunter Hearst Helmsley.

Wonder what happened to him, too?

Date: Aug.18, 1996

Venue: Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio

Main Event: Shawn Michaels vs. Vader (WWF Title)

The ninth event in SummerSlam history was filled with second chances, as well as deep betrayal.

Shawn Michaels, who was defending his WWF Title against Vader, was given three opportunities to put his behemoth of an opponent away after the match was restarted twice by order of Gorilla Monsoon after Michaels got both DQ and countout losses.

In the end though, Michaels got the win when it mattered and retained his gold.

This event was also the home of the now infamous Boiler Room Brawl between The Undertaker and Mankind.

Just when it looked certain that Undertaker was going to regain possession of his urn and his manager, Paul Bearer turned his back on the Deadman, hitting him with the urn and handing over victory to Mankind, his new protege.

This also had one of the closest shaves in PPV history when during the Free for All Brawl before the show, Yokozuna broke the ringrope in his match with Steve Austin, meaning a quick repair and a lot of held breaths!

Date: Aug. 3, 1997

Venue: Continental Airlines Arena, New Jersey

Main Event: Bret Hart vs. The Undertaker (WWF Title)

A decade of heat and sun came down to this one event, marking the 10 year birthday of SummerSlam.

The main event of Bret Hart vs. Undertaker with Shawn Michaels as special referee was, at the time named as one of the most star-studded matches in wrestling.

In the end, Bret was able to overcome the huge challenge of the Undertaker to retain his title and his soul.

However, it was the younger Hart that caused the most memorable moment in this years SummerSlam.

One fight, one piledriver and one minute was all it took for Owen Hart to break the neck of Stone Cold Steve Austin.

In a match which could have led to Austin kissing Owen's ass, Austin was able to pull out a weak roll up to win the IC Title, before being helped out the arena.

Date: Aug. 30, 1998

Venue: Madison Square Gardens, New York City

Main Event: The Undertaker vs Stone Cold Steve Austin (WWF Title)

Hair and blood flew everywhere in this festival for summer!

Steve Austin was able to bounce back from an almost career-ending neck injury to defeat Undertaker and walk away with the WWF Title in a fantastic match.

Triple H was able to turn away the challenge of The Rock in a ladder match to secure his first Intercontinental Championship.

Jeff Jarrett lost his hair in his match against X-Pac, and the divas, well, they were divas!

Date: Aug. 22, 1999

Venue: Target Centre, Minnesota

Main Event: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Mankind vs. Triple H (WWF Title)

This was the event that led to WWF altering dramatically, changing the future of SummerSlam PPV's for the years to come.

Test was able to defeat Shane McMahon in a "Love Her or Leave Her" Greenwich Street Fight, allowing Test to finally live in peace with his bride-to-be, Stephanie McMahon.

We saw the debut of the Hardys and the team of Edge and Christian in Tag Team Turmoil, as well as the unlikely duo of Undertaker and Big Show winning the Tag Team Titles.

In the triple threat main event, Mankind was able to defeat the strength and technical skill of Steve Austin and Triple H to win back his WWF Title.

In a match which also featured Jesse Ventura as the special guest referee, a melee of moves were shown and alliances were forged, but in the end, Mankind was able to persevere.

Date: Aug. 27, 2000

Venue: Entertainment and Sports Arena, North Carolina

Main Event: The Rock vs. Kurt Angle vs. Triple H (WWF Title)

One event, three letters: TLC!

SummerSlam 2000 beared witness to the first ever TLC match, contested between The Hardys, The Dudleys and Edge and Christian.

This took the Ramon/Michaels ladder match of years beforehand and redefined the entire concept.

In the end, Edge was able to grab the belts and secure the win for his team.

The main event between the Rock, Kurt Angle and Triple H saw one of the biggest rivalries in sports entertainment culminated in one of the most spectacular ways imaginable.

In the end, the dust settled and it was The Rock standing tall after retaining his gold in the three-way bout.

Date: Aug. 19, 2001

Venue: Compaq Centre, California

Main Event: Booker T vs. The Rock (WCW Title)

This was the first SummerSlam event in which the WCW Title was defended, so it is an even bigger surprise to most that it was given the main event spot.

The Rock and Booker T, both experts on the major stages showed why they were the best, when Booker T put his gold up for grabs in one of the greatest matches in the titles history.

However, by the end of the night, it was the WWF claiming a stake in the prestige, after The Rock pinned Booker for the glory, the title and more importantly, the win!

Other WCW Titles were put up for grabs in Unification matches, meaning that the championships would become absorbed with the WWF equivalent.

By the end of the night, The Brothers Of Destruction and X-Pac had their hands on the former WCW belts, meaning the WWF was now in charge.

In other bouts, RVD beat Jeff Hardy in a ladder match for the WWF Hardcore title, and Edge beat fellow Canadian Lance Storm to win the Intercontinental gold.

Date: Aug. 25, 2002

Venue: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, New York

Main Event: The Rock vs Brock Lesnar (WWE Undisputed Title)

Another night of firsts, we saw Brock Lesnar and Rey Mysterio make their debuts to varying success, as well as the next chapter in the growing Triple H/Shawn Michaels rivalry.

In the space of four hours, we saw Brock Lesnar become the WWE Undisputed Champion when he defeated the Rock in his first SummerSlam main event, Shawn Michaels batter Triple H to within an inch of his life in an unsanctioned fight and RVD beat Chris Benoit for the IC gold.

The Un-Americans were finally able to grab a title when Lance Storm and Christian beat Goldust and Booker T for Tag Team supremacy.

We also got to see the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair shut up Chris Jericho when he took the brash young star back to school, beating him with a figure four.

Date: Aug. 24, 2003

Venue: America West Arena, Arizona

Main Event: Elimination Chamber (World Heavyweight Title)

This was the night when the big boys came to play, as the Elimination Chamber was used for the first time in SummerSlam history.

Triple H, Goldberg, Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho and Kevin Nash shed blood, sweat and tears in a bid to win the Heavyweight title, but in the end, it was the sledgehammer being the equalizer and retaining the gold for Triple H.

Kurt Angle was able to put down the challenge of Brock Lesnar to defeat him in a tough, physical match and retain his WWE championship.

For the first time, the US Title was also defended on the SummerSlam stage, as Eddie Guerrero successfully fought off Benoit, Tajiri and Rhino in a hard-fought bout to keep one hand on the belt.

We also saw the final nail in the coffin for RVD as he was beaten by his former tag team partner Kane.

Date: August 15, 2004

Venue: Air Canada Centre, Toronto

Main Event: Chris Benoit vs Randy Orton (World Heavyweight Title)

This was the night when history was made, as Randy Orton ended the fairy-tale reign of Chris Benoit and captured the Heavyweight title, becoming the youngest champion in WWE history in the process.

It was also the night when JBL was able to weasel a win from the Undertaker for the WWE Title when Undertaker got disqualified in their match after hitting JBL with the championship belt.

Edge retained his Intercontinental gold in a triple threat match against Chris Jericho and Batista, and Kane was able to win the hand of Lita in a "Til Death Do Us Part" match.

Not sure I'd have wanted Lita that much, but there you go.

Date: Aug. 21, 2005

Venue: MCI Centre, Washington D.C

Main Event: Hulk Hogan vs Shawn Michaels

For the first time ever, the fans got to see what happened when an icon and a legend were in the ring at the same time, competing for glory.

After being attacked by Michaels on RAW, Hogan gave in to Shawn's demands for a match at SummerSlam, and the fans were treated to a spectacular showdown between two of the best in the history of the sport.

After a grueling bout, Hogan hit the leg drop and secured the win, earning Michaels' respect in the process.

This was also one of the most emotional SummerSlams ever, as Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero fought for custody of Rey's son Dominic in a ladder match.

Just when it seemed that Rey was going to lose, interference from both Dominic and Vickie Guerrero made sure that Rey still had his son.

We also saw one of the bloodiest encounters in WWE history, as Edge and Matt Hardy fought in the grudge match of the decade.

Less of a fight, more of a brawl, Edge gained the win after Hardy sustained such severe blood loss that the referee called a stop to the match.

Randy Orton gained a rare win over the Deadman, and Batista got his hands on World Heavyweight gold when he beat JBL in a no holds barred contest for the belt.

Whose stupid idea was that then?

Date: Aug. 20, 2006

Venue: TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Mass.

Main Event: Edge vs John Cena (WWE Title)

The biggest party of the summer wouldn't be complete without the biggest hosts of the summer, as DX reformed to take on the McMahon family, Edge fought John Cena and Randy Orton got his mouth shut by Hulk Hogan.

In the culmination of a series of feuds, DX, Edge and Hogan all came out on top, chalking up another win for them all in the SummerSlam stakes.

Batista once again gained championship gold by beating King Booker for the Heavyweight title, proving that the creative team must have been really high for a solid year.

Big Show was able to defeat Sabu in an extreme rules match to earn the ECW title, the first time for it on SummerSlam, whereas Mick Foley had to take the long walk after losing to Ric Flair in an "I Quit" match.

Shame he didn't take the hint.

Date: Aug. 26, 2007

Venue: Continental Airlines Arena, New Jersey

Main Event: Randy Orton vs John Cena (WWE Title)

For the first time in years, no titles changed hands at the 20th installment of SummerSlam, but that didn't stop the chances.

John Cena was able to prove himself as the real chain-gang soldier when he defeated long term rival Randy Orton to keep the WWE Championship around his waist.

John Morrison and CM Punk put on a show for the ages over the ECW Title, but in the end, a rookie mistake on Punk's part led to the one, two, three for Morrison, ending Punk's hunt for the gold.

Triple H beat King Booker's challenges and was able to finally claim that he was the real "King of Kings."

The diva's also came out to play in an inter-promotional Battle Royal, eventually won by the "Glamazon" Beth Phoenix.

Date: Aug. 17, 2008

Venue: Conseco Fieldhouse, Indiana

Main Event: Edge vs The Undertaker

Last year's blockbuster saw many surprises, as titles were won and lost in spectacular fashion.

The Undertaker was able to get back at Vickie Guerrero and Edge for banishing him, by defeating Edge in a Hell in a Cell match, before sending Edge to hell in the middle of the ring.

Punk was able to prove he wasn't a paper champion when he shut up the Texas Longhorn JBL to retain the Heavyweight title, and Matt Hardy almost gained the upset victory over Mark Henry for the ECW gold, but was foiled by interference.

We also saw the rebirth of last year's great feud between Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho, after Jericho accidentally punched Shawn's wife during his retirement speech.

MVP was able to back up his claims of being "half man, half amazing" when he capitalized on a mistake and was able to pin Jeff Hardy, and Glamarella swept the board by winning both the Intercontinental and women's titles in a mixed tag match.

Am I the only one who remembers Beth carrying out Santino on her shoulders? Obvious who wore the pants in that relationship.

Date: Aug. 23, 2009

Venue: Staples Centre, Los Angeles

So, here we are at the present day, with the 22nd edition of SummerSlam right around the corner!

With the hottest feud in wrestling being contested in the much anticipated TLC, do CM Punk and Jeff Hardy have the potential to beat the display from SummerSlam 2000?

Can the Tag Team division finally get the injection of life that is so sorely needed?

Will we see yet another John Cena victory?

One thing is certain. Once it is all said and done, the landscape of WWE will have changed, but for the better, or the worse?