WWE SummerSlam 2012: Ranking the 7 Best SummerSlam Posters Ever

SummerSlam has had a number of handsomely designed posters over the years.  Trying to balance a summer theme while keeping the intensity of WWE, has been a challenge. 

These seven posters have done just that.  They promote the main event, feature various stars or a single one and live on long after the last bell of the event rang.    

Big stars, sex appeal and bold colors are all utilized well. 

After harping on the worst SummerSlam posters, it's time to salute the best.

7. 2003

WWE didn't go for originality when they stuck a naked Sable behind the SummerSlam logo.  They went for the trusted selling tool that is sex. 

Considering WWE's demographic, especially pre-PG era, this is a wise move. 

The poster celebrates Sable's return as well as her figure. 

Yeah it looks a little awkward with the curving logo sitting on her hips, but it's a simple design powered by bare skin.  And it does the job. 

6. 2012

WWE is banking on Brock Lesnar and Triple H to bring in viewers for 2012's SummerSlam.  It makes sense then that they'd paste Lesnar's face on the poster. 

The straightforward design features Lesnar emitting rage in a rainstorm.  The water dripping off his face, as well as the subdued tone of the colors, gives this a dramatic feel.

The 'perfect storm' tagline is a simple and effective one.  The SummerSlam logo is a good size, not dominating the image, but prominent.  

5. 1996

Taking its cues from boxing posters, SummerSlam 1996 featured the combatants in its main event scowling at each other. 

The success of this poster is evidence that one need not overcomplicate things when it comes to designing these things. 

Shawn Michaels and Vader's emotions are palpable.  Michaels' fans, Vader's fans and fans of intense showdowns are all drawn in. 

Rather than having just a blue background though, a subtle touch to the background could have made this even better.  

4. 2000

SummerSlam 2000's poster puts its biggest star front and center, but makes sure to include the other big names as well. 

In an intriguing broken glass setting, we see emotional shots of Triple H, Kurt Angle, Undertaker and Kane.  Putting The Rock in there again is a waste of a spot though.  He's already in the poster, remember?

WWE also manages to subtly infuse the summer theme with a touch of scorching sunlight in the background.  The contrast of that rumbling orange and the black elsewhere in the poster makes for a striking image.  

3. 1999

A brilliant infusion of SummerSlam's summer theme and Stone Cold Steve Austin's badass aura puts the 1999 poster among the best posters the event has seen.

Sure WWE sometimes oversaturated the product with Austin, but this is a fantastic usage of their biggest star.  Skulls have long been associated with Austin's character and an intense looking one is burnt in the desert sun. 

A visually arresting sunset, a smoking skull and Austin's ghost-like face make for a powerful combination. 

Too bad the Chef Boyardee logo softens the toughness a bit.  

2.1994

The poster for a pay-per-view shouldn't be better than the main event, but this is definitely the case here.  The Undertaker vs. The Undertaker match was a hard to swallow concept. 

It's that concept that is captured perfectly with this image.

The broken mirror works as symbolism and just as a cool visual.  The summer theme is represented by a creepy sun spreading red into the glass shards. 

Maybe its nostalgia talking, but the old SummerSlam logo is fun and eye-catching.   

1. 2009

A mix of old and new makes 2009's poster a cool keepsake. 

A vintage look is melded with the pop of bright colors.  The poster manages to cram a number of familiar faces in there without overcrowding the image. 

The fading and crinkling that travels over Triple H and MVP's respective mugs is an excellent touch. 

This poster does well to capture the fun feel of the SummerSlam event without turning to goofiness.  The red, black and yellow color scheme is gorgeous—another successful detail.