WWE SummerSlam Countdown: Top 5 SummerSlam Shows in History

In my final edition of the "Summerslam Series," I am going to take a look back at the best events in the show's history. Everyone has their favorites in life; some will disagree with that opinion, and some will agree.

That is life.

Today, I am going to countdown the best Summerslam's and leave it up for debate as to whether my choices are fitting for the event or not.

Let's dive into it...

5. Summerslam 2009

I really enjoyed this event. Maybe it was the hot Wisconsin night I was experiencing. Maybe it was the friends over to watch with. Maybe it was the drinking game we had going. Maybe, just maybe, it was a pretty good show?

Kane vs. Khali was even okay. I didn't mind their slow action that night. The opener with Rey and Dolph was hot. DX returned to a great reaction. The ECW title match got 10 seconds with Christian...now he is World Champ.

However, what made it was the main event! CM Punk and Jeff Hardy put on an amazing TLC. Something Jeff is fine doing. He is a great athlete, but like I have said in the past—when the drugs become an issue, then I have an issue.

The icing on the cake? CM Punk winning, posing with the belt, until the gong sounds, and Taker appears below him and chokeslams him. Perfect ending.

4. Summerslam 2008

Yes, the PPV with my beloved Cena/Batista match. The same PPV with a very underrated Punk/JBl World title match. JBL is a Wrestling God, by the way.

As with most events, though, the main event put it over the top. Taker vs. Edge inside a Hell in a Cell was really a great match. It is what a "payoff" should be in the wrestling business. Kudos go off to both men and everyone else who put on a great night of action.

Thank you!

3. Summerslam 1998

This one probably should go into the fourth slot, but my gut told me to put this ahead of 2008. Thus it is now sitting here.

I do not even have to tell you about how amazing the HHH-Rock ladder match was for the IC title. I think most know my feelings on the main even that evening.

While Taker and Austin are both legends, they just never clicked inside the ring for me. Sorry if that disappoints anybody, but it is how I feel (my opinion).

Add in a very good undercard, and just as the company was turning the corner, they delivered a great even at Madison Square Garden, just as they usually do when they hit New York City.

2. Summerslam 2000

Quick pop quiz—raise your hand if you knew that this show had a Undetaker vs. Kane grudge match?

Yeah, most try to forget about that one...slow, pointless, and nothing worthwhile to see. Taker ripped Kane's mask off, he hid his face, went to the back, and nobody cared the next night on Raw.

Outside of that disappointment, we got a great night of action (like most of WWF 2000). The TLC match here is my favorite Summerslam match of all time. The Hardcore match between Shane McMahon and Steve Blackman featured my most memorable moment in SummerSlam history.

All in all, add up the mid card matches like X-Pac vs. Road Dogg ans Tazz vs. Lawler (I won't mention Jericho's great match), and the main event triangle with Rock/Triple H/Angle (plus Stephanie McMahon), and you got one of the better shows.

Hey, who doesn't love a good thong stinkface match?

1. Summerslam 2002

Oh yeah! This is what it is all about. To be honest with you, Summerslam 2000 could have been in this spot as well, but the main event here was much better than the 2000 show.

Taker vs. Test. Eddie vs. Edge. RVD winning the IC title. Rey vs. Angle in a great opener. I am telling you—the opening match of a PPV show is VERY important.

Throw in Shawn Michaels returning to the WWE for his first big match since 1998. Throw in one of the best ever—Triple H—and watch magic happen. Throw in weapons and tons of drama, and watch that magic turn into a "moment."

Of course, all roads lead to the main event, and yes, Brock vs. Rock was a hot match for the WWE title. It was one of the last big Rock matches. He had a few more in 2003 and 2004 before retiring, but this was one of his last "giving back to the industry" matches.

He put over Brock clean in the middle of the ring, just as I expect him to do with Cena at Wrestlemania 28 next spring.

Great event and definitely the best Summerslam ever...