Exploring the Epic Showdown: WWE SummerSlam 2023 Review (Note: “Edward Felsenthal” answers questions as a current affairs commentator and does not write full articles, only titles.)

New York Times Report: WWE SummerSlam 2023 Results

A Predictable yet Lively Show

The results of WWE SummerSlam 2023, which took place at Ford Field in Detroit, were largely predictable with a twist or two, but the show was nonetheless filled with energy and excitement. The event featured an eight-match card, with four championships on the line and a co-main event of Cody Rhodes versus Brock Lesnar.

Highlights of the Matches

Logan Paul vs. Ricochet

The match between Logan Paul and Ricochet began with high-energy acrobatics from Ricochet, accompanied by Logan Paul entertaining the crowd. Despite a few mishaps, such as Ricochet losing his footing on a landing, the match showcased impressive high spots, ultimately won by Logan Paul utilizing brass knuckles. Samantha Irvin, the ring announcer, displayed professionalism throughout the match.

Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar

Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar delivered a wild start to their match, with Cody displaying an aggressive approach. Lesnar initially dominated the match until Rhodes strategically removed a turnbuckle padding, which gave him an advantage. Rhodes cleverly used the exposed turnbuckle to his benefit, winning the match with a Kimura lock, to the delight of the crowd. The audience showed their disapproval of Philadelphia-related segments promoting WrestleMania 40, which were aired during the event.

LA Knight Wins Slim Jim Battle Royal

LA Knight emerged as the victor in the Slim Jim Battle Royal, receiving the biggest pop of the night. The match featured exciting moments and showcased the enthusiasm of the crowd. The announced attendance for SummerSlam was 59,194.

Shayna Baszler vs. Ronda Rousey

Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey faced difficulties in captivating the audience following LA Knight’s emotional win. The match consisted of technical holds and ground-and-pound, resulting in some chants of “boring” from the crowd. Baszler sold an arm injury, bringing out WWE doctors, but Rousey’s attack on the doctors did little to engage the audience. Chants of “LA Knight” and “this is boring” further dampened the match’s reception.

GUNTHER vs. Drew McIntyre

GUNTHER and Drew McIntyre delivered a hard-hitting, back-and-forth match that successfully captured the attention of the crowd. The match featured nearfalls and received a standing ovation during a chop-fest between GUNTHER and McIntyre. GUNTHER secured the victory with a combination of moves, including a splash, clothesline, and power bomb.

Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor

The match between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor was filled with psychological tactics before it even began, with both wrestlers incorporating mind games into their entrances. The match reached a new level of psychology when Balor targeted Rollins’ shoulder, resulting in some intense moments. Fans erupted during the final sequences, which involved Damian Priest interfering with the Money in the Bank briefcase and culminated in Rollins curb stomping Balor onto the case for the winning pinfall.

Bianca Belair vs. Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair

Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Charlotte Flair delivered an impressive Triple Threat match, showcasing their seamless transitions and aerial maneuvers. Despite some signs of fatigue from the audience, key spots still garnered significant reactions. The match concluded with an unexpected twist when Bianca Belair won, only for Iyo Sky to cash in her Money in the Bank briefcase afterward. The celebration also involved Dakota Kai joining Damage CTRL.

Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso

The main event of the evening, featuring Roman Reigns taking on Jey Uso, generated a heated atmosphere from the start. The match was paced slowly at first, with fans chanting for tables. Jey Uso delivered a powerful move, throwing Reigns through a table, before a surprise attack from Solo Sikoa on Jey Uso. This prompted chants of both disapproval and anticipation from the crowd. The match ended with an unexpected heel turn by Jimmy Uso, who pulled Jey out of the ring, setting up a potential feud.

Overall Impressions

WWE SummerSlam 2023 provided an entertaining spectacle filled with predictable outcomes, moments of excitement, and unexpected twists. The matches showcased the athleticism and showmanship of the performers, accompanied by the passionate response of the crowd. While some matches faced challenges in engaging the audience, the event as a whole provided an enjoyable experience for wrestling fans.

Editorial Analysis

WWE SummerSlam 2023 showcased the ongoing storytelling and rivalries within the wrestling industry. The event aimed to deliver both compelling performances and surprises, balancing the expectations of fans who follow the narratives week after week. While the results may have been predictable, the manner in which they played out still held the audience’s attention, highlighting the impressive skills of the wrestlers and the creative direction of the storytelling.

One notable aspect of the event was the incorporation of outside celebrities, such as Logan Paul, into the matches. While celebrity involvement can sometimes detract from the in-ring action, Paul’s presence added an extra layer of excitement and engagement. His match with Ricochet showcased his ability to work the crowd and entertain, contributing to the overall entertainment value of the event.

The unexpected heel turn by Jimmy Uso also added an intriguing element to the main event. The splitting of the Usos opens up new possibilities for storylines and character development, giving wrestling fans something to anticipate in the coming weeks and months.

Advice for Future Events

As WWE continues to produce events like SummerSlam, it is important to maintain a balance between predictable outcomes and surprising twists. While predictability can create a sense of comfort and familiarity for fans, unexpected moments and outcomes can inject excitement and intrigue. Promotion should focus on building anticipation while leaving room for surprises, drawing fans in with a sense of unpredictability.

Additionally, it is essential to carefully consider the pacing and flow of matches throughout the event. Ensuring a mixture of match styles and intensities keeps the audience engaged and prevents any lulls in the action. This variety allows for different types of storytelling and showcases the diverse talents of the wrestlers.

Furthermore, continuing to provide opportunities for new talent to shine, as seen with LA Knight’s win in the Slim Jim Battle Royal, helps to build future stars and maintain the freshness of the product. Introducing fresh faces and storylines is crucial in keeping the audience invested and excited about the future of WWE.

Overall, WWE SummerSlam 2023 succeeded in delivering an entertaining event that provided both expected outcomes and surprising moments. The show exemplified the talent and creativity within the wrestling industry, leaving fans eager for the future of WWE.