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| SummerSlam 2002 |
As we approach this year’s SummerSlam event – and with the recent addition of a six-man tag team match that may steal the spotlight – we continue our series of articles on the history of SummerSlam by revisiting one of the greatest editions of the event. In fact, some fans consider it the best SummerSlam of all time.
Quick Info About the Event:
SummerSlam 2002 took place at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, in front of 14,797 fans. The card featured a total of eight matches – seven singles matches and one tag team bout. The event was mainly built around two headline matches:
Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H (unsanctioned match)
The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar for the Undisputed WWE World Championship.
1. Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio.
This was the perfect opener for the show. It marked Rey Mysterio's first-ever PPV match in WWE, going up against arguably the best technical wrestler in the world, Kurt Angle. There was great chemistry and fast-paced action between the two. The only downside was the short duration of the match – if it had been longer, it would’ve easily earned a higher rating. But as far as opening matches go, this was ideal.
Cagematch rating: 8.36
Dave Meltzer rating: ★★★¾
My rating: ★★★½
2. Ric Flair vs. Chris Jericho.
This match came during one of the lowest points in Ric Flair's career. At 52 years old, he was dealing with a lack of confidence in both himself and his in-ring performance. That’s why several top names – like The Undertaker at WrestleMania 18 – requested to work with him. This match with Jericho was average, but Jericho helped Flair look decent, proving that age is just a number. Flair won via a low blow followed by a Figure-Four Leglock, making Jericho tap out.
Cagematch rating: 5.88
Dave Meltzer rating: ★★¾
My rating: ★★½
3. Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero.
As usual, when Eddie Guerrero is involved, I find myself enjoying every moment. Pairing him with Edge – one of my personal favorites – made it even better. Eddie’s classic heel work (villain role) was outstanding, especially alongside Edge, who was transitioning into a babyface (hero character) after splitting from Christian. Overall, it was a solid match with great in-ring psychology.
Cagematch rating: 6.79
Dave Meltzer rating: ★★★¼
My rating: ★★★½
4. Christian & Lance Storm (c) vs. Booker T & Goldust.
WWE Tag Team Championship
A basic, passable tag team match. Nothing new or exciting here, but it wasn’t boring either. The Un-Americans retained their titles in a decent outing.
Cagematch rating: 5.76
Dave Meltzer rating: ★★★
My rating: ★★½
5. Chris Benoit (c) vs. Rob Van Dam.
WWE Intercontinental Championship
Whether you love him or not, Chris Benoit was a phenomenal in-ring performer – a true wrestling machine. I even have a personal playlist of his best matches that I rewatch now and then (might turn it into a full article soon). Technically, this was the third-best match of the night. Both men delivered a fantastic 16-minute match. The only issue was RVD’s weak selling of the shoulder injury, but aside from that, it was great.
Cagematch rating: 7.36
Dave Meltzer rating: ★★★½
My rating: ★★★¾
6. The Undertaker vs. Test.
Now we come to the show’s bathroom break match. Easily the worst match on the card. Its main purpose was clearly to fill time. Can you believe The Undertaker’s role in what's considered the best SummerSlam ever was just filler? He beat The Anti-American Test, waved the American flag, and got a big pop (crowd reaction). That’s it.
Cagematch rating: 4.54
Dave Meltzer rating: ★★¼
My rating: ★½
7. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H.
Unsanctioned Match
Shawn Michaels’ first match back after more than four years of retirement. Many were concerned about his performance after such a long absence (since WrestleMania 14 against Stone Cold). But he surprised everyone, keeping up with Triple H and delivering a bloody, brutal match that’s now seen as one of SummerSlam’s all-time greats. HBK won to get that big return push, but Triple H assaulted him with a sledgehammer afterward, setting up their legendary feud.
Cagematch rating: 9.12
Dave Meltzer rating: ★★★★¼
My rating: ★★★★½
8. The Rock (c) vs. Brock Lesnar.
WWE Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship.
Even though the outcome was predictable, the match did its job perfectly. It solidified Brock Lesnar as the future of WWE. With Austin injured and The Rock heading to Hollywood, Vince McMahon had built Lesnar up brilliantly to carry the company. From an in-ring perspective, the match was enjoyable, especially Lesnar’s performance. I personally believe that Lesnar’s first run (2002–2004) was his best ever in terms of wrestling quality. This match announced the arrival of The Next Big Thing. Lesnar beat The Rock to win his first WWE title – a historic end to one of the best SummerSlams ever.
Cagematch rating: 7.86
Dave Meltzer rating: ★★★¼
My rating: ★★★¼