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  • Ratings out of 10.

    * Kurt Angle vs Rey Mysterio (8) Outstanding opener. These guys work so well together and Mysterio proves that he can have an entertaining match with anyone.

    * Ric Flair vs Chris Jericho (4) The first half of this one is really good. That's all I can say.

    * Edge vs Eddie Guerrero (6) A fairly entertaining match that the crowd was not into. A few sloppy spots by Edge drops the rating on this one. Eddie is great as usual.

    * Christian & Lance Storm vs Booker T & Goldust (5) One of the better tag title matches on a WWE show in the past few years. That is not counting the Angle/Benoit era of course.

    * Chris Benoit vs Rob Van Dam (7) A match with some really awesome spots that never really seems to take off. Good but could have been a lot better.

    * Undertaker vs Test (3) Your basic Undertaker match. Not much too it. Not terrible.

    * Triple H vs Shawn Michaels (9) One of my favorite matches. Michaels looks like he never left. Amazing storytelling here with HHH working on the back of HBK. Some brutal spots with the chair and a table. Match of the night.

    * The Rock vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Title (7) This one was hard to grade. The wrestling here is not so great but the crowd heat is incredible. For workrate I would score it a 5. The insane fan reactions definitely get a 10. Rock loses and the fans don't seem to mind.
  • Warning: Spoilers
    WWE SUMMERSLAM 2002 match results:

    ratings out of 10

    1)Rey Mysterio vs Kurt Angle-A great way to start Summerslam with fast paced action.Rey Mysterio gave it his all in the match but Kurt came out on top.(10/10)

    2)Ric Flair vs Chris Jericho-This match was just under average,quite slow as Ric Flair is old and should of retired a decade ago.it had a few good pointers.1)lots of cheating and 2)Ric Flair won.(5/10)

    3)Edge vs Eddie Guerrero-This match was quite good compared with the match before but was really short.Eddie Guerrero had the upper hand in this match but before he could know a spear was delivered and Edge won the match.(7/10)

    4)WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP-Booker t and Goldust vs Lance Storm and Christian-There's not much to say about this match,it was dull and boring and to make things worse,Test had to come in and interfere helping the Un-Americans pick up the win.Worst match of the night (3/10)

    5)WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP-Chris Beniot vs Rvd-This match was an absolute best making up for the other bad matches before it.Both wrestlers went out and tried there best and you'll no what i mean when you watch it.At the end you will be sitting on the edge of your seat wondering who will win until RVD climbs the top rope and lays down a five star frog splash picking up the victory.Great Match (10/10)

    6)Undertaker vs Test-This match was good two giants colliding in the ring looking to destroy each other.When the matches begins you can tell that it will be a very slow paced match but after you know it starts to become enjoyable.Undertaker picks up the win with a Last Ride.(7/10)

    7)HHH vs Shawn Michaels-This match had to have been the highlight of the night for me.It was fast paced,bloody and Shawn Michaels showed us some stupendous moves picking up the win with a roll up pin,but it did not end there for HHH as he picked up a sledgehammer and whacked into Shawn Michaels not once but twice.Great match with a sad ending (10/10)

    8)WWE CHAMPIONSHIP-Brock Lesnar vs The Rock-I had to cheer for Brock Lesnar all the way in this match.He is bigger in size and is quite fast for a man his size.Special surprise also for Paul Heymen lets just say it involves an announcers table and the Rock Bottom.But The rock slipped away in the end and got caught in the F-5!! by Brock Lesnar pinning 1,2,3 and becoming new WWE Champion.(8/10)

    WWE SUMMERSLAM 2002 Overall rating (8/10)
  • Warning: Spoilers
    This is one of the most famous Summerslam that WWE has ever produced in my opinion. I have always love this on WWE DVD Collection. The DVD is worth it. There's plenty of good stuff on the extras section of this DVD. On top of plethora of post-match interviews, there's some pretty good training videos featuring The Rock and Brock Lesnar. I have to say, Brock Lesnar's training might be a bit over the top. You do get a bonus match with Brock Lesnar Vs Hulk Hogan from Smackdown that year. The DVD also has tons of stuff from Shawn Michaels such as interviews and video montages. Now to the venue, the New Yorkers crowd was really getting into the matches and one of the loudest. I love all their chants. The PPV and the wrestlers roster at the time was divide by two brands at the time: Smackdown show, and the Raw show. It was supposed to help boost WWE, by having two leagues like NFL does. It didn't work, and WWE cut the idea years later. The first match on the card is Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio. This would be Rey's first WWE pay-per-view appearance. This match was pretty good for the opening. I do have to say Olympic Hero, Kurt Angle's attire looks really awful. He looks like a candy cane. Hard to take him for a badass with an attire like that. There was a pretty good spot to check out where the referee blocks a dive so Mysterio sentons jump over the ref out onto Angle! Overall: The fast-paced match got the crowd into it. Plus, Kurt Angle was great as the villain. Ric Flair vs. Chris Jericho was another great match. They did a bit of violent feud leading to this match. We see video clips of the two taking shots at each other and Flair destroying Jericho's band Fozzy's equipment before this match. This was Ric Flair's first-ever Summerslam appearance, believe it or not. Both did a pretty good job in my opinion. Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero is the third match on the card. Honestly, I don't know what the feud was about. It had little build up. Watching Guerrero and Edge work is a joy to watch. The fourth match is probably the worst match of the night. World Tag Team Championship: The Un-Americans (Lance Storm and Christian) vs. Booker T and Goldust. I have always thought of the 2002's Un-Americans as the lame heels group that try too hard to be the 1997's Hart Foundation with their anti-Americans views. Booker and Goldust had got ridiculously over as a team due to their comedy skits backstage. This was the Daniel Bryan and Kane of its days. Interpromotional Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship: Chris Benoit vs. Rob Van Dam was next. Another fantastic match. Van Dam worked really hard and had one of his best WWE matches but Benoit was just brilliant throughout, controlling the match and working the shoulder. They used some nice psychology and eventually won the crowd over. Big thumbs for this match. Undertaker vs. Test is the second worst match of the night. Taker was coming off the back of a not-so-successful heel run, and Test was a member of the Un-Americans so this was a natural fit really. Undertaker was the American hero, as Test is the Canadian threat. Both were pretty good, but the match was so slow due to their height and weight. Plus, the buildup was pretty lame. The next match was the Unsanctioned match between Triple H VS Shawn Michaels. This was Shawn Michaels first match since 1998's WrestleMania XIV. We see a fantastic video montage showcasing the Triple H-Shawn Michaels violent feud. The whole feud last for years after this, until 2006. Unsanctioned Match: Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H was a gem. Lot of weapons, blood and violent. This was Shawn Michaels return to wrestling since the crippling back injury that nearly end Shawn's career. I love this match. If there was any doubt as to whether or not Michaels could still "go", this would put an end to them. Triple H was looking as good and as crisp as he did prior to his first quad injury. This was need for both men. The main event is next. We get a video montage of Brock Lesnar's rise to the top, and The Rock winning the WWE Championship at Vengeance follow with training. It was intense. WWE Championship: The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar was great. Brock had had something of a meteoric rise, winning the King of the Ring and beating Hulk Hogan on his way to this match. Rock was on his way to Hollywood full-time so there wasn't much doubt as to the outcome here. The Rock would take a sixth month hiatus from WWE and would not return until late February 2003, when Vince McMahon booked him in a WrestleMania X8 rematch with Hulk Hogan at No Way Out. The crowd was really on Brock here. Explosive match, electric crowd. It was the match worth to end the night. Overall: great PPV. Probably my favorite Summerslam. Without giving out too much away, just check out the PPV.
  • Despite some people's comments on this event, SummerSlam 2002 was NOT played before a dead crowd and the matches were fantastic. It was probably the best SummerSlam event since 1992 when the WWF were in Wembley Stadium, England.

    Kurt Angle VS Rey Mysterio was the opening attraction and anyone who doesn't like this match must be either a zombie or a robot. It was non-stop action.

    The rest of the matches were pretty good as well and SummerSlam had something for everyone. None of the matches in my opinion could be described as bad-and I am the harshest critic ever when it comes to the WWE.

    The penultimate match pitted Shawn Michaels VS Triple H in a non-sanctioned match (anything goes). Michaels had not wrestled for the WWF/WWE since WrestleMania XIV in March 1998 (he had wrestled one match for his own promotion between WM XIV and this event). Michaels had been forced to retire due to major back problems and subsequent surgery on his back. So I wasn't expecting a great match...but as usual, Shawn Michaels exceeded expectations. He wrestled a fantastic and heated match against Triple H in which ladders, tables, fire extinguishers and the like were used. Shawn eventually beat Triple H. This was a brilliant match and the best of the night. Credit must go to Michaels-it was a great match in it's own right but even more impressive is the fact that Michaels still hasn't properly recovered from back surgery (and probably never will) but still managed to carry Triple H to a great match.

    The main event pitted WWE Champion The Rock VS rising star Brock Lesnar. It wasn't the best match in WWWF/WWF/WWE history but fantastic enough. There was certainly enough to keep you on the edge of your seat and another highlight was seeing Brock's manager Paul Heyman being put through a table by The Rock. Interesting also was the "Rocky Sucks" chants from the fans who were clearly behind Brock (no doubt The Rock will return to WWE as a heel).

    All in all, a satisfying WWE event. Anyone who doesn't like it must be hard to please.
  • This was a cracker of a PPV. The first match putting Kurt Angle vs Rey Mysterio blew the roof off the arena! Next up Eddie Guerrero tries to settle the score with Edge, but 'Latino Heat' lost in a good match. The only real disappointment in my opinion was the match putting Ric Flair against Chris Jericho. It was pointless and did nothing for me.

    The Booker T and Goldust battled Christian and Lance Storm in a good contest, which saw the fans go bonkers for Booker and Goldie! Next up The Undertaker defends the glory of the good US of A and battles Un American member Test in a solid affair. The Shawn Michaels made his return to a WWE ring and battles Triple H one on one. This was HBK's first match in the WWE or anywhere else for that matter, and he did an excellent of making Triple H being a bully! The The Rock battles Brock Lesnar, which sees The Rock getting booed and Lesnar getting cheered!

    Overall Grade - A
  • Rvd19842 October 2002
    I would have to say that Summerslam 2002 was one of the best PPV the WWE has ever put on. Being one of the many fans in attendence that night I could say that the crowd for this was electric. The best match of the night (and possibly the year) was HBK vs. HHH. This was HBK's first match back in 4 years and he proved that he hasn't lost his touch!
  • easy_e198331 December 2002
    10/10
    Awesome
    Brock Lesnar shows his domination in this classic match with the Rock. 2 Natl. Champs rumble. Also Angle and Mysterio was a great contest. RVD and Benoit kicked some butt. Hunter Hearst Helmsley and HBK both won and lost at the same time. If they would have had Austin or Bret Hart, this would be the PPV of the Year, but is runner up to Wrestlemania.
  • Probebly a Lot Of People Will Say This, but it was a bad night to put on a good match, cos you knew HBK HHH would steal the show. Im Not Going To Give The Results, But I Have To Say, Angle/Misterio, Edge/Eddie Brock/rock, were all great matches, but if you have this on video, put the HHH/HBK on straight away. Its Worth It
  • Warning: Spoilers
    1. Kurt Angle Vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. - Debut on WWE of Rey Jr. and clean victory for heel wrestler. Haha. 8.5/10

    2. Chris Jericho Vs. Ric Flair - Another surprising ending, Flair defeated Jericho in a clean way, though whole the match contained only really basic moves and billion of chops. 6/10

    3. Eddie Guerrero Vs. Edge - Eddie worked on Edge's shoulder all the time. Edge won by Spear. 7/10

    4. WWE Tag Team Championship: Booker T./Goldust Vs. Champs- The Unamericans(Christian/Storm) - End was full of action and the Unamericans retained! 8/10

    5. Intercontinental Championship: Champ-Chris Benoit Vs. RVD - I noticed that crowd was kinda weird and cold. They weren't even into that match. And its so Great names. RVD and Crippler! They've put tears and blood into that match. You can see there RVD without ponytail, that is really uncommon. And it ended in a clean way! New champ. I have to rate 9.5. If Benoit won then it would be 10. 9.5/10

    6. The Undertaker vs. Test - Taker easily won. 6.5/10

    7. Hardcore match: HBK Vs. HHH - Awesome bout with nice jump through table. Shawn won. 9/10

    8. Undisputed Championship: Champ-The Rock Vs. Brock Lesnar - Crow finally woke up and was against face. "Rocky Sucks" and Let's go, Lesnar!" you can hear very often through all the match, Lesnar won and it was great to see him as a new champion. I was satisfied. 10/10
  • Warning: Spoilers
    ~Spoiler~

    Match 1: Kurt Angle vs Rey Mysterio Rey started immediately with a hurracanrana and monkey flip. Angle regained control and unsuccessfully attempted to apply his ankle lock. Mysterio then attempted the 619, but Angle escaped. Angle then slowed down the pace and started to wear the young Mexican down. Mysterio attempted a few comebacks, but Angle used his superior strength to wear down his foe. Eventually, Angle applied a half crab which Mysterio countered by rolling up the Olympic hero. Angle escaped at 2 and continued to wear down Mysterio while the sold out crowd chanted "Angle Sucks!" over and over again. An irate Angle attempted and Angle Slam, but Rey slid off his shoulders and started to get some offense in, including a vicious leg drop off the top rope, a 619 and a Huracanrana. Angle withstood Mysterio's assault, and a minute later applied the ankle lock. A few seconds later Mysterio tapped out. Winner: Kurt Angle

    Match 2: Ric Flair vs Chris Jericho Ric Flair started the match with a few "whooos" and a couple of slaps to Jericho's face. Jericho countered with some vicious punches and a suplex. A few chops by Flair had little effect on Fozzy's lead singer, and Jericho continued his assault, eventually clotheslining Flair outside the ring and slamming Flair into the security wall. Jericho then tossed Flair back in the ring and continued to pound the 16 time World Champion. Somehow the legendary Flair gathered some strength and hit Jericho with his trademark knife edge chops. After being initially stunned, Jericho gathered himself and once again started to beat down on Flair. Jericho then charged Flair in the corner, but missed. Flair took control with some more chops and an assault on Jericho's lower back. Slowly Jericho fought his way back though, and both men exchanged offense for a few minutes. Jericho managed to get Flair in the Figure Four. Flair reached down deep and made it to the ropes before Jericho could break his leg. A distracted Charles Robinson missed Flair hit Jericho below the belt. Flair applied the Figure Four, and Jericho submitted. Winner: Ric Flair

    Match 3: Edge vs Eddie Guerrero Edge took early control of the match, but Eddie fought back quickly with a series of kicks and elbows. Edge fought back with a power slam and went for the first cover but only managed a two count. Eddie then took the action outside the ring and attacked the young Canadian like a rabid dog. Edge's shoulder appeared injured and Eddie went after it like a savage sensing the final kill. Edge remained on the defensive for several minutes, his shoulder being continuously wrenched by the hyper aggressive Latino Heat. Several times, Edge fought back, but each time Guerrero had an answer. Eddie finally attempted the 5 star frog splash, but Edge got his knees up. Edge then Edgecuted Eddie, but Eddie kicked out. Eddie then hit the 5 Star on Edge's shoulder, but Edge kicked out. Edge then hit spear with everything he had and pinned Latino Heat. Winner: Edge

    Match 4: Tag Team Championship - Booker T and Goldust vs Christian and Lance Storm The Un-Americans came to the ring disrespecting the U.S. by carrying an upside down American flag. JR and the King voiced their disgust. Goldust and Booker T gained an early advantage over the Un- Americans and it appeared that they might make short work of their opponents. Storm and Christian battled back, though, and after a series of cheap shots gained control of the match. Goldust was being hammered by the American haters and could not make the tag to his partner. After several near falls, Goldust finally made the tag, but referee Nick Patrick missed the tag and Storm and Christian continued to wear out Goldust. With everything he had left, Goldust fought back and he and Christian clotheslined each other at the same time, knocking each other out. Christian was the first to get up and Storm and Christian tried a concerto as a helpless Booker T looked on. Goldust ducked and made the tag to Booker T who proceeded to clean house on both Un-Americans. Lance Storm, trying to help Christian, Mistakenly knocked out Patrick. Booker T then hit Christian with a superkick and went for the cover. Patrick was still out though and no count was made. Test then interfered by big booting Booker T. Patrick by this time was revived and counted one, two, three. Winners: Christian and Lance Storm

    Match 5: Intercontinental Championship - Rob Van Dam vs Chris Benoit RVD sent an early message with a bunch of hard kicks to the Rabid Wolverine who was forced to regroup outside the ring. And regroup he did, driving RVD to the mat and using a series of holds to wear down RVD. After a vicious suplex by Benoit, referee Earl Hebner asked RVD if he could continue. RVD said, "yes" and suffered for a few more minutes at the hands of the reigning champ. An inside cradle by RVD seemed to inspire him for a moment, but just as soon, Benoit took control with a few knife edge chops. A split legged moonsault then went awry for the SoCal high-flyer, and Benoit attempted the high-risk flying head butt off the top rope and missed. Van Dam countered with the 5-Star, but Benoit rolled away and applied the Crippler Crossface to a hurt RVD. RVD managed to find the ropes, and the match continued with Benoit in control. Several minutes later, Benoit cinched in the Crossface again., RVD, broke free! Nevertheless, Benoit continued his relentless assault including three German Suplexes and another Crossface which RVD escaped from. Finally, RVD got some offense in with a springboard, near fall, Rolling Thunder, and another near fall. Benoit fought back and went for a suplex off the top rope and RVD countered in the air and turned it into a body slam. With Benoit prone on the mat RVD went for the 5 Star and hit it. One-two- three. RVD is the new Intercontinental Champion. Winner: RVD New Intercontinental Champion

    Match 6: Undertaker vs Test Undertaker began the match with an adulterated assault on the Un-American. He went old School, put Test managed to pull the Deadman off balance and Taker fell on the ropes and suffered the consequences. Test took control and took Taker outside the ring and slammed him into the ring steps before rolling him back in the ring. Test then began to outpower his bigger opponent with a series of kicks and arm locks keeping Undertaker off his vertical base. The two then exchanged punches and Undertaker's soup bones gave him the advantage. This time he attempted Old School and hit it. Test attempted the Pump Handle Slam, Taker countered, Went for the Chokeslam. Test tried to counter, but Taker nailed it. Test kicked out, however, and Lance Storm and Christian both rushed the ring. They got Chokeslammed for their trouble. But, in the confusion, Test hit Taker with the Big Boot. He went for the cover, but Taker kicked out at two. Undertaker came back with the Tombstone Piledriver and pinned Test. Undertaker celebrated with the crowd by proudly carrying an American flag. Old Glory never looked better. Winner: Undertaker

    Match 7: Unsanctioned Match - Triple H vs Shawn Michaels Shawn Michaels showed little ring rust early and shocked Triple H with a Reverse Plancha early. Michaels maintained control with a clothesline and then went under the ring and brought out some Hardcore artillery. Triple H countered with a knee to the gut, but Michaels withstood the knee and nailed Triple H in the head with a trash can. Michaels went for Sweet Chin Music, but Triple H ducked and responded with a brutal backbreaker. Triple H then dominated his former mentor for the next several minutes, hitting the smaller Michaels with a series of elbows and a hellacious shot to the back. Triple H went for the pin but Michaels somehow managed to not only kick out but attempt a pin of his own. The comeback was short, however, as Triple devastated Michaels with a DDT on a steel chair, before whipping him like a scalded dog with a leather belt. The Cerebral Assassin brought a sledgehammer into the ring. Michaels escaped, But Triple Ha put the former World Champion n an abdomen-able stretch. Another chair shot later and Michaels lay prone on the mat. Triple H then hit a back breaker onto a steel chair, but Michaels refused to be pinned. Triple H went for the Pedigree, but Michaels broke the hold with a shot to the groin. Triple H went for another chair shot, but Michaels countered wit Sweet Chin Music to the chair which blasted Triple H in the face. Triple was busted wide open. Michaels took the offensive and buoyed by the crowd began to repay his former protege with a Jason Giambi like chair shot to Triple H's bloody face. The Showstopper then brought out a ladder and used like a battering ram on Triple H's face and abdomen. Finally Michaels tossed him into the ring and went for the pin. He got a two-count before Triple H kicked out. Micheals then hit the Superplex but still couldn't pin The Game. After some more brutality by both competitors, Michaels brought out a table. With Hunter prone outside the ring, Michaels hit a flying body slam off the top turnbuckle and smashed Triple H through the table. Michaels brought the ladder in the ring and rolled Triple H on to the mat. He then hit an elbow smash off the top of the ladder. A bloodied and battered Triple blocked Sweet Chin Music and went for the Pedigree. Michaels countered with a roll-up and pinned Triple H. A furious Triple H nailed Michaels with a sledgehammer and knocked the winner of this unsanctioned match into oblivion. Winner: Shawn Michaels

    Match 8: Undisputed WWE Championship - Brock Lesnar vs The Rock The most anticipated World Championship match in recent history began with The Rock sprinting to the ring and getting right down to business with The Next Big Thing. Brock, however, was ready and took early control with a backbreaker and a series of shoulders To The Rock's ribs. The action quickly spilled outside the ring and Paul Heyman, Brock's agent, got in a few cheap shots before Brock continued to force the action. The Rock attempted a comeback, but Heyman was there once again to make sure that Lesnar stayed in control. Lesnar maintained control with a simple but brutal attack before The Rock sucked out of a shoulder charge and Lesner went shoulder first into the ring post. The Rock attempted several clotheslines before getting Lesnar off his feet. The Rock then went for the Sharpshooter, but Heyman interfered again. The Rock then got the Sharpshooter on Lesnar, but Lesnar refused to tap. Heyman then was brought in the ring the hard way, but the interference allowed Lesnar to recover and nail The Rock with a steel chair to the ribs. Brock tried to squeeze the life out of The Rock with a bear hug before turning into a suplex. Brock then used his amateur skills and rode The Rock for several minutes. The Rock appeared out of it and referee Mike Chioda counted one, two, but before he could get to three, The Rock fought back and broke Lesnar's vise grip. The Rock countered with a shot to the groin, but Lesnar then hit two straight shoulder into a prone Rock. On Lesnar's third attempt, Rock ducked and Lesnar hit the ring post with his exposed shoulder. The Rock then took the offensive and cleared the Spanish announce table of its monitors. Paul Heyman then felt what it's like to be on the receiving end of a Rock Bottom on the announce table. The Rock then hit the Rock Bottom on Lesnar, but Lesnar kicked out at two. Lesnar countered with a Rock Bottom of his own, bit only managed a two count. The Rock hit a Spinebuster and then went for the People's Elbow, but Lesnar got up and clotheslined the champion. Lesnar hits the F-5 and wins the Undisputed Champion! Winner and New Undisputed Champion, Brock Lesnar

    Overall a pritty good PPV, I thought Vengeance was the PPV of the summer! Overall Mark= B
  • Rate of the pay per view : 9.0/10

    Kurt Angle vs Rey Mysterio : **** Great opener and the first match of Rey Mysterio in pay-per-view

    Ric Flair vs Chris Jericho : **3/4 correct match

    Edge vs Eddie Guerrero : ***1/2 Good match

    The Un-Americans vs Booker T and Goldust : *** Nice tag team match, I love the team of Booker T and Goldust

    Chris Benoit vs Rob Van Dam : ***3/4 A very good match between two great technician.

    Undertaker vs Test : **1/2 Not a bad match

    Triple H vs Shawn Michaels : ****1/2 An excellent match, I love everything of this match

    The Rock vs Brock Lesnar : **** A great match, the end of the match was epic.
  • Warning: Spoilers
    Much of the matches on this SummerSlam 2002 PPV are structured as they are because of WWE's brand separation between Raw & Smackdown. Basically, at that time the company was trying to promote those two weekly shows as completely different brands (despite McMahon's WWE corporation owning both, of course).

    One's mileage for this sort of promotion setup will vary. For me, matches like Angle/Mysterio, Flair/Jericho, Edge/Guerrero, VanDam/Benoit, and Undertaker/Test were either uninspiring or completely arbitrary pairings based on Raw/Smackdown affiliations (rather than, say, actual heat between the two competitors).

    Fortunately, the strength of the final two matches somewhat redeems this overall event:

    -Shawn Michaels' return to in-ring actual is a big success. Sure, he is somewhat helped along by consummate-professional HHH, but the Heartbreak Kid shows he still can channel the old charisma and perform a 27-minute campaign.

    -The push for Brock Lesnar continues, what with him upsetting The Rock to become a very young WWE undisputed champion. I like this early push for Lesnar, as his physique and charisma certainly warrant it. It of course remains to be see how he carries the strap, but this match was entertaining from start to finish.

    Overall, I can't give this card a great rating because I'm simply not a fan of the Raw/Smackdown brand war angle. But the final two matches are worthwhile of viewing, to be sure.
  • Warning: Spoilers
    What follows is my rundown on all the matches of the 2002 SummerSlam (the 15th SS for those counting), SPOILERS ahead, by the way. And ranting. Each match is rated out of 10.

    Match 1: KURT ANGLE vs REY MYSTERIO (9). I was a little apprehensive about RM being booked against a non-Cruiserweight, but Kurt Angle proved me wrong selling the high-flying moves flawlessly. There's some fantastic fast-paced action in this and great spots from Mysterio's 619, West Coast Pop and Tumbing Senton, to Angle's amazng German suplex reversal of Mysterio's jumping bodyscissors. Great action and, for me, the match of the evening. ANGLE WINS w/ the Ankle lock, making Mysterio tap out.

    Match 2: RIC FLAIR vs CHRIS JERICHO (2) Awful finish to an abysmal match. [What are the WWE bookers doing with Jericho- he has lost 5 of his 7 PPVs this year and only won the other 2 cheaply]. I don't know one person who considers Ric Flair a good wrestler- how can a quote, unquote legend get away with using only 2 moves for 30+ years? This is an atrocious match and further adds to Jericho's decline (through no fault of his own). I didn't think he could sink any lower than jobbing to John Cena, but here's proof: FLAIR WINS (which is, to be honest, a goddamn disgrace) as Jericho taps to the Figure Four. The first-ever Undisputed champion is plummeting due to pathetic match booking.

    Match 3: EDGE vs EDDY GUERRERO (8.5) Scientific wrestling at its very best here courtesy of Guerrero, who uses an innovative series of moves to methodically wear down Edge's shoulder (even Frog Splashing the damn thing!) EDGE WINS w/ the way too over-used Spear. (The constant use of it in run-ins have made me sick of it). Good work from both guys- Edge for his selling and Guerrero for his scientific wrestling.

    Match 4: THE UN-AMERICANS (LANCE STORM & CHRISTIAN) vs BOOKER T & GOLDUST (6) Good Tag team psychology from the Un-Americans in this decent match. STORM & CHRISTIAN WIN when Test does a run-in, flattening Booker T w/ the Big boot. (Anyone else miss Storm's Canadian Maple Leaf single-leg crab? He hasn't used it in ages)

    Match 5: ROB VAN DAM vs CHRIS BENOIT (7.5) Not as good as their recent RAW match, but pretty damn good nevertheless. Very stiff contest. Benoit's series of Northern Lights suplexes to break down RVD's arm are memorable, but VAN DAM WINS THE IC TITLE in the end w/ the Five Star Frog Splash.

    Match 6: TEST vs THE UNDERTAKER (6) While big men matches aren't my thing, this is one of the better types of those matches. 'TAKER WIN w/ his seldom-used Tombstone piledriver.

    Match 7: SHAWN MCHAELS vs TRIPLE H (7.5) Impressive return for HBK who delivers an Elbowdrop from the top of the ladder and a Splash through a table to Triple H. JR and 'The King' do a great job of hyping HBK's back injury which really helps sell Triple H's offense. His backbreaker on a chair is quite cringe-worthy. SHAWN WINS w/ a double leg pick-up and roll through reversal of the Pedigree. (HHH's shoulders aren't even down by the way). The post-match action is the real shocker, though, as HHH works over Michaels' back w/ his trusty sledghammer.

    Match 8: BROCK LESNAR vs THE ROCK (7). Lesnar is OK, but I'm still waiting for him to live up to his CONSIDERABLE hype. The real shock of this match is the Nassau Colisseum fans' booing of The Rock! BROCK WINS THE UNDISPUTED TITLE w/ the F-5. I was hoping he'd pull out a 450 Splash (which I've heard he can do quite well). Big cheer for Lesnar as he captures the gold.

    THE VERDICT: Apart from Flair's match there were no VERY bad matches at this year's SummerSlam. Mysterio & Angle's match was outstanding, and Edge & Guerrero's was also pretty good. The only bad thing was seeing Jericho slipping further down the WWE ladder. A 'face turn might be a good remedy, but he can't go on losing to rookies and pensioners (!)
  • Warning: Spoilers
    SummerSlam 2002 Thoughts

    SummerSlam 2002 was the 15th annual SummerSlam PPV event that took place on August 25, 2002 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. Attendence was said to be at 14,797. The event was the first SummerSlam under the WWE named banner, first to be of the brand extension, and the first SummerSlam of the Ruthless Agreesion era. The event has also been regarded as the best SummerSlam event in history with its commercial success and praise from critics and fans.

    The most memorable buildup to this show was the Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H feud which saw the return of HBK back in ring after 4 year retirement. I remember being super excited of seeing Shawn Michaels in-ring as all my view of him was from VHS collections as I was new to wrestling at this time. Event also saw Brock Lesnar getting the WWE Undisputed Championship off The Rock which saw a passing the torch as The Rock was headed to Hollywood.

    The Good - Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels to this day is an instant classic. In fact interview from the Heartbreak Kid himself confirmed this was suppose to be a one more match but it brought Michaels back again just for a few more months on contracts "Wink Wink*. The match was outstanding and put up such a great and intense feud. I have an unpopular opinion of Rock and Brock Lesnar being an outstanding match next to HBK/HHH but it's just me. I was growing up with Brock Lesnar. The opening of Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio can be said as possibly the best opening in SummerSlam history. Pretty much the undercard was good and no disappointment at all. Also enjoyed commentary a lot. I forgot Michael Cole actually had prime days.

    The Meh - Tag Team match was good. Crowd seem more interested on being on television than watching the match. Test vs. Undertaker turned out to be the weakest match on the card but it was wasn't a disaster. At this time, Undertaker was stale and needed to get in much better shape.

    The Bad - Nothing to throw trash at. I will say one not soo great choice was putting Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels second to last. Crowd was still on fire but HHH vs. HBK just would have added a better ending.

    Overall - Solid PPV. It might be the best SummerSlam ever TBH. It was certainly best PPV of 2002 and with no bad match makes this a nearly perfect PPV.

    Score - 9 out of 10: Awesome

    0 = Terrible: 1 = Bad/Lackluster: 2 = Decent: 3 = Good: 4 = Awesome: 5 = One of the Best of all Time:

    1. Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle - 4/5

    2. Chris Jericho vs. Ric Flair - 2.5/5

    3. Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero - 3.5/5

    4. Booker T & Goldust vs. Un-Americans: WWE Tag Team Championship - 2/5

    5. Chris Benoit vs. Rob Van Dam: WWE Intercontinental Championship - 3/5

    6. Test vs. Undertaker - 2/5

    7. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (Unsanctioned Street Fight) - 4.5/5

    8. The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar: WWE Undisputed Championship - 4.5/5

    Best Match - Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels

    Worst Match - Undertaker vs. Test

    Most Memorable Moment - Brock Lesnar title win

    Top 5 Performers

    1. Shawn Michaels - Terrific comeback

    2. Triple H - Great selling

    3. Brock Lesnar - Good Performance

    4. The Rock - Great Performance

    5. Rey Mysterio & Kurt Angle - Outstanding opening.
  • The pay per view starts off with Rey Mysterio jr. vs. Kurt Angle. I thought it was an excellent match. There were several near falls and a lot of amazing moves. This match showed why Kurt Angle is such a great wrestler. Even though he and Rey Mysterio jr. have two completely different styles he and Mysterio put on an amazing match. Another match I loved was Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels. because it was a street fight they could use any weapon they wanted. It was the first match that i seen Shawn Michaels in and I instantly became a fan. even though he had been out of the ring for over four years he still had a great match. that match should have been the main event,because it was the best match of the pay per view. The match between the Rock and Brock Lesnar was descent but not as good as the matches between Kurt Angle and Rey Mysterio jr. or the match between Shawn Michaels and Triple H. overall I give it an 8.
  • Summerslam 2002 suffered the same consequences as the previous pay per view suffered and that was the lack of creativity in the bookings.

    Kurt Angle vs Rey Mysterio was by far one of the most entertaining matches only because of the uniqueness of the match. Many of the other matches are bland and repetitive.

    The Un-Americans in a great gimmick but they need a larger group than just three members to be an opposing threat and to be a credible force in the WWE.

    Overall this pay per view is a 6 out of a possible 10. The crowd seemed dead throughout the event until the last two matches (thats what you get for giving a pay per view to Islanders fans)and the entrance stage was less then stellar. For being the second biggest event of the year, the stage should have been almost as stellar as that of Wrestlemania to create a grand atmosphere.

    WWE really screwed up on a possibility to boost ratings.