WWE SummerSlam 2025 – Night One Review

SummerSlam returned in 2025 with a bold shift in format. For the first time in its long history, WWE's summer classic spanned two nights. Night One delivered a mix of storytelling, athleticism, and surprises, as rising stars met seasoned veterans in a card that set the tone for the weekend.

Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed

Roman Reigns, who had been off television since his WrestleMania defeat earlier in the year, made a dramatic return to tag with his cousin Jey Uso. The Bloodline's future has been uncertain since internal splits began in 2023, and this match marked the first time Reigns and Uso had teamed up since their highly publicised feud.

Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, two of WWE's strongest powerhouse competitors, controlled the early stages. Their size and raw aggression made them difficult to counter, but the Reigns-Uso pairing brought familiarity and resilience.

The turning point came when Breakker set up for a spear on Jey. Reigns intervened, taking the brunt of the move to protect his cousin. The moment felt symbolic, possibly hinting at a more honourable Reigns going forward. Jey capitalised with a Superkick and a splash for the win.

Winners: Roman Reigns & Jey Uso

Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez

Women’s Tag Team Championship

This match marked the surprise formation of a new alliance between Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Flair had been chasing a record-breaking tag title run, while Bliss had returned from maternity leave earlier in the year with a more aggressive in-ring persona.

Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez entered as champions, combining strength and speed. They looked well-matched on paper, but cracks began to show mid-match when communication broke down between the two.

Flair hit a Natural Selection on Perez after Bliss took Rodriguez out with a DDT on the floor. With Perez isolated, Bliss landed Sister Abigail and covered her for the pin.

Winners and New Champions: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss

Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre vs Randy Orton & Jelly Roll

In one of the night's more unpredictable attractions, internet star Logan Paul teamed up with Drew McIntyre to face the veteran Randy Orton and country singer Jelly Roll, making his in-ring debut.

While many fans assumed Jelly Roll would serve as comic relief, the musician held his own surprisingly well, even landing a solid elbow drop and a spinebuster with Orton’s guidance. However, inexperience caught up with him.

After a missed tag attempt and a cheap shot from Paul behind the referee’s back, McIntyre landed a Claymore on Orton, knocking him out of the ring. Paul then pinned Jelly Roll after a springboard lariat.

Winners: Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre

Sami Zayn vs Karrion Kross

Sami Zayn has been teetering on the edge of a character shift for months. His promos have hinted at internal conflict, and this match against Kross, a brutal and psychologically intense performer, felt like a crossroads moment.

Kross dominated the first half of the bout, grinding Zayn down with methodical holds and repeated suplexes. Scarlett’s presence at ringside added an uneasy tension, but Zayn began to rally with a series of dives and a Blue Thunder Bomb.

The ending came as Zayn resisted the temptation to use a steel chair introduced by Scarlett. He instead countered Kross’s finisher with a Helluva Kick and scored the pin. The crowd appreciated the show of honour, but there was still an uneasy undertone to Zayn’s demeanour.

Winner: Sami Zayn

Tiffany Stratton (c) vs Jade Cargill

WWE Women’s Championship

This was a battle of athleticism and ego. Tiffany Stratton, the self-described "centre of the universe," defended against the physically dominant Jade Cargill, who had arrived in WWE with major buzz following her time in AEW.

Cargill’s strength overwhelmed Stratton in the early minutes, with a series of deadlifts and press slams. But Stratton showcased her experience, targeting Cargill’s legs and slowing the pace with technical submissions.

The match concluded with Stratton slipping out of Jaded and landing her Prettiest Moonsault Ever, a triple jump moonsault, to retain her title in decisive fashion.

Winner and Still Champion: Tiffany Stratton

Gunther (c) vs CM Punk

World Heavyweight Championship

Gunther had held the World Heavyweight Championship for nearly a year, bringing a sense of legitimacy and brutality to the belt. CM Punk, returning to main event form after months of injury and controversy, stepped up as challenger in what was billed as a clash of philosophies: discipline versus defiance.

The match was slow-building but intense. Gunther’s powerful chops and suplexes wore Punk down, while Punk countered with submission attempts and gritty determination.

Punk managed to roll out of a powerbomb attempt and locked in the Anaconda Vise. Gunther nearly reached the ropes but eventually tapped, ending his title reign.

Just as Punk began to celebrate, Seth Rollins’ music hit. Limping down the ramp on crutches, Rollins revealed he was faking the injury, cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, and hit a Stomp on Punk as the referee rang the bell.

Three seconds later, Rollins was the new World Heavyweight Champion.

Winner: CM PunkNew Champion (via Cash-In): Seth Rollins

Location: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Attendance: Over 70,000

Host: Cardi B

SummerSlam’s first night combined emotional beats with fast-paced action. Reigns’ return, Rollins’ shock cash-in, and Stratton’s successful title defence were among the highlights. While not every bout was a show-stealer, the groundwork laid here added depth and anticipation for Night Two.