SummerSlam: The Wildest Moments in WWE History

Unforgettable SummerSlam Moments: When WWE Got… Weird

SummerSlam, WWE’s second-biggest event, has been the scene of epic matches and iconic moments throughout its three decades of history. However, it has also hosted truly strange and memorable moments. Whether due to the summer heat or some peculiarity of the atmosphere, this time of year on the WWE calendar tends to become a bit… peculiar. In this occasion, we explore some of the most curious and surprising moments that have occurred at SummerSlam.

2016: Chris Jericho and Brock Lesnar, a Face-to-Face Encounter

SummerSlam 2016, held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, generated great anticipation. Although it featured an outstanding match between John Cena and AJ Styles, the event did not meet expectations in general. The climax of the night came with two matches that summarized the public’s frustration. Finn Bálor and Seth Rollins fought for the first Universal title, but the design of the belt was booed by the crowd. Then, Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton closed the show with a violent and confusing ending. After about 11 minutes of combat, Lesnar, after applying his final move, the F-5, attempted an unsuccessful pinfall. Then, he took off his elbow pads and began to hit Orton in the head. A particularly violent elbow opened a wound above Orton’s eye. The match ended by referee stoppage, generating confusion. Shane McMahon appeared and confronted Lesnar, which only increased the tension. The controversy didn’t end there. Chris Jericho, known for his confrontations with larger wrestlers, challenged Lesnar. What happened next is a matter of debate, but the situation escalated so much that it transcended the limits of WWE.

“Without going into details, since it’s between Brock and me, we had a little altercation, so to speak,” Jericho said on the “You’re Welcome! With Chael Sonnen” podcast. “I think that happens when you have guys who are in a sport like ours, half entertainment, half real, half not, and you know, I think you have… he had just come out of the ring, I had just come out of the ring an hour before or something like that, whatever, and I just thought the end of that match was very brutal and very violent and I just didn’t know if Randy was okay… I said something and he said something, and then we got face to face, like yelling at each other… Whatever happens, man, that’s the way it is. It’s not my business, it’s not my responsibility or my decision. But, when I see a friend of mine lying in a pool of his own blood, whether it’s a work or not, that’s real blood, you know? That’s a real concussion he suffered.”

Chris Jericho

1993: The “Lex Express” Tours America

After Hulk Hogan’s defeat to Yokozuna at King of the Ring, and Hogan’s departure from WWE for almost nine years, the company was looking for its next big star. The answer came with Lex Luger, in a patriotic demonstration. Luger managed to lift Yokozuna, earning a title opportunity at SummerSlam. WWE tried to capitalize on this moment with the “Lex Express”, a national tour that simulated a political campaign. Luger visited important cities, such as Washington, New York, and Chicago. He also participated in local events, signing autographs and taking advantage of media opportunities. The main event of SummerSlam 1993 promised much, with the championship on the line and Luger ready to take over from Hogan. However, the match was less impressive than expected. Luger won by count-out, but Yokozuna retained the title. Balloons and confetti fell, but the celebration was a failure, as was the “Lex Express” tour.

1991: The Mountie Spends the Night in Jail

WWE has featured wrestlers based on professions, such as IRS, Jerry Lawler’s dentist, Repo Man, farmers like Hillbilly Jim and The Godwins, and many others. There were also Big Boss Man, a police officer, and The Mountie, representing the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Before SummerSlam 1991, Big Boss Man and The Mountie faced off. The loser of the match would spend a night in a New York City jail cell. The Mountie, who was based on negative stereotypes of law enforcement, lost the match. He was handcuffed, put into a police van, booked, and locked in a cell.

The moment The Mountie shouted “But I am The Mountie!” was etched in the fans’ memories.

1991: Ultimate Warrior Demands Money from Vince McMahon

In WWE, Ultimate Warrior seemed destined to succeed Hulk Hogan. In the 80s and early 90s, he defeated Hogan at WrestleMania VI. However, after losing the title to Sgt. Slaughter in 1991, the relationship between Warrior and Vince McMahon deteriorated. Before SummerSlam 1991, Warrior and Hogan (champion at the time) were scheduled for the main event against Slaughter, Col. Mustafa, and General Adnan. A month earlier, Warrior threatened not to participate unless he was paid $550,000 that he considered was owed to him. He also demanded other benefits and compensation similar to Hogan’s. McMahon, after having promoted the match, yielded to Warrior’s demands for the event to take place. However, immediately afterwards, McMahon sent a letter to Warrior, suspending him and criticizing him for forcing changes in the contract. Warrior finally left the company, but his best days in WWE were over.

1998: The Insane Clown Posse and The Oddities at Madison Square Garden

In 1998, The Oddities became a popular act in the WWE, thanks to their theme song performed by The Insane Clown Posse and the presence of Golga, who wore t-shirts and Eric Cartman dolls from South Park. This group, formed by Golga, Giant Silva, Kurrgan, and Luna Vachon, became a favorite of the public. The ICP appeared with them and cheered on the crowd. The energy during the song was undeniable. This success culminated at SummerSlam 1998, when The Insane Clown Posse sang “Oddities” live at Madison Square Garden. In early 1999, the popularity of The Oddities decayed. Although the live performance is no longer on the WWE Network version, for many, that was a moment of glory.