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WWE SUMMERSLAM RESULTS – NIGHT 1
AUGUST 1, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. AT US BANK STADIUM
STREAMING LIVE ON ESPN APP (U.S.) AND NETFLIX (INTERNATIONALLY)
BY DERRICK HUBBARD, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Commentators: Michael Cole and Wade Barrett
Ring Announcer: Alisha Taylor
WrestleTix reports ticket distribution total was 36,683 going into showtime. The set-up was for 37,930. They distributed nearly 1,800 tickets in the previous day. The total number of seats on the map where 72,287. Last year’s SummerSlam Night 1 had 50,493 tickets distributed.
-Michael Cole welcomed viewers to SummerSlam Saturday as WWE showcased aerial views of the exterior of U.S. Bank Stadium and footage of the night’s featured superstars arriving at the venue. The broadcast then transitioned to a video package narrated by Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who highlighted the biggest matches scheduled for both tonight’s card and Sunday’s conclusion to the two-night SummerSlam event.
(1) IYO SKY vs. LIV MORGAN (c) – Women’s World Championship
Iyo Sky received a strong ovation during her entrance, while Liv Morgan was greeted with heavy boos from the SummerSlam crowd. Michael Cole noted that Liv entered the match undefeated at SummerSlam. Liv controlled the early stages with roughhouse tactics and frequent taunting, but Iyo answered with an aggressive flurry of her own, highlighted by a handspring meteora and a series of quick strikes to seize momentum.
The first major turning point came when Liv tripped Iyo, sending her chest-first into the ringside barricade before driving her into it again. Back inside the ring, Morgan connected with the Three Amigos and an enzuigiri to remain in control. Iyo shifted the momentum back in her favor by rolling through into a double foot stomp, igniting a comeback that included a missile dropkick, the Bullet Train Attack in the corner, and a sunset flip powerbomb to the floor.
As Iyo climbed to the top rope, The Judgment Day made their way to ringside. Roxanne Perez distracted the referee while Raquel Rodriguez chokeslammed Iyo off the top rope, nearly costing her the match. Iyo recovered by countering Oblivion and wiping out Liv, Raquel, and Roxanne with a spectacular moonsault to the outside. Back inside the ring, Liv answered with a spiking hurricanrana before being stopped on the top rope and driven down with a Spanish Fly for another near fall.
The two exchanged strikes before Iyo landed a double underhook facebuster and a double underhook backbreaker. She escaped another Oblivion attempt, countered into a reverse DDT, and even delivered an Oblivion of her own. Liv avoided Iyo’s moonsault by getting her boots up, then connected with a second-rope Codebreaker for a near fall. Iyo countered another Oblivion and delivered a German suplex on the apron, followed by a Bullet Train Attack that drove Liv into the ring post. After climbing to the top rope once again, Iyo was cut off when Liv raised her feet to counter the moonsault attempt. LIv attempted another Oblivion, but Iyo countered with a headstand roll through. Unphased, Liv followed with a Codebreaker and immediately connected with Oblivion to retain the Women’s World Championship.
WINNER: Liv Morgan in 14:00
(Hubbard’s Analysis: This was a very strong opening match and an important credibility-building victory for Liv Morgan. She showcased not only her character work but also a polished and fluid in-ring performance. Iyo Sky brought tremendous energy and athleticism, using her high-flying offense to keep the audience fully engaged throughout. The match was intelligently constructed, the execution was nearly flawless, and the interference from The Judgment Day came at the right time without overshadowing the clean, decisive finish. This was exactly the kind of high-quality opener SummerSlam needed.)
-Between Matches: WWE recognized several legends in attendance, including Mark Henry, Sean Waltman, and Dan Spivey, as they were shown on the big screen before the next match.
(2) THE USOS & JACOB FATU vs. ROYCE KEYES & SOLO SIKOA & LA KNIGHT
The Usos made their entrance together before Jacob Fatu entered separately wearing a werewolf mask. Royce, Solo Sikoa, and LA Knight followed, with Knight receiving the biggest ovation of anyone in the match.
The contest erupted into an immediate brawl. After a brief mistimed sequence, the action quickly settled in as LA Knight connected with a sliding dropkick to the floor. Jimmy Uso answered with a dive over the top rope onto Knight and Royce. Back inside the ring, Jey Uso and Solo traded punches before Solo countered with his signature punch combination and even mocked Jey by leading the crowd in a “Yeet” chant.
Jacob Fatu entered the match but was cut off by Solo’s Samoan Drop. Solo taunted Fatu with his dancing, only for Fatu to answer with a superkick and a pop-up Samoan Drop. The Usos isolated Solo with traditional heel tactics, repeatedly cutting him off with cheap shots before Solo and Fatu collided with simultaneous clotheslines for a double down.
Royce received the first hot tag and exploded into the ring with a series of clotheslines, a World’s Strongest Slam on Jimmy Uso, and a Sky High powerbomb on Jey. Jimmy recovered by cutting Royce off with multiple superkicks before climbing to the top rope. Royce stopped him, and despite struggling to secure his grip, eventually connected with a second-rope powerslam for another double down.
LA Knight took the next hot tag, unloading with clotheslines, a powerslam, and his signature elbow drop. He attempted the BFT, but Jey shoved him away and answered with a Spear for a near fall. Jey climbed to the top rope, only for Knight to sprint up the turnbuckles and deliver a superplex. Before Knight could capitalize, Jimmy hit an Uso Splash. Solo responded with a Spinning Solo on Jimmy, while Fatu dropped Solo with his Impaler DDT. Royce then planted Fatu with a huge spinebuster. On the floor, Royce countered a dashing Fatu with a powerslam over the barricade.
Back inside the ring, Knight nearly stole the victory with a schoolboy on Jey, but Jey kicked out and delivered another Spear. As The Usos attempted the 1D, Solo interrupted with a Samoan Spike on Jimmy. The opening allowed LA Knight to connect with the BFT on Jey Uso to score the victory.
WINNERS: Royce Keyes & Solo Sikoa & LA Knight in 11:00.
(Hubbard’s Analysis: This was a fun, high-energy six-man tag that kept the action moving from start to finish. The Usos and Jacob Fatu worked unapologetically as the heel team, creating a clear dynamic that made it easy for the audience to invest in the babyfaces. Every wrestler had an opportunity to showcase their signature offense, and the pace rarely slowed. Aside from one early hiccup, the execution was mostly solid, making this an entertaining, crowd-pleasing match built on constant action rather than elaborate storytelling.)
(3) GUNTHER vs. NICK ALDIS
Gunther made his entrance first, followed by Nick Aldis in traditional wrestling gear. Michael Cole highlighted Aldis’ accomplished wrestling résumé as the challenger made his way to the ring.
The match began with a traditional wrestling exchange before Gunther backed Aldis into the corner. When the referee called for a clean break, Gunther responded with a thunderous chop. Aldis immediately fired back, muscling Gunther into a suplex and quickly attempting the Cloverleaf, but Gunther escaped. Aldis climbed to the second rope, only for Gunther to cut him off with a vicious chop that knocked him to the floor.
Gunther took control by punishing Aldis around ringside and even taunting Mickie James, who was seated in the front row. Back inside the ring, Gunther continued his methodical assault with crushing chops and a hard Irish whip into the corner. Aldis answered with a backbreaker and another attempt at the Cloverleaf, but Gunther avoided the hold and locked in the Sleeper.
Aldis escaped by driving Gunther face-first into the turnbuckles, but Gunther immediately responded with a huge clothesline. Gunther climbed to the top rope, only for Aldis to cut him off and deliver a superplex, leaving both men down as the crowd chanted, “You still got it!”
The momentum continued to swing as the two traded heavy clotheslines before Aldis scored with a running powerslam for a near fall. Aldis climbed to the top rope again, but Gunther pursued him. Aldis slipped past, causing Gunther’s leg to become tangled on the top rope. Aldis capitalized with a bodyslam and two trademark top-rope elbow drops before finally applying the Cloverleaf. The crowd erupted, but Gunther managed to reach the ropes.
Aldis attempted another powerslam, but Gunther slipped behind him and applied the Sleeper. Aldis countered by locking in a Sleeper of his own, but Gunther answered with a backdrop suplex followed immediately by a powerbomb for a near fall. Gunther cinched in the Sleeper once again, wrapping his legs around Aldis to bring him to the mat. Despite Aldis’ efforts to fight free, he was forced to submit.
WINNER: Gunther in 12:00.
(Hubbard’s Analysis: This was a well-told, old-school wrestling match built around a classic bully heel versus resilient babyface dynamic. Nick Aldis looked to be in outstanding physical condition, although he appeared a bit shaky running the ropes at times and showed signs of fatigue as the match progressed. To his credit, he pushed through and delivered a strong performance alongside Gunther. By the closing stretch, the crowd was fully invested in the outcome. I especially appreciated the emphasis placed on Aldis’ Cloverleaf and Gunther’s Sleeper throughout the match, as both submission holds became central to the story and ultimately paid off in a logical, satisfying finish.)
-Post Match: Nick Aldis remained in the ring following the submission loss and received a warm ovation from the SummerSlam crowd. WWE allowed the moment to breathe as Aldis celebrated with his wife, Mickie James, and their son, giving the audience an emotional moment of appreciation for his performance despite coming up short.
(4) BRIE BELLA & NIKKI BELLA & PAIGE vs. FATAL INFLUENCE (JC Jane & Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
Brie Bella and Fallon Henley started the match with Brie gaining the early advantage through a backflip hiptoss counter into a Russian leg sweep, and a series of Yes Kicks. Fatal Influence attempted to interfere, but Nikki Bella and Paige quickly neutralized them, with Paige diving onto the heels on the outside and Nikki following with a clothesline to the floor.
The momentum shifted when Brie climbed to the top rope and Jacey Jane pulled her to the floor. Lainey Reid then drove Brie’s face into the ring steps before Jacey crushed her with a cannonball against the steps, appearing to legitimately injure Brie’s shoulder. Fatal Influence capitalized by isolating Brie, who was visibly favoring the injured shoulder throughout the heat.
Brie finally created an opening with a clothesline and made the hot tag to Nikki Bella. Nikki exploded into the match with a series of clotheslines, a knee facebreaker, and an X-Factor. Fatal Influence briefly slowed her momentum with a small package, but Nikki answered with a big forearm. She attempted the Rack Attack, but interference from Fatal Influence on the apron prevented her from finishing the move. Paige neutralized the numbers advantage by diving onto the group from the apron, allowing Nikki to finally connect with the Rack Attack, though the pinfall was broken up.
The closing moments broke down into six-person action before Fatal Influence regained control. Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid connected with a double-team fisherman suplex variation, but Paige broke up the pinfall. Paige tagged herself into the match and nearly scored the victory with a sunset flip on Jacey Jane, but Jane kicked out before delivering the Rolling Encore to secure the pinfall.
WINNERS: Fatal Influence in 8:00.
(Hubbard’s Analysis: This match was a mess. The apparent shoulder injury to Brie Bella seemed to derail the original plan, and from that point forward the wrestlers appeared to be calling audibles that never fully came together. Several sequences felt disjointed, the pacing was inconsistent, and it was often difficult to follow the story the match was trying to tell. While there were a few solid moments, the overall execution suffered because it felt like each team was working at a different speed.)
-Post Match: The Bella Twins shocked the audience (kind of) by turning on Paige after the match. As they attacked their longtime ally, Nikki Bella shouted, “Don’t take my spot!,” signaling the beginning of a new rivalry.
(5) CM PUNK vs. CODY RHODES – WWE Universal Championship
Cody Rhodes entered first, preceded by a street-fighter style video package before making his traditional entrance. CM Punk followed, and Alicia Taylor handled the championship introductions. Cody received a noticeable mix of cheers and boos as the bell rang.
The match began with a tense lockup before the two exchanged stiff chops. Punk gained the early advantage with a flying headscissors and quickly targeted Cody’s left shoulder. Cody answered with a series of shoulder tackles before slowing the pace with a grounded headlock, but Punk continued attacking the injured arm with a hammerlock. Cody shifted the momentum by sending Punk crashing to the floor and following with a suicide dive through the ropes.
Punk regained control with a diving clothesline off the ringside barricade before returning Cody to the ring and driving an axe handle into the injured shoulder. The first major turning point came when Punk connected with a calf kick but immediately began selling his injured knee. He attempted his signature running knee in the corner, but Cody countered by attacking the damaged leg with a knee breaker and a dragon screw, drawing boos from portions of the crowd.
Punk fought back and looked for the Go to Sleep, but Cody escaped. Cody’s Disaster Kick attempt was cut off by Punk’s big boot before Punk followed with a bulldog and a top-rope elbow drop. Another GTS attempt was escaped, allowing Cody to hit a Cody Cutter for the first near fall. He followed with a Disaster Kick and a Super Cody Cutter for another dramatic two-count.
The pace intensified with a series of counters. Cody reversed a schoolboy exchange into the Figure Four Leg Lock, bringing the crowd to life before Punk reached the ropes. Punk answered by catching Cody in the Anaconda Vise, escaped an Alabama Slam attempt, and reapplied the submission. Cody eventually countered into a jackknife pin before bridging up into another Cody Cutter for a near fall.
Cody placed Punk on the top rope, but Punk fought him off and connected with an ugly, Terry Funk-style moonsault that only partially landed before following with a hammerlock clothesline. Punk finally connected with the Go to Sleep, but his injured knee delayed the cover long enough for Cody to kick out.
Both men spilled to the floor where Punk attempted to place Cody on the announce table. Cody countered by sweeping Punk’s leg, sending him crashing onto the table before rolling him back into the ring. As Cody reentered, Punk caught him with another Go to Sleep, but Cody managed to reach the bottom rope to force a break.
Outside the ring, CM Punk placed Cody Rhodes on the announce table and climbed to the top rope. Punk launched himself with a diving attack, but Cody rolled out of the way at the last second, sending Punk crashing through the table. Punk immediately began selling his injured knee.
Both men slowly made their way back into the ring. Cody attempted another Super Cody Cutter, but Punk evaded the move, causing Cody to accidentally collide with referee Charles Robinson and knock him out.
With the official down, Punk connected with another Go to Sleep. Cody stumbled into the ropes before collapsing across Punk’s shoulders. Despite his damaged knee, Punk fought valiantly to his feet, attempting to deliver a second GTS. Before he could, Cody countered with a Cross Rhodes. Punk took the impact and rolled to the floor as the referee remained incapacitated.
Suddenly, Randy Orton stormed into the ring and dropped Cody with a devastating RKO. Punk, unaware of Orton’s interference, crawled back into the ring as Robinson recovered. Punk hoisted Cody onto his shoulders one final time, connected with a decisive Go to Sleep, and scored the pinfall after 30 minutes to capture the WWE Universal Championship.
WINNER: Punk in 30:00 to retain the WWE Universal Title.
(Hubbard’s Analysis: A good match that fell short of being great and was far from epic. Cody Rhodes and CM Punk told a logical story with Punk targeting Cody’s arm and Cody working over Punk’s injured knee, but they never reached that fourth gear needed to become something special. The crowd remained engaged but never reached sustained excitement, and Randy Orton’s interference created an inconclusive finish. Given the ending, I understand why this did not go on last.)
(6) OBA FEMI vs. BROCK LESNAR — Hell in a Cell match
Oba Femi started the match as the aggressor, driving Brock Lesnar into the corner with a series of uppercuts. Lesnar avoided a running uppercut attempt and immediately shifted momentum with three German suplexes. Femi fired back up, clotheslining Lesnar over the top rope to the outside. Lesnar briefly took control by launching Femi into the steel steps, but Femi countered a suplex attempt, dropping Lesnar onto the floor. Femi then rammed Lesnar into the steps before driving him through a table leaned against the side of the Hell in a Cell structure.
After rolling Lesnar back into the ring, Femi went for more offense, but Lesnar cut him off with three brutal shots from the steel steps. Brock followed with a series of German suplexes and traditional suplexes, including one that sent Femi crashing onto a steel chair. Femi fought off an early F-5 attempt and answered with a huge spinebuster. He followed with a series of running uppercuts, but on the third attempt Lesnar caught him and attempted another F-5. Femi escaped and hit a chokeslam before following up with a belly-to-back throw and the Fall From Grace, but Lesnar kicked out.
Lesnar then sat up Undertaker-style and fought back, hitting three F-5s. After the third, Brock went for the cover, but Femi kicked out. Frustrated, Lesnar ripped away the canvas and exposed the wooden boards underneath the ring. Lesnar lifted Femi for another F-5, but transitioned into a Tombstone and delivered an Undertaker-inspired Tombstone Piledriver onto the exposed wood. Brock followed with an Undertaker-style pin, but Lesnar kicked out.
Brock grabbed a steel chair, but Femi punched it out of his hands and connected with a final Fall From Grace to score the victory.
WINNER: Oba Femi in 12:00.
Post-Match: Lesnar got to his feet and embraced Oba. He then grabbed a microphone, stating that Oba was the future and he was the past.
(Hubbard’s Analysis: A violent spectacle-driven Hell in a Cell match built around two powerhouse wrestlers trying to prove who was the more dominant force. The match relied heavily on big moments, including the table spot, exposed ring boards, and multiple finishing move teases. The Undertaker-inspired callbacks added an interesting layer to the story, with Femi surviving Lesnar’s most devastating offense before beating him at his own game. If this is his last match, this was a satisfying swan song for Brock Lesnar. )
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