John Cena def. Baron Corbin
I wasn't really surprised to see this match kickoff off SunmerSlam ; after all this being a 4-6 hour show you might as well let Cena get one of the loudest crowd reactions before predictably tiring out . This was the an OK match , it stuck to WWE basic formula . Heel takes most of the match Babyface makes comeback and wins . It's what it needed to be ; a solid victory for Cena as he heads over too Raw this Fall . (☆☆**) .
Natalya def. Naomi to become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion
One thing I will give Naomi credit for is she has created an engaging entrance that endeared her to the audience most nights . Natalya should be very proud of this effort for this match , she carried Naomi to her best match of her career . Natalya winning slightly was shocking , mostly because of how little attention it received going into the match . My guess is Natalya is a transitional champion of a few months ; were Naomi goes from here is anyone guess ; nice touch having her cry at the end of the match . (☆☆***) .
Big Cass def. Big Show
This was a match . It was a big man match that garnered booring chants during the match . Honestly anything over 5 minutes was overkill and slightly ambitious ; sadly the sight of seeing Enzo in shark cage suspended over the ring didn't manage to keep the crowd interested . Although I must admit seeing a man oil himself up and slip through a cage is something I thought I would never see . Cass won well see were this goes . (☆☆) .
Randy Orton def. Rusev
Rusev attacked Orton before the bell; match started Orton RKO outta nowhere 1 2 3.
Sasha Banks def. Alexa Bliss to become the new Raw Women’s Champion
Seemed introducing Banks from Boston in Brooklyn did not endear her too an already split Brooklyn crowd . This had a very similar feel too the earlier women's match , where veteran Banks lead the less experienced Bliss through a hard hitting solid match . Banks winning is the right move in my opinion , she's the best performer on that show on right now . (☆☆*) .
“The Demon” Finn Bálor def. Bray Wyatt
As predicted both men entrances would be a spectacular visuals. Seeing 15,000 cellphones light up throughout the arena while Wyatt strolls up the ramp is always erie , and not to be out done playing " He's got the whole world in his hand " during Balor Demon theme was a dramatic touch only appreciated buy long time fans . Also predictable it will be the most memorable detail coming out of this match . Not a bad match at all , I thought Bray did an excellent job selling with his facial expressions and body language that the Demon King persona is frightening , conflicting , and legitimate . Balor winning as the Demon King was really the only way to go , you have to keep that gimmick notable and strong . (☆☆☆)
Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins def. Cesaro & Sheamus to become the new Raw Tag Team Champions
Spot of the night seeing Cesaro jumps in the crowd and ripping up a beach ball that some idiotic fan brought out . Rollins-Ambrose winning was poetic justice , and the ideal conclusion to chapter 1 of this story . Good match better story (☆☆☆*)
United States Champion AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens (Special Guest Referee Shane McMahon)
I know Shane is a McMahon , but his involvement in the match was idiotic and sloppy . Shane taking bump 3 times in 2 minutes was not compelling as much as it just made Shane look completely incompetent . Owens-Styles both seemed off timed ; most likely trying to cover up for the fact that they have to get in spots with a 47 year old non wrestler . I'm not sure who to blame on the false finish , AJ could have put his foot on the rope a second later so Shane doesn't look like a blind baboon . Styles winning in the fashion he did is good and allow him to move on to the next program . Owens meltdown on Tuesday will be tremendous I'm sure , but not sure how excited I am about a Shane-Owens program . (☆☆**)
WWE Champion Jinder Mahal def. Shinsuke Nakamura
The one thing this had over really any other match was the Babyface was unanimously cheered and the Heel was overwhelming booed. Jinder winning with his jobbers help makes sense but you have to wonder if you will get Nakamura in front of a more favorable plus knowledge crowd like this one. Vince most likely knew this would be the case and weigh Nakamura winning against moths of building up Jinder as legitimate top star for the upcoming India tour, and decided the India experiment was more advantageous.(☆☆☆)
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar def. Roman Reigns, Samoa Joe and Braun Strowman (Fatal 4-Way Match)
Clearly was the main event and what everyone truly came to see . Braun early was phenomenal , displaying his brut strength and remarkable presence . I thought it was the best match of the night but fell short of 4 stars for me . Like the crowd the old school spot of Lesnar being stretched out totally giving away he would be winning and killed the suspense . Roman taking the pin was crowd pleasing and my guess will serve the long term story of him defeating Lesnar at Mania . We got enough really good Braun-Lesnar interaction tonight , just enough to tease a big one on one match up down the road ; I would tend to gauge Survivor Series . (☆☆☆***) .