SummerSlam 2023 is in the history books but what did Dave Meltzer make of the action?
WWE’s annual summer spectacular headed to Detroit on August 5th, as the company advertised a surreal four main events.
The show opened with the clash between Logan Paul and Ricochet after the YouTube star requested the spot. After seeing off Ricochet thanks to some help from a pair of brass knuckles, Paul jetted off to attend his brother’s fight against Nate Diaz.
Elsewhere, Gunther retained his Intercontinental Title with a hard-fought win over Drew McIntyre, and Seth Rollins survived Judgment Day shenanigans galore to keep hold of the World Heavyweight Championship.
One of the highlights saw Iyo Sky cash in her Money In The Bank contract to win the Women’s Title in just eight seconds, barely minutes after Bianca Belair claimed the gold. Sky was joined in the ring by Bayley and the injured Dakota Kai to celebrate.
Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar ended their heated rivalry as the American Nightmare slayed The Beast, and Ronda Rousey said farewell to WWE with a loss to Shayna Baszler.
In the main event, Roman Reigns retained his title of Tribal Chief as well as the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship with a win over Jey Uso. The victory came via an assist from a returning Jimmy Uso, who turned his back on his brother.
Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer has now given his assessment of the action. Perhaps the biggest surprise coming with the main event being awarded just **3/4 stars, a substantial downgrade on the ratings Reigns matches have received in recent years.
Dave Meltzer WWE SummerSlam Star Ratings
- Logan Paul vs. Ricochet **** 1/4
- Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar ****1/2
- LA Knight wins Slim Jim Battle Royal **3/4
- Shayna Baszler vs. Ronda Rousey *1/2
- Gunther (c) vs. Drew McIntyre – Intercontinental Title ****
- Seth Rollins (c) vs. Finn Balor – World Heavyweight Title ****1/2
- Asuka (c) vs. Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair – Women’s Title ***1/2
- Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair – Money In The Bank Cash In [NO RATING]
- Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jeu Uso – Undisputed WWE Universal Title/Tribal Chief **3/4