SummerSlam (2022)

Last updated
SummerSlam
SummerSlam '22 Poster.jpg
Promotional poster featuring Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar
Promotion WWE
Brand(s) Raw
SmackDown
DateJuly 30, 2022
City Nashville, Tennessee
Venue Nissan Stadium
Attendance48,449 [1]
WWE Network event chronology
 Previous
Money in the Bank
Next 
Clash at the Castle
SummerSlam chronology
 Previous
2021
Next 
2023

The 2022 SummerSlam was the 35th annual SummerSlam professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, marking the first and only SummerSlam to not be held during the month of August. This was also the first WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event following the retirement of WWE owner Vince McMahon, who had served as chairman and chief executive officer of the company since 1982. McMahon announced his retirement on July 22, eight days before SummerSlam. However, he returned as Executive Chairman on January 10, 2023.

Contents

Eight matches were contested at the event. In the main event, Roman Reigns defeated Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, which was billed as their final match against each other. In other prominent matches, Pat McAfee defeated Happy Corbin, Logan Paul defeated The Miz, The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) defeated The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) to retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship, Liv Morgan defeated Ronda Rousey to retain her SmackDown Women's Championship in a conflicted ending, and in the opening bout, Bianca Belair defeated Becky Lynch to retain the Raw Women's Championship. The event also saw the returns of Bayley, Dakota Kai (who had been released from her WWE contract in April), Io Shirai, and Edge.

The event received positive reviews from critics, who, along with fans, lauded the main event, and welcomed the new creative direction the company was taking. Praise was also directed to Logan Paul's performance and the Raw Women's Championship match, but criticism was directed at the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship match, the SmackDown Women's Championship match, and the United States Championship match.

Production

Background

The event was held at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. LP Field 2009 crop.jpg
The event was held at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

SummerSlam is an annual professional wrestling event that had previously been produced every August by WWE since 1988. Dubbed "The Biggest Party of the Summer", [2] it is one of the promotion's original four pay-per-views (PPV), along with WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series, originally dubbed the "Big Four", [3] and as of August 2021, it is considered one of the "Big Five", along with Money in the Bank. [4] Out of the five, it is considered WWE's second biggest event of the year behind WrestleMania. [5] [6] Announced on October 25, 2021, the 2022 event was the first to not be held during the month of August. Instead, the 35th SummerSlam was scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. It featured wrestlers from the Raw and SmackDown brand divisions, and in addition to airing on traditional pay-per-view, it was available to livestream on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network in international markets. [7] Tickets went on sale on April 22, with premium hospitality packages also available. [8] It was also the first SummerSlam since 2011 to incorporate a new logo and the first since 2008 to not feature the Star background of the logo. [9]

Eight days before SummerSlam on July 22, WWE owner Vince McMahon announced his retirement from the company. He had served as chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) since 1982. The 2022 SummerSlam was in turn the first WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event following his retirement. Stephanie McMahon and WWE President Nick Khan took over as co-CEOs, and the former also took over as Chairwoman of WWE. [10] However, on January 10, 2023, Stephanie announced her resignation as co-CEO and chairwoman, with Nick Khan being the sole CEO and Vince returning as Executive Chairman. [11]

Storylines

The event included matches that resulted from scripted storylines, where wrestlers portrayed heroes, villains, or less distinguishable characters in scripted events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches. Results were predetermined by WWE's writers on the Raw and SmackDown brands, [12] [13] while storylines were produced on WWE's weekly television shows, Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown . [14]

At WrestleMania 38 in April, SmackDown's Universal Champion Roman Reigns defeated Raw's WWE Champion Brock Lesnar in a Winner Takes All match to become recognized as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. [15] After Reigns retained the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on the June 17 episode of SmackDown, he claimed there was no one left to face him. Lesnar then made a surprise return after a two-month hiatus and offered Reigns a handshake. As Reigns went to shake his hand, Lesnar attacked Reigns and then attacked The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso), who had come to Reigns' aid. [16] It was subsequently announced that Reigns would defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match at SummerSlam, which WWE billed as their last match against each other. [17]

On the June 17 episode of SmackDown, after losing to Madcap Moss, Happy Corbin confronted commentator Pat McAfee—a former teammate when both played in the National Football League who consistently criticized Corbin on-air for his underhanded tactics. [16] The following week, McAfee challenged Corbin to a match at SummerSlam. [18] After Money in the Bank went off the air, Corbin attacked McAfee and subsequently accepted the challenge. [19]

At Money in the Bank, Bobby Lashley defeated Theory to win the United States Championship. [20] On the following episode of Raw, Theory announced he was granted a rematch against Lashley for the title at SummerSlam. [21]

At Money in the Bank, The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) defeated The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) to retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship. Following the match, replayed footage of the pinfall showed that Ford's shoulder was off the mat, thus the pinfall should not have been counted. [20] A championship rematch was then subsequently scheduled for SummerSlam. [22] On the July 15 episode of SmackDown, after Dawkins defeated Jimmy despite Jimmy's shoulder being off the mat, WWE official Adam Pearce announced that WWE Hall of Famer and Nashville area native Jeff Jarrett would be the special guest referee for the match. [23]

At Money in the Bank, Liv Morgan won the women's Money in the Bank ladder match to earn a contract for a women's championship match of her choosing. After Ronda Rousey retained the SmackDown Women's Championship later that same night, Morgan ran out and used the contract to cash in on Rousey and win the title. [20] On the following SmackDown, it was announced that Morgan would defend the title in a rematch against Rousey at SummerSlam. [24]

At WrestleMania 38, social media influencer Logan Paul teamed with The Miz in a tag team match in which they were victorious. However, displeased that Paul scored the pinfall, Miz turned on and attacked Paul. [25] In June, photos began surfacing of Paul training for an in-ring return and then on June 30, it was announced that Paul had officially signed with WWE. [26] In a short video following the announcement, Paul said he was coming for The Miz. [27] Paul then appeared on the July 18 episode of Raw to confront Miz and challenged him to a match at SummerSlam. Miz initially rejected, but after being goaded by Paul, Miz accepted. [28]

At the previous year's SummerSlam, Becky Lynch made a return from maternity leave and faced Bianca Belair in an impromptu match where she defeated Belair in 26 seconds to win the SmackDown Women's Championship. [29] The two would face each other again at WrestleMania 38, this time for Lynch's Raw Women's Championship, where Belair was victorious. [25] Over the next few months, Lynch failed various attempts to regain the championship. [30] On the July 11 episode of Raw, during Belair's title defense, Lynch caused Belair to lose via countout, but Belair retained the title. [31] The following week, Lynch stated that whoever was the champion by the end of the night would defend the title against her at SummerSlam. Lynch then attacked Belair, with the women's championship match occurring immediately afterwards. Belair again retained, keeping her as the defending champion heading into her match against Lynch at SummerSlam, with Belair vowing to rewrite what happened at SummerSlam the previous year. [28]

On the June 27 episode of Raw, The Mysterios (Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio were confronted backstage by Judgment Day members Damian Priest and Finn Bálor, who wanted Dominik to join their faction. This led to a match between the two teams for the following week, [32] where Priest and Bálor attacked The Mysterios before the match began, but The Mysterios were still able to defeat Priest and Bálor with an Eddie Guerrero chair trick. [21] The following week, Bálor and Priest confronted Dominik backstage, suggesting that he join The Judgment Day. This led to a match between Bálor and Rey, where Bálor won. [31] On the July 18 episode, after Judgment Day again suggested Dominik join their group, Priest defeated Rey. After the match, Priest and Bálor threatened Rey with a Con-chair-to, but Dominik made the save. [28] On the final Raw before SummerSlam, in what was Rey's 20 year anniversary of his WWE debut, Rey and Dominik defeated Bálor and Priest. While they were celebrating backstage, however, Priest and Rhea Ripley, also from Judgment Day, attacked them, with Priest sending Rey through a table. Later that night, a No Disqualification tag team match pitting The Mysterios against Bálor and Priest was made official for SummerSlam. [33]

Event

Other on-screen personnel
Role:Name:
English commentators Michael Cole (SmackDown)
Jimmy Smith (Raw)
Corey Graves (all matches)
Byron Saxton (Raw)
Spanish commentators Marcelo Rodriguez
Jerry Soto
Ring announcers Mike Rome (Raw/Main event)
Samantha Irvin (SmackDown)
Referees Danilo Anfibio
Dan Engler
Jeff Jarrett
Daphanie LaShaunn
Eddie Orengo
Chad Patton
Charles Robinson
Rod Zapata
InterviewersSarah Schreiber
Jackie Redmond
Pre-show panel Kayla Braxton
Kevin Patrick
Peter Rosenberg
Booker T
Jerry Lawler

Preliminary matches

The pay-per-view opened with Bianca Belair defending the Raw Women's Championship against Becky Lynch. Early in the match, Belair accidentally legitimately dislocated Lynch's shoulder. Outside the ring, Lynch countered a Kiss of Death from Belair and attacked Belair near the timekeeper's area. Lynch performed Diamond Dust on Belair for a nearfall. Later, Belair performed a Kiss Of Death on Lynch outside the ring. Belair intended for a countout victory, however, Lynch rolled back in the ring at nine. Lynch pulled Belair, who was atop a turnbuckle, into the ring by the latter's braid and performed a Manhandle Slam for a nearfall. In the closing moments, as Lynch attempted a second Manhandle Slam from the middle rope, Belair countered into a Spanish Fly and the Kiss of Death on Lynch to retain the title. Following the match, Belair and Lynch shook hands and embraced each other. Bayley then made her return for the first time since July 2021 to confront Belair. She was accompanied by a returning Dakota Kai (who had been released from her WWE contract in April) and Io Shirai (who was billed under the new ring name "Iyo Sky", stylized in all caps), both making their main roster debuts. Sky and Kai turned into heels by siding with Bayley, who attempted to taunt Belair. Lynch then sided with Belair, thus Lynch turned face for the first time since May 2020. Bayley, Sky, and Kai then retreated while Lynch and Belair continued to show mutual respect to each other. [1]

Next, Logan Paul faced The Miz (accompanied by Maryse and Ciampa). During the match, Paul applied the figure-four leglock on Miz, however, Miz reached the ropes to void the submission. Paul performed a Crossbody and standing moonsault on Miz for a nearfall. Ciampa attempted to attack Paul only for the referee to catch him. Although the referee sent Ciampa backstage, Ciampa refused to comply and obtained a steel chair to sit. AJ Styles then came out and attacked Ciampa from behind. Paul performed a Phenomenal Forearm on Miz for a nearfall. Paul then performed a Frog Splash on Miz through the announce table. In the end, as Paul attempted a pin on Miz, Maryse distracted the referee. As Miz attempted to attack Paul with a necklace, he almost struck Maryse, who stood on the ring apron, however, Paul took advantage and performed a Skull Crushing Finale on Miz in the ring to win the match. [1]

After that, Bobby Lashley defended the United States Championship against Theory. During Lashley's entrance, Theory attacked Lashley with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Midway through the match, Theory attempted to walk away from the match, however, Lashley intercepted him. Lashley performed a Running Powerslam on Theory. As Lashley attempted a spear on Theory, Theory leapt over Lashley. In the end, Lashley applied the Hurt Lock on Theory, who submitted, thus Lashley retained the title. [1]

The next match saw The Mysterios (Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio) face The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest, accompanied by Rhea Ripley) in a No Disqualification tag team match. In the closing moments, former Judgment Day leader Edge made his return and performed a Spear on Priest and Bàlor. The Mysterios then performed a double 619 on Bàlor. Rey followed with a Frog Splash on Bálor to win the match. [1]

Next, Happy Corbin fought Pat McAfee. In the closing moments, as Corbin attempted End of Days on McAfee, McAfee performed a right hand on Corbin, who inadvertently incapacitated the referee. McAfee performed a low blow and a Powerbomb on Corbin to win the match. [1]

Following that, Drew McIntyre came out to cut a promo where he spoke about his upcoming Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match at Clash at the Castle. McIntyre stated that it did not matter who won the main event that night as he would defeat them at Clash at the Castle to become champion. [1]

Next, The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) defended the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship against The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), with WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett as the special guest referee. In the end, The Usos performed the 1D on Dawkins to retain the titles. [1]

Following that, Matt Riddle came out and called out Seth "Freakin" Rollins; they were originally scheduled to face each other at SummerSlam, however, Riddle was injured by Rollins on the Raw before the event, thus Riddle was not medically cleared. Rollins came out, however, WWE officials came out to warn Rollins. Rollins and Riddle eventually fought which ended with Rollins performing a Stomp on Riddle. [1] It was later revealed that this match was canceled due to Riddle failing a drug test. [34]

In the penultimate match, Liv Morgan defended the SmackDown Women's Championship against Ronda Rousey. Early in the match, Morgan performed a Codebreaker on Rousey. As Morgan attempted an Ob-Livion on Rousey, Rousey countered and applied the armbar on Morgan only for Morgan to reach the ropes to void the submission. In the closing moments, as Rousey applied the armbar on Morgan once again, Rousey's shoulders were on the mat. The referee counted the pin, however, he did not notice Morgan tap out before the three count, thus Morgan retained the title. Following the match, an irate Rousey attacked Morgan and the referee, turning heel for the first time since 2019. [1]

Main event

In the main event, Roman Reigns (accompanied by Paul Heyman) defended the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match. Lesnar drove a tractor towards the ring for his entrance. Lesnar jumped off the tractor onto Reigns and performed German Suplexes on Reigns at ringside. As Heyman distracted Lesnar, Reigns took advantage and performed a Samoan Drop on Lesnar through a table set up at ringside, who stood up at seven. Reigns put Lesnar through another table, who stood up at seven. Reigns performed two Superman Punches and a spear on Lesnar, who stood up at seven. Lesnar attempted an F-5 on Reigns, however, Reigns countered and threw Lesnar out of the ring. Lesnar attacked Reigns with the steel steps and a broken piece of a table, who got up at nine. Lesnar threw Reigns in the front loader of the tractor and dumped Reigns back in the ring, after which, Lesnar performed German Suplexes on Reigns, who got up at eight. Lesnar then performed an F-5 on Reigns, who got up at nine. As Lesnar attempted another F-5 on Reigns, Reigns countered into the Guillotine, however, Lesnar countered into his own Guillotine on Reigns, who got up at nine. Lesnar then drove the tractor into the ring, lifting the ring, toppling Reigns, who got up at nine. The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) then came out to aid Reigns and attacked Lesnar, however, Lesnar took out The Usos. Heyman then taunted Lesnar with the titles, who responded by performing an F-5 on Heyman through the announce table. Reigns speared a distracted Lesnar and moments later, Austin Theory came out with his Money in the Bank briefcase and attempted to cash in, however, Lesnar intercepted Theory with an F-5. The Usos then performed superkicks on Lesnar, who got up at nine. Reigns performed a Spear on Lesnar, who got up at nine. An irate Reigns attacked Lesnar with Theory's Money in the Bank briefcase, who still stood up at nine. Reigns then struck Lesnar with the WWE title belt, who stood up at nine. In the closing moments, Reigns attacked Lesnar, this time with the Universal title belt, and proceeded with The Usos to place pieces of the broken announce table, steel chairs and amplifier on a battered Lesnar and stood on the debris for the ten count. [1]

Reception

The event was met with positive reviews from critics, who welcomed the company's new creative direction and lauded the main event. WWE reported on the Raw after SummerSlam that it had surpassed 1.3 billion video views on social media for the event. [35] Brent Brookhouse of CBS Sports praised the event and also gave his highest ratings of letter grade A to the Reigns vs. Lesnar main event match. [36] Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter rated the Raw Women's Championship bout and the Logan vs. Miz match 4 stars, the United States title match 1.5 stars, the No DQ tag team match and the Undisputed WWE Tag Team title match 3.5 stars, the McAfee-Corbin bout 3 stars, the SmackDown Women's Championship match 1 star (the lowest rated match on the card), and the main event 4.5 stars. [37]

Aftermath

The 2022 SummerSlam would be the only SummerSlam to take place in July, as the following year's event returned to August. [38]

Raw

After SummerSlam, the trio of Bayley, Dakota Kai, and Iyo Sky would dub themselves as Damage CTRL, and they continued to target Raw Women's Champion Bianca Belair. This led to a six-woman tag team match at Clash at the Castle, [39] where Damage CTRL defeated Belair's team in which Bayley pinned Belair. [40] Due to pinning the champion, Bayley challenged Belair to a ladder match for the title at Extreme Rules, and Belair accepted. [41]

On the following Raw, Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, and Iyo Sky) attacked Becky Lynch backstage. This was done to write Lynch off television due to her dislocated shoulder. [42] Lynch made her return in November, [43] and led her team in defeating Damage CTRL's team in a WarGames match at Survivor Series WarGames. [44] Over the next few weeks, Damage CTRL continued their feud with Lynch, and WWE Hall of Famers Lita and Trish Stratus would side with Lynch, [45] [46] leading to a six-woman tag team match at Night 1 of WrestleMania 39, [47] [48] which was won by Lita, Stratus, and Lynch. [49]

On the August 15 episode of Raw, Matt Riddle revealed that he was medically cleared. Later that same night, Riddle engaged into another brawl with Seth "Freakin" Rollins before challenging him to a match at Clash at the Castle, which was made official. [50]

After SummerSlam, The Mysterios (Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio) and Edge continued feuding with The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley), [42] [39] [50] [51] leading to Edge and Rey teaming up to face Bálor and Priest at Clash at the Castle. [52] At the event, Edge and Rey defeated Judgment Day, but after the match, Dominik turned on both Edge and Rey and joined The Judgment Day. [40]

SmackDown

On the following episode of SmackDown, Ronda Rousey was suspended for her actions at SummerSlam. Later that night, Shayna Baszler won a gauntlet match to become the number one contender for Liv Morgan's SmackDown Women's Championship at Clash at the Castle, [53] where Morgan retained. [40] After Rousey's suspension was lifted, [54] she won a fatal five-way elimination match on the September 9 episode to earn a rematch against Morgan for the SmackDown Women's Championship at Extreme Rules. [55] The following week, Morgan decided that she wanted to defend the title against Rousey in an Extreme Rules match, and Rousey accepted. [56]

Also, Drew McIntyre and Roman Reigns had their match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Clash at the Castle, where Reigns retained after interference from Solo Sikoa, [40] who joined The Bloodline shortly afterwards. [55]

Results

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes [1]
1 Bianca Belair (c) defeated Becky Lynch by pinfall Singles match for the WWE Raw Women's Championship [57] 15:10
2 Logan Paul defeated The Miz (with Maryse and Ciampa) by pinfall Singles match [58] 14:15
3 Bobby Lashley (c) defeated Theory by submission Singles match for the WWE United States Championship [59] 4:45
4 The Mysterios (Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio) defeated The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) (with Rhea Ripley) by pinfall No Disqualification tag team match [60] 11:05
5 Pat McAfee defeated Happy Corbin by pinfall Singles match [61] 10:40
6 The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) (c) defeated The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) by pinfall Tag team match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship [62]
with Jeff Jarrett as the special guest referee .
13:25
7 Liv Morgan (c) defeated Ronda Rousey by pinfall Singles match for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship [63] 4:35
8 Roman Reigns (c) (with Paul Heyman) defeated Brock Lesnar Last Man Standing match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship [64]
23:00
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WrestleMania 35</span> 2019 WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

WrestleMania 35 was the 35th annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw, SmackDown, and 205 Live brand divisions. The event took place on April 7, 2019, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It included the first-ever women's main event match in WrestleMania history. It was also the first WrestleMania since WrestleMania 2000 to not feature The Undertaker. It was also the final WrestleMania to be held as a one-night event; the following year, WrestleMania was expanded to two nights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SummerSlam (2018)</span> WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2018 SummerSlam was the 31st annual SummerSlam professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw, SmackDown, and 205 Live brand divisions. The event took place on August 19, 2018, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York for the fourth and final consecutive year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WrestleMania 38</span> 2022 WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

WrestleMania 38 was the 38th annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event was held as a two-night event, taking place on April 2 and 3, 2022, at the AT&T Stadium in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex city of Arlington, Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WrestleMania 39</span> 2023 WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

WrestleMania 39 was the 39th annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place as a two-night event on April 1 and 2, 2023, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California—the original location of WrestleMania 37 before the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to be relocated. WWE wrestler The Miz and rapper Snoop Dogg served as the hosts for the event.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Rumble (2023)</span> WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2023 Royal Rumble was the 36th annual Royal Rumble professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas as part of the Alamodome's 30th-anniversary celebration. It was the fourth Royal Rumble event to be held in San Antonio after the 1997, 2007, and 2017 events and the third to take place at the Alamodome, following 1997 and 2017. It was also WWE's first event to be livestreamed on Binge in Australia following the merger of the WWE Network under Binge in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SummerSlam (2021)</span> WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2021 SummerSlam was the 34th annual SummerSlam professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Allegiant Stadium in the Las Vegas suburb of Paradise, Nevada, and was the first SummerSlam to livestream on Peacock. It was not the first SummerSlam to take place on a Saturday, but it was the first to air live on a Saturday, as well as the first SummerSlam to take place in a stadium since the 1992 event. It was also WWE's first event to air in theaters in the United States in addition to the other broadcast outlets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SummerSlam (2023)</span> WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2023 SummerSlam, also promoted as SummerSlam: Detroit, was the 36th annual SummerSlam professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, returning the event to its traditional August slot after the previous year's event was held in July. This was the first SummerSlam livestreamed on Binge in Australia. It was the first WWE event held at Ford Field since WrestleMania 23 in April 2007. Michigan previously hosted SummerSlam in 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Survivor Series: WarGames (2022)</span> WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2022 Survivor Series: WarGames was the 36th annual Survivor Series professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. It was the fourth Survivor Series to be held in Boston after the 1993, 2008, and 2013 events. It was also the first Survivor Series to take place on a Saturday and the first since the 1994 event to not take place on a Sunday. This was also the last WWE pay-per-view event to take place before Stephanie McMahon announced her resignation as co-CEO and Chairwoman of WWE, with Vince McMahon subsequently returning as Executive Chairman. It was also WWE's final pay-per-view to be available to livestream on the standalone version of the Australian WWE Network before the launch of Binge's WWE Network channel in Australia on January 23, 2023. Additionally, this was WWE's first pay-per-view to be livestreamed on Disney+ in the Philippines.

The Bloodline is a villainous professional wrestling stable that performs in WWE on the SmackDown brand. The stable consists of second leader Solo Sikoa, The Tongans, and Jacob Fatu. This name of the stable is in reference to the majority of the group being members of the Anoaʻi family of Samoan professional wrestlers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elimination Chamber (2022)</span> WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2022 Elimination Chamber was the 12th Elimination Chamber professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by the American company WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the Jeddah Super Dome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Extreme Rules (2022)</span> WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2022 Extreme Rules was the 14th annual and final Extreme Rules professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was the first Extreme Rules event to be held in October and on a Saturday, as well as the second Extreme Rules event to take place at this venue after the 2019 event. The concept of Extreme Rules is that the event features various hardcore-based matches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Money in the Bank (2022)</span> WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2022 Money in the Bank was the 13th annual Money in the Bank professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in the Las Vegas suburb of Paradise, Nevada; it was originally scheduled to be held at the city's Allegiant Stadium. This was the first Money in the Bank to be held on a Saturday, and it also elevated Money in the Bank to be regarded as one of WWE's five biggest events of the year, alongside the traditional "big four" of the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series. This was also the final WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event to take place before WWE owner Vince McMahon, who had served as chairman and chief executive officer of the company since 1982, announced his retirement on July 22, although he did return as Executive Chairman on January 10, 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crown Jewel (2021)</span> WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2021 Crown Jewel was a professional wrestling event produced by the American company WWE. It was the third Crown Jewel and took place on October 21, 2021, at Mohammed Abdu Arena on The Boulevard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season. The event aired via pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming, marking the first Crown Jewel to air on Peacock in the United States, and featured wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Rumble (2022)</span> WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2022 Royal Rumble was the 35th annual Royal Rumble professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and was the first Royal Rumble to livestream on Peacock. It was also WWE's first PPV to be livestreamed on Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WWE Day 1 (2022)</span> Pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2022 Day 1 was the inaugural Day 1 professional wrestling event produced by WWE, which was broadcast as a pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, and was the company's only PPV and livestreaming event to take place on New Year's Day. Its title alluded to its New Year's scheduling and was WWE's first PPV to have the New Year's theme since New Year's Revolution in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crown Jewel (2022)</span> WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2022 Crown Jewel was a professional wrestling event produced by the American company WWE. It was the fourth Crown Jewel and took place on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Mrsool Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season. This was the second Crown Jewel to be held at this venue after the inaugural 2018 event, which was held there when it was previously referred to as King Saud University Stadium. The event aired via pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming and featured wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. It was the eighth event that WWE held in Saudi Arabia under a 10-year partnership in support of Saudi Vision 2030.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Money in the Bank (2023)</span> WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event

The 2023 Money in the Bank was the 14th annual Money in the Bank professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by the American promotion WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event took place on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at The O2 Arena in London, England. This was the first Money in the Bank to be held outside of the United States as well as WWE's first major event to be held in London since Insurrextion in May 2002 and England in general since Insurrextion in June 2003. It was also the first Money in the Bank to livestream on Binge in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damage CTRL</span> Professional wrestling stable in WWE

Damage CTRL is a professional wrestling stable that performs in WWE on the Raw brand consisting of Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane and Asuka. The stable have held the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship three times, with Kai and Sky being two-time champions and Asuka and Sane being one-time champions. Sky is a former one-time WWE Women's Champion and was also the 2023 women's Money in the Bank winner, whereas former leader Bayley was the winner of the 2024 women's Royal Rumble.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WWE Raw is XXX</span> Professional wrestling television special

Raw is XXX was a professional wrestling television special of WWE's weekly television series, Monday Night Raw. The special episode was held on January 23, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was broadcast live on the USA Network. It was a commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the program's debut in January 1993 as well as the final Raw before the 2023 Royal Rumble event. The event set a financial record for the company, becoming the highest-grossing domestic gate in Raw's history.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Powell, Jason (July 30, 2022). "WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women's Title, The Usos vs. The Street Profits for the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles, Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey for the Smackdown Women's Title". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  2. Dee, Louie (May 17, 2006). "Let the Party Begin". WWE . Archived from the original on November 16, 2006. Retrieved May 12, 2008.
  3. Hamilton, Ian. Wrestling's Sinking Ship: What Happens to an Industry Without Competition. p. 160.
  4. News 3 Staff (August 22, 2021). "Las Vegas to host WWE's Money in the Bank in 2022". KSNV . Archived from the original on August 23, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. Paddock, Matty (August 21, 2017). "WWE SummerSlam results: Brock Lesnar and Jinder Mahal survive as Finn Balor defeats Bray Wyatt" . Independent.co.uk . Archived from the original on August 22, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
  6. Crosby, Jack (August 19, 2018). "WWE SummerSlam 2018 matches, card, location, date, start time, predictions PPV rumors". CBSSports . Archived from the original on August 8, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  7. Labert, Jeremy (October 25, 2021). "WWE Announces Pay-Per-View Schedule For 2022, WrestleMania 38 Set To Be Two Nights". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 25, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  8. WWE.com Staff (April 14, 2022). "Tickets for SummerSlam at Nissan Stadium in Nashville available now". WWE . Archived from the original on April 14, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  9. Thomas, Jeremy (April 29, 2022). "WWE Reveals New Logo For WWE Summerslam". 411Mania . Archived from the original on April 29, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  10. Raimondi, Marc (July 22, 2022). "Vince McMahon retiring as WWE chairman and CEO, signaling massive shift in pro wrestling". ESPN . Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  11. Defelice, Robert (January 10, 2023). "Stephanie McMahon Announces Resignation From WWE, Vince McMahon Voted Executive Chairman Of The Board". Fightful. Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  12. Grabianowski, Ed (January 13, 2006). "How Pro Wrestling Works". HowStuffWorks. Discovery Communications. Archived from the original on November 29, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
  13. "Live & Televised Entertainment". WWE . Archived from the original on February 18, 2009. Retrieved March 21, 2012.
  14. Steinberg, Brian (May 25, 2016). "WWE's 'Smackdown' Will Move To Live Broadcast On USA (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on May 26, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  15. Keller, Wade (April 3, 2022). "4/3 WWE WrestleMania 38 Results: Keller's detailed match report with analysis including Lesnar vs. Reigns, Edge vs. Styles, Knoxville vs. Sami, McAfee vs. Theory". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 4, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  16. 1 2 Brookhouse, Brent (June 17, 2022). "WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Brock Lesnar returns after Roman Reigns defeats Riddle in title match". CBSSports . Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  17. Guzzo, Gisberto (June 17, 2022). "Undisputed Universal Championship To Be Defended In Last Man Standing Match At WWE SummerSlam 2022". Fightful. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  18. Keller, Wade (June 24, 2022). "6/24 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report on Gunther defending against Ricochet, Drew McIntyre declares path to WWE Universal Title". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on June 25, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  19. Guzzo, Gisberto (July 3, 2022). "Pat McAfee vs. Happy Corbin Made Official For WWE SummerSlam 2022". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 3, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  20. 1 2 3 Keller, Wade (July 2, 2022). "7/2 WWE Money in the Bank results: Full report and analysis of both MITB matches, Theory vs. Lashley, Rousey vs. Natalya, Belair vs. Carmella". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  21. 1 2 Keller, Wade (July 4, 2022). "7/4 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Money in the Bank fallout, Miz responds to Logan Paul, Mysterios-Judgment Day". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  22. Lambert, Jeremy (July 8, 2022). "Undisputed WWE Tag Team Title Bout Set For WWE SummerSlam". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 8, 2022. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  23. Mahjouri, Shakiel (July 15, 2022). "WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Jeff Jarrett named special referee for The Usos vs. Street Profits". CBSSports . Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  24. Keller, Wade (July 8, 2022). "7/8 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report on McIntyre vs. Sheamus to earn shot at Reigns at Clash at the Castle, plus Reigns, Liv Morgan, Reigns & Heyman, Maximum Male Models". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  25. 1 2 Keller, Wade (April 2, 2022). "4/2 WWE WrestleMania 38 Results: Keller's detailed match report with analysis including Charlotte vs. Rousey, Lynch vs. Belair, Austin on KO Show". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  26. Brookhouse, Brent (June 30, 2022). "Logan Paul signs with WWE: Social media star announces deal to join the sports entertainment giant". CBSSports . Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  27. Callas, Brad (June 30, 2022). "Logan Paul Reveals He Signed With WWE". Complex . Archived from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  28. 1 2 3 Keller, Wade (July 18, 2022). "7/18 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Titus O'Neal's introduction, Belair vs. Carmella, Logan Paul appears on Raw". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  29. Keller, Wade (August 21, 2021). "8/21 WWE SummerSlam PPV Results: Keller's report on Reigns vs. Cena, Lashley vs. Goldberg, Usos vs. Mysterios, Nikki vs. Ripley vs. Charlotte". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 22, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
  30. Keller, Wade (June 5, 2022). "6/5 WWE Hell in a Cell: Cody vs. Seth in the Cell, Belair vs. Asuka vs. Lynch for Raw Title, Moss vs. Corbin, Omos & MVP vs. Lashley". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on June 15, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
  31. 1 2 Brookhouse, Brent (July 11, 2022). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Brock Lesnar threatens Roman Reigns, smashes Alpha Academy". CBSSports . Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  32. Keller, Wade (June 27, 2022). "6/27 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on John Cena's return, Kevin Owens against Ezekiel or Elias or Elrod". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  33. Keller, Wade (July 25, 2022). "7/25 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on first post-Vince McMahon era Raw with Paul Levesque in charge, Reigns wrestles". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 26, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  34. Flanigan, Lizzy (December 13, 2022). "Report: Riddle's Absence Due To Failed Drug Test". TheSportster. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved December 12, 2022.
  35. Khan, Steve (August 8, 2022). "WWE Raw live results: Lashley vs. Ciampa US title match". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online . Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  36. Brookhouse, Brent (July 30, 2022). "2022 WWE SummerSlam results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns outlasts Brock Lesnar in chaotic main event". CBSSports . Archived from the original on July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  37. "Dave Meltzer Star Ratings – WWE Summerslam 2022". IWNerd. 23 July 2022. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  38. Lambert, Jeremy (February 7, 2023). "WWE SumerSlam 2023 To Take Place On August 5 At Ford Field". Fightful. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  39. 1 2 Brookhouse, Brent (August 8, 2022). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Ciampa comes up short against Bobby Lashley, Dexter Lumis makes WWE return". CBSSports . Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  40. 1 2 3 4 Keller, Wade (September 3, 2022). "9/3 WWE Clash at the Castle results: Keller's report and star ratings on Reigns vs. McIntyre, Gunther vs. Sheamus, Rollins vs. Riddle, Morgan vs. Baszler". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on September 8, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  41. Keller, Wade (September 26, 2022). "9/26 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Belair vs. Sky, Rey vs. Seth, Riddle vs. Priest, Alpha Academy vs. KO & Gargano". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 26, 2022. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  42. 1 2 Brookhouse, Brent (August 1, 2022). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Bayley, Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai put the women's division on notice". CBSSports . Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  43. Mahjouri, Shakiel (November 25, 2022). "WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Becky Lynch returns, Sheamus earns WarGames advantage at Survivor Series". CBSSports . Archived from the original on November 26, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
  44. Keller, Wade (November 26, 2022). "11/26 WWE Survivor Series Results: Keller's report with analysis and star ratings of War Games, Seth vs. Lashley vs. Theory, Rousey vs. Shotzi, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved November 27, 2022.
  45. Brookhouse, Brent (February 6, 2023). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Lita returns to help Becky Lynch beat Bayley in steel cage main event". CBSSports . Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  46. Brookhouse, Brent (February 27, 2023). "WWE Raw results, recap, highlights: Trish Stratus returns to help Becky Lynch and Lita win women's tag titles". CBSSports . Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  47. Keller, Wade (March 6, 2023). "3/6 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on John Cena's return, Seth invites Logan Paul, Jey-Sami, Belair-Carmella". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  48. Defelice, Robert (March 25, 2023). "Becky Lynch Hopes To Be 'Becky Two-Fights' And Defend Women's Tag Titles On Night 2 Of WrestleMania". Fightful. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  49. Keller, Wade (April 1, 2023). "4/1 WWE WrestleMania 39 – Night 1: Keller's report on Cena vs. Austin Theory, Rollins vs. Logan Paul, Usos vs. Sami & KO, Charlotte vs. Ripley, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  50. 1 2 Brookhouse, Brent (August 15, 2022). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Kevin Owens and Drew McIntyre clash on the mic and in the ring". CBSSports . Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  51. Keller, Wade (August 22, 2022). "8/22 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Edge vs. Priest, Trish Stratus appears, Sky & Kai vs. Asuka & Bliss in tournament semi-finals". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 24, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  52. Keller, Wade (August 29, 2022). "8/29 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Kurt Angle's return, Seth-Riddle face-to-face, Rodriguez & Aliyah vs. Kai & Sky in Women's Tag Title Tournament Final, Usos & Sami visit". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  53. Keller, Wade (August 5, 2022). "8/5 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report on Reigns addressing McIntyre challenge at Clash, Gauntlet for title shot at Liv, Nakamura vs. Ludwig". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on August 6, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  54. Brookhouse, Brent (September 2, 2022). "WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Drew McIntyre ruins Roman Reigns' celebration of two years as champ". CBSSports . Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  55. 1 2 Keller, Wade (September 9, 2022). "9/9 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report and analysis of Braun Strowman's return, MMM & Los Lotharios vs. Hit Row & Profits, Women's Five-Way match". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on September 10, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
  56. Keller, Wade (September 16, 2022). "9/16 WWE SmackDown Results: Keller's report and analysis of Sami vs. Ricochet, Logan Paul appears, Four-way tag". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on September 17, 2022. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  57. Bryant, Nathan (July 30, 2022). "Bianca Belair def. Becky Lynch to retain the Raw Women's Title; Bayley returns with Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky". WWE . Archived from the original on July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  58. Bryant, Nathan (July 30, 2022). "Logan Paul def. The Miz". WWE . Archived from the original on July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  59. Bryant, Nathan (July 30, 2022). "Bobby Lashley def. Theory to retain the United States Title". WWE . Archived from the original on July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  60. Bryant, Nathan (July 30, 2022). "The Mysterios def. Finn Bálor & Damian Priest of The Judgment Day; Edge returns". WWE . Archived from the original on July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  61. Bryant, Nathan (July 30, 2022). "Pat McAfee def. Happy Corbin". WWE . Archived from the original on July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  62. Bryant, Nathan (July 30, 2022). "The Usos def. The Street Profits to retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles". WWE . Archived from the original on July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  63. Bryant, Nathan (July 30, 2022). "Liv Morgan def. Ronda Rousey to retain the SmackDown Women's Title; Rousey assaulted Morgan after the match". WWE . Archived from the original on July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  64. Bryant, Nathan (July 30, 2022). "Roman Reigns def. Brock Lesnar to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship". WWE . Archived from the original on July 31, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.