Editorβs Note: This article has been updated to include a quote added after publication for additional context and clarity.
MetLife Stadium may be one of the most uninspiring venues in all of professional sports, but night one of WWE SummerSlam 2025 injected real energy into the building. It was the kind of atmosphere the New York and New Jersey audience needed.
The crowd was electric, and the packed card kicked off with two tag matches that immediately set the tone for the night. WWE clearly had confidence in the lineup, and that confidence paid off. And I was there to witness it all.
Roman Reigns and Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed with Paul Heyman
Starting the night with this matchup was unexpected, but the thunderous reaction for Reigns and Jey Uso made it clear why they went first. Bron Breakker continues to establish himself as WWEβs breakout star. His crowd-popping moment of “putting the straps up to put the straps down” was made for social media and went viral instantly. Uso and Reigns picked up the win, and while the outcome was predictable, the match delivered what fans wanted.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. The Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez)
Charlotte has openly admitted that she used to resist the idea of tag teams, but teaming with Alexa Bliss has changed her perspective. Their chemistry brought a new spark to both of their careers. Charlotte looked relaxed and excited, even crediting John Cena for helping her find clarity. With tag titles on the line, this pairing feels like the beginning of a meaningful run.
Karrion Kross vs. Sami Zayn
From a storytelling standpoint, Sami Zayn winning was a surprise. Kross losing in his hometown suggests there may be bigger plans unfolding behind the scenes. If this marks the end of his WWE chapter, Kross walks away with something rare: a deep, authentic connection with fans. The crowd gave him genuine respect throughout the match.
Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill
This match was a show-stealer. Tiffany Stratton nailed a picture-perfect swanton bomb, while Jade Cargill displayed her raw power with a crushing chokeslam reminiscent of prime Kane. The surprise finish saw Tiffany get the win, and the crowd erupted. There are signs that Jade may be turning heel, and she is more than ready to embrace that role.
Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton and Jelly Roll
This was sports entertainment at its most fun. Jelly Roll introduced Randy Orton with incredible flair, then insisted on starting the match himself. It made fans wonder if Orton would turn on him. Logan Paul played the cowardly heel perfectly, elevating Jelly Roll as a legitimate presence in the ring. Logan picking up the win by pinning Jelly Roll was the right choice and kept the match grounded while delivering big moments.
CM Punk vs. Gunther
This was a masterclass in old-school wrestling. Punk wrestled like a man battling time, while Gunther brought his usual composure and dominance, even after getting busted open. It was brutal, intense, and emotional. The match ended on a sharp note, followed by a twist. Seth Rollins appeared on crutches, only to reveal he wasnβt injured at all. It was a calculated moment that shifted momentum to Paul Heymanβs growing faction. Bron Breakker had spent the weekend declaring himself the leader, but Rollinsβs reveal flipped the entire power dynamic.
Brand Experience and On-Site Activations
What truly made SummerSlam weekend stand out was the immersive fan experience. WWE and its partners delivered a weekend full of memorable activations and direct fan engagement.
Breath Death’s Kiss Cam added humor and interactivity as the brand not only gamified it for nearly 2 minutes, it also brought a fun moment to both the stadium screens and social media. It played off the viral Coldplay kiss cam controversy from earlier in the summer and immediately caught fan attention.
Wingstop and Chase Freedom sponsored matches at SummerSlam. The two brands also sponsored the Summer Bash Fan Event at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City featured WWE Hall of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart, along with performances by Action Bronson and Smoke DZA earlier this week.
βChase Freedom is going beyond traditional rewards and helping fans unlock opportunities that fuel their fandom at SummerSlam. With everything from exclusive presales, Fast Lane Entry into MetLife Stadium to skip the crowds, and early access to the WWE Super Store, we want to fuel the fandom of our cardmembers at WWE’s biggest night of the summer,” said Wittney Rachlin, General Manager at Chase Freedom. “At the same time, Chase Freedom cardmembers are earning cash back on everyday spending like the greatest cashbackers they are.β
Overall, it was a great experience as WWE and the brands came to New York and New Jersey to connect with their audiences and bringing in a spectacular show!
