5 Things Triple H got right at SummerSlam 2024
If social media and live crowd reactions are any indication, SummerSlam 2024 was spectacular. From top to bottom, the premium live event delivered on all parameters, keeping the Cleveland Browns Stadium on its feet throughout the show.
As has become the custom in the Paul Levesque Era, the storytelling was on point. The in-ring quality of the matches was of acceptable standards. Lastly, the surprises were brilliantly executed.
On that note, let's get more specific and explain five things Triple H got right at SummerSlam 2024.
#5. Triple H nailed The Judgment Day implosion angle at SummerSlam 2024
As Damian Priest loves to point out, The Judgment Day rules RAW. However, come Monday, that probably wouldn't be the case anymore as the faction imploded with two shocking betrayals at SummerSlam.
"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, after proclaiming his allegiance to Rhea Ripley a few weeks ago, made his definitive choice in the opening encounter of the evening. Dom stopped Mami from using a steel chair and allowed Liv Morgan to pin The Eradicator.
If there was any doubt over his intentions, Dom enjoyed a long kiss with the Women's Champion as Ripley looked on with a range of negative emotions. It was the ideal twist and climax in the soap opera-style romantic love triangle WWE has advanced in recent months.
Later in the evening, Damian Priest, reeling from the implosion of his group, walked into battle alone and brought the fight to Gunther in an emotional and endearing display. Priest almost had the match won with a South of Heaven before Finn Balor put Gunther's foot on the ropes.
The distraction paved the way for The Ring General to win the World Heavyweight Championship, capping off a heartbreaking evening for The Judgment Day.
RAW needs to match The Bloodline Civil War, and The Judgment Day implosion angle is a good answer. Secondly, Balor and Dominik's respective betrayals were coming, and WWE wisely held them off for a big occasion.
Lastly, fans have rallied behind Priest and Ripley, making both stars massive babyfaces. Pairing them together against their treacherous allies and former friends is bound to generate drama and emotion.
#4. LA Knight finally gets his moment
LA Knight has maintained a steady popularity in the last two years, with the WWE Universe continually invested in The Megastar. Triple H decided to push him last summer, but he delayed the eventual payoff until SummerSlam 2024.
The Megastar won his first singles title in Cleveland, the hometown of his opponent, Logan Paul. Paul and Knight had amazing chemistry in the ring, keeping the fans entertained throughout the match.
Paul used brass knuckles, but it wasn't enough to keep Knight down as the popular SmackDown star struck a BFT for the three-count. It was a feel-good moment for hardcore fans.
It was his first singles championship in WWE in an illustrious 21-year career. Knight had shown incredible determination, dedication, and passion, and he deserved a prize. Hopefully, as a full-time champion, The Megastar could elevate the US Championship.
#3. Nia Jax as WWE Women's Champion and Tiffany Stratton as Miss Money in the Bank provides an interesting dynamic
The Queen of the Ring, Nia Jax, defeated Bayley to win the WWE Women's Championship at SummerSlam. However, the victory wasn't entirely clean as Jax's friend, Tiffany Stratton, teased a surprise cash-in during the match.
Heading into The Biggest Party of the Summer, Jax and Stratton had a common enemy in Bayley and a common goal: the WWE Women's Championship. However, the dynamics have shifted.
Jax holds the gold now, and Tiffy is still Miss Money in the Bank. How will this new dynamic factor into their mutually beneficial friendship? No common enemy is binding them together at the moment, and Stratton is on the cusp of breaking out as a singles star.
Whether their friendship will grow or dissolve remains to be seen, but the interesting dynamic created at SummerSlam does raise more questions than answers.
#2. The Ring General is the new World Heavyweight Champion
When Gunther lost the Intercontinental Championship to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 40, fans were hoping that the loss would lead to a main-event run. The arrival to superstardom came at SummerSlam as The Ring General won the World Heavyweight Championship.
Although Damian Priest had developed quite the relationship with the WWE Universe, having Gunther go over Priest was a good booking decision. The former IC Champion couldn't afford another major loss at a marquee occasion like SummerSlam.
It was high time Gunther entered the main event scene, and a World Title run would let the spotlight shine brightly on The Austrian Anomaly.
#1. The Original Tribal Chief's return was a masterpiece
When WWE announced Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa as the main event of SummerSlam 2024, fans were convinced that the company was setting up Roman Reigns' earth-shattering stipulation. On SmackDown, Sikoa had the "Bloodline Rules" stipulation inserted, and the rumor mill went into a frenzy.
Kudos must be given to Triple H for not overbooking the main event, avoiding a rip-off of the cinematic masterpiece. First, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa interfered to lay waste to Cody Rhodes before Randy Orton and Kevin Owens made the save.
It felt as if the tide had shifted, but Jacob Fatu emerged and wreaked havoc. A massive Splash on Rhodes through the announce table should have sealed the deal, but The American Nightmare had a Cody-Cutter left to deliver to Sikoa as the match reached its climax with both men down.
Roman Reigns' music hit, the crowd erupted, and the commentators exploded with excitement. The Original Tribal Chief slowly walked down the ramp, entered the ring, delivered a Superman Punch and Spear to Sikoa, allowing Rhodes to retain.
This was needed to maintain interest in the final months of 2024. The Bloodline Civil War: Part Two will take center stage as Reigns and Sikoa fight to determine The Original Tribal Chief. The added dynamic of Reigns helping and staring down Rhodes adds another layer.
Does Rhodes repay the favor and help Reigns against Sikoa, or is The Original Tribal Chief looking for a rematch? Either way, one return has made SmackDown and the last quarter of 2024 a must-see.