‘SummerSlam’ Recap: Brock Lesnar Shocks Fans After Cody Rhodes Takes the Title
WWE went all out at its first-ever two-night SummerSlam, hosted at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Held over August 2–3 and drawing over 113,000 fans in person, the spectacle included music star appearances, Bin Grammy-winner Cardi B hosted Night 1, and Jelly Roll made his in-ring debut on the same evening.
Cena vs. Rhodes: Emotional Title Match Closes Night 2
Night 2 culminated with John Cena, on his retirement tour, defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against challenger Cody Rhodes in a brutal street fight. The match unfolded with high drama, Cena borrowed an NBA crutch to use as a weapon, Rhodes battled back with classic Dusty finishers, and they spilled into the crowd in an adrenaline-fueled brawl.
At one point Cena emerged from beneath the stage, carrying Rhodes on his shoulder all the way to the ring entrance—only to eventually fatigue and drop the title after Rhodes blasted him with a turnbuckle piece and landed several Cross Rhodes. The passing-of-the-torch moment closed with Cena saluting Rhodes after the decisive pin.
Brock Lesnar’s Return: F‑5 Surprise
Just when the crowd thought the show had peaked, Brock Lesnar’s music hit—marking his first WWE in-ring appearance in two years. He stormed the ring and delivered a devastating F‑5 to Cena, re‑igniting a storied rivalry and leaving fans buzzing with “What’s next?”
Lesnar had largely been absent from WWE programming during that period, following controversy tied to a federal lawsuit. His surprise return added unexpected depth to Cena’s farewell narrative.