WWE SummerSlam Night 2 kicked off with a major surprise when Kevin Owens returned to the ring after a 17-month absence. SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis adjusted the opening match into a fatal four-way bout for the number one contendership to the WWE Championship, inserting Gunther and the returning Owens alongside Sami Zayn and Finn Balor.
Kevin Owens Returns to Ignite a Championship Picture
During the closing moments of the frantic opener, Zayn appeared close to securing a victory. Instead, Owens landed a superkick on his longtime best friend, followed by his signature stunner to pin Zayn and win the match.
The victory sets up a title match for Owens against CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship, an accolade that has eluded Owens throughout his career.
Chad Gable Claims His First Singles Title in Front of a Home Crowd
In what stands out as one of the emotional highlights of the evening, Chad Gable defeated Penta via submission to capture the Intercontinental Championship in front of the Minnesota crowd. The win marks the first singles title in Gable’s WWE career, capping off a gritty storyline arc.
Following the submission victory, Gable was brought to tears, embraced in the ring by Penta, his family, and the cheering arena audience in an acknowledged payoff for his recent character work.
Chelsea Green Survives the Ladder Match as Baron Corbin Ends a Reign
The Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match provided high-flying action from Charlotte Flair, Lash Legend, Tiffany Stratton, Chelsea Green, and Jade Cargill. While Cargill and Flair engaged in outside interference involving B-Fab and Michin, Green climbed out from being stuck in a ladder to secure the title.
Green’s victory sets up a future championship program against Rhea Ripley upon her return from injury.
Earlier on the card, Baron Corbin defeated Trick Williams to capture the United States Championship. During the bout, Williams’ sidekick Lil Yachty was sent crashing through a table after ducking a kick, taking him out of the match before Corbin hit Williams with the championship belt and delivered his End of Days finisher, bringing Williams’ title reign to an end after more than 100 days.
Chaos in the Human Monies on a Pole Match
Providing a change of pace for the card, Danhausen and Dominik Mysterio squared off in the first-ever Human Monies
on a Pole match. The bout featured outside interference from the Minihausens
and JD McDonaugh.
Mysterio appeared close to winning after McDonaugh attacked Danhausen. However, legendary luchador El Torito appeared under a mask as Toritohausen
to help neutralize the AAA Mega Champion, allowing Danhausen to climb the pole and retrieve a bag of money that he shared with fans.
Roman Reigns Secures Victory Over Seth Rollins
The night concluded with the World Heavyweight Championship defense, where Roman Reigns defeated Seth Rollins in an intense encounter that capped off a storied rivalry.
