With SummerSlam 2025 just days away, WWE has delivered a nostalgic treat by officially releasing its rankings of the 25 greatest SummerSlam matches of all time, crowning Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog from 1992 as the greatest bout in the event’s prestigious history. This countdown, showcased on WWE’s YouTube channel over recent weeks, celebrates the most iconic and unforgettable matches that helped shape SummerSlam into “The Biggest Party of the Summer”[1][4].
The release of this definitive list comes as WWE prepares for the first-ever two-night SummerSlam event at MetLife Stadium on August 2nd and 3rd, featuring marquee championship bouts including John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship and Jade Cargill defending the Women’s Title against Tiffany Stratton[2][4].
Bret Hart’s Legendary Dominance in SummerSlam History
It is no surprise that Bret “The Hitman” Hart prominently features in the rankings, with three matches in the top five alone—a testament to his enduring legacy and technical prowess that many wrestling insiders regard as the gold standard. WWE has ranked:
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#1: Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog (SummerSlam 1992, Wembley Stadium) – This match, where Bulldog captured the Intercontinental Championship on home soil, is widely regarded as an epic wrestling classic praised for its storytelling and athleticism[1][2][4].
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#3: Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect (SummerSlam 1991) – Another legendary Intercontinental Title bout showcasing Hart’s strategic mastery and in-ring psychology[1][2].
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#5: Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (SummerSlam 1994, Steel Cage Match for the WWE Championship) – The emotionally charged sibling rivalry brought into a brutal steel cage format cemented this match’s place in Summerslam lore[1][2].
According to a WWE insider, “Bret’s matches at SummerSlam are still considered blueprints for excellence—his ability to connect with the crowd, tell a compelling story, and perform technical wrestling at the highest level remains unparalleled.”[3]
Additional Historic Matches in the Top 5
The list also honors a mix of legendary eras and contrasting wrestling styles:
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#2: John Cena vs. AJ Styles (SummerSlam 2016) – A clash of two of the modern era’s greatest performers, blending Cena’s grit with Styles’ agility and résumé as a former WWE Champion and Phenomenal One[1][3].
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#4: CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar (SummerSlam 2013) – Known for its intense physicality and high stakes, this match is often cited as a turning point in Punk’s career as he battled a dominant Lesnar for WWE gold[1][3].
These selections reflect WWE’s effort to honor both classic and contemporary wrestling, bridging fans across generations ahead of the 2025 event.
The Full Top 10 SummerSlam Matches
Here is a snapshot of the top 10 matches from the official WWE rankings:
| Rank | Match Details | Event Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bret Hart vs. British Bulldog (Intercontinental Title) | 1992 |
| 2 | John Cena vs. AJ Styles (WWE Championship) | 2016 |
| 3 | Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect (Intercontinental Title) | 1991 |
| 4 | CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar (WWE Championship) | 2013 |
| 5 | Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (Steel Cage, WWE Title) | 1994 |
| 6-10 | Other iconic bouts featuring stars like The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and Seth Rollins | Various |
Fans can view the full playlist and relive these historic matches on WWE’s official YouTube channel, a timely tribute as anticipation builds for SummerSlam 2025[1][4].
Backstage Reactions and Wrestler Perspectives
Sources close to WWE reveal that the company’s ranking serves multiple purposes—not only as a commemorative countdown but also as a strategic storytelling tool to amplify the prestige of the upcoming SummerSlam card. Fightful’s exclusive noted that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon personally endorsed the playlist, recognizing Bret Hart’s unique footprint on SummerSlam as central to the brand’s identity[3].
Meanwhile, podcasts such as the “Wrestling Observer Radio” and “Something to Wrestle” have extensively discussed the list’s selections, with veteran commentators praising WWE for balancing nostalgia with fresh hype. In an interview with Fightful, a WWE creative team member said, “Highlighting the legends like Bret Hart while spotlighting recent classics creates a sense of legacy that resonates deeply with our core and casual fans alike.”
SummerSlam 2025: Building on Historic Foundations
As WWE prepares for SummerSlam 2025, the ranked list of historic matches offers fans an enriched context for appreciating the main event between John Cena and Cody Rhodes, two stars carrying forward the spirit of epic SummerSlam storytelling. Cody Rhodes, often compared to the technical mastery of Hart, has been trained intensively to bring that same caliber of performance, making the upcoming event one of the most anticipated in years[2].
Furthermore, with CM Punk set to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Gunther, the event ensures that the legacy of top-tier SummerSlam matches will continue to grow[1][2].
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Final Thoughts
The official WWE rankings of the 25 greatest SummerSlam matches powerfully underscore the event’s role as a historic platform for wrestling excellence. Bret Hart’s triple placement in the top five reaffirms why he is hailed as one of the best in wrestling history. As fans gear up for the landmark SummerSlam 2025 at MetLife Stadium, revisiting these legendary bouts adds heightened excitement and reverence to the upcoming show.
For aficionados of pro wrestling history and those new to WWE alike, WWE’s official playlist offers a curated journey through decades of unforgettable moments, reminding everyone why SummerSlam remains the summer’s definitive wrestling spectacle[1][4].
Stay tuned with PWInsider and Fightful for live coverage and expert analysis of SummerSlam 2025!