Night One of WWE SummerSlam 2025 at MetLife Stadium delivered a spectacle filled with heated rivalries, high-stakes championships, and monumental moments that will shape WWE’s landscape moving forward. Fans and insiders alike have been buzzing about the event’s three title matches, intense storytelling, and surprising twists that brought both exhilaration and dissatisfaction.
One of the evening’s undeniable highlights was the World Heavyweight Championship main event where CM Punk defeated Gunther to capture the title in a hard-fought, technically brilliant match. Showcasing old-school psychology combined with rugged offense, Punk’s victory came after capitalizing on Gunther’s rare lapse in focus, exploiting a bloody face from a collision with the announcers’ table to hit two decisive GTS finishers. This bout earned praise from critics for its slow-burn storytelling and superb in-ring execution, rescuing a card that some considered uneven overall[2][4].
Another highly anticipated contest saw Roman Reigns teaming with Jey Uso against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, accompanied by Paul Heyman. The match featured a mix of crowd-pleasing moments and attempts to elevate the challengers’ menace, but some felt that the spot involving Jey dancing to call his music temporarily undercut the match’s intensity, rendering the champions somewhat vulnerable in a less serious light[3][4].
Contested with fierce energy was the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship bout, with The Judgment Day defending against the formidable duo of Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair. Meanwhile, Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill battled for the WWE Women’s Championship, bringing a fresh and dynamic edge to the women’s division that continues to expand its profile at marquee events[1][4].
Nevertheless, not everything resonated well with the audience and critics. Some detractors pointed to pacing issues during the early portions of the show and moments that undercut wrestler credibility for fan-service segments. For instance, the celebrity tag match pairing Randy Orton and Jelly Roll versus Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre, while entertaining, drew mixed reviews due to its uneven tone and questioned narrative logic. According to Fightful, some backstage sources expressed hope that future SummerSlams would balance star power with cohesive storytelling to avoid such tonal shifts[1].
Cardi B’s hosting added mainstream glamour, but some insiders shared with Wrestling Inc. that her segments, although lively, occasionally disrupted the show’s flow, stirring mixed reactions among the live audience and viewers[1][4]. Additionally, while the crowded stadium and vibrant fan atmosphere were widely praised, a few fans noted audio issues and some unexpected technical glitches during broadcasts, which WWE reportedly is investigating for improvements next year.
According to a WWE insider speaking to Fightful, “Night One of SummerSlam 2025 set a solid foundation for the weekend, but there’s an understanding behind the scenes that the creative team is already planning adjustments based on this feedback, aiming for an even stronger Night Two.” This candid admission underscores WWE’s ongoing commitment to refining its two-night SummerSlam format after its inaugural run.
Overall, SummerSlam Night One combined thrilling triumphs, controversial moments, and engaging performances. The crowning of CM Punk as World Heavyweight Champion is poised to be a major storyline driver in the coming months, while the event’s mix of established stars and emerging talent provided a splashy appetizer for the weekend’s remaining action. Fans can expect intense rivalries and fresh matchups as the show continues at MetLife Stadium.