Title: SummerSlam 2023
Producer: WWE
Running Time: 311 Minutes
Certificate: 15
Number Of Discs: 2
Studio: Fremantle Home Entertainment
Released: September 25 2023
(Thanks to Fetch Publicity for arranging this review.)
This is our DVD review for SummerSlam 2023!
SummerSlam 2023 Under Card
So, the show opens with Logan Paul vs. Ricochet. It’s an eye-catching affair with notable aerial spots, though it still feels strange to watch for some reason. Maybe it’s because Logan has raised expectations on what to expect from his matches. Better, though, is the battle between Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar. This is a tremendous contest that focuses on Cody enduring Lesnar’s brutal offence just long enough to claim a convincing win. Lesnar endorsing Rhodes after the match goes down as one of Cody’s most significant moments yet.
After that, we have the Slim Jim Battle Royal. It’s a card-filler at best, though fans do react very positively for LA Knight snatching victory by last eliminating Sheamus. Next up, we have Ronda Rousey vs. Shayna Baszler under MMA rules. If you didn’t enjoy Ronda’s WWE run, you won’t enjoy this match, which focuses largely on strikes and submission holds. It is notable, however, as it seemingly marks the end of Rousey’s wrestling career. Drew McIntyre then tries and fails to dethrone Gunther as Intercontinental Champion. It’s a good match, but the drama is sorely lacking because Gunther had almost 100% odds of retaining. Which, of course, he does.
Main Events Of SummerSlam 2023
Seth Rollins’ World Heavyweight Title defence against Finn Balor is superior to their Money In The Bank battle. That’s because they have more time here, as well as extra Judgment Day shenanigans and additional near-falls. Conversely, the clash between Asuka, Bianca Belair, and Charlotte Flair is protracted and often dull, despite the unique finish. Bianca’s victory turns sour due to Iyo Sky successfully cashing in Money In The Bank moments later. It’s a familiar sight, but it’s one that the crowd at Ford Field still roundly endorsed.
In the final match, Roman Reigns clashes with Jey Uso under Tribal Combat rules. It’s basically a No Disqualification match with a fancy nickname. It’s a good effort, but it’s unmemorable based on the action itself; nothing really stands out for the most part. What does stand out, however, is Jimmy Uso turning on his brother at the finish. I predicted this beforehand due to Reigns and company dropping hints about Jey letting down Jimmy. The real letdown, though, is the lack of a meaningful follow-up since then. It’s as if the split never happened, at least for those anticipating a Jey vs. Jimmy match anytime soon.
SummerSlam 2023 Summary
In closing, this is a show that meets the requirement of “good but not great”. Cody vs. Lesnar is exceptional, and Rollins vs. Balor is an absolute treat. But other bouts range from adequate to disappointing. And despite the stadium setting, it doesn’t really feel like you’re watching a show befitting the SummerSlam name. Indeed, it feels at times like a B-PPV in front of around 60,000 people rather than the biggest show of the summer. So, SummerSlam 2023 is worth a rewatch, but only for a couple of the bouts.
