Jump to content

SummerSlam (2020)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Summerslam (2020))
SummerSlam
Promotional poster featuring "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt
PromotionWWE
Brand(s)Raw
SmackDown
DateAugust 23, 2020
CityOrlando, Florida[a]
VenueWWE ThunderDome at Amway Center[a]
Attendance0 (behind closed doors)[Note 1]
Tagline(s)You'll Never See It Coming
WWE Network event chronology
← Previous
NXT TakeOver XXX 		Next →
Payback
SummerSlam chronology
← Previous
2019 		Next →
2021

The 2020 SummerSlam was a professional wrestling event produced by WWE. It was the 33rd annual SummerSlam and took place on August 23, 2020, from the WWE ThunderDome, hosted at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The event aired via pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming and featured wrestlers from the promotion's Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event was WWE's first pay-per-view to be broadcast from the ThunderDome bio-secure bubble. It was also the first SummerSlam since 2011 to not feature Brock Lesnar, who competed in the main event match for the past six years and in 2012. Additionally, it was the first SummerSlam since 2009 to feature MVP.

The event was originally scheduled to take place at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Boston mayor Marty Walsh announced the suspension of all large-scale gatherings and that no permit would be issued for an event that could draw a large crowd before September 7. Since mid-March, WWE had presented the majority of their shows from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando with no fans in attendance due to the pandemic. With the move to the Amway Center, SummerSlam was the first major WWE event held outside of the Performance Center since March, although still without fans physically in attendance; fans were instead able to attend and be seen virtually on LED boards in the venue through the ThunderDome arena staging. This also marked the last SummerSlam to be held in a traditional arena, as all future events have been held in stadiums.

Eight matches were contested at the event, including one on the Kickoff pre-show. In the main event, which was the main match for SmackDown, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt defeated Braun Strowman in a Falls Count Anywhere match to win the Universal Championship for a second time. Following the match, Roman Reigns returned following a five-month hiatus and attacked both men, turning heel for the first time since 2014. In the penultimate match, which was the main match for Raw, Drew McIntyre defeated Randy Orton to retain the WWE Championship. In other prominent matches, Mandy Rose defeated Sonya Deville in a No Disqualification Loser Leaves WWE match, and Asuka defeated Sasha Banks to win the Raw Women's Championship for a second time after losing her match against Bayley for the SmackDown Women's Championship in the opening bout. The event was also notable for the in-ring debut of Rey Mysterio's son Dominik Mysterio, who fought Seth Rollins in a street fight in a losing effort.

Production

[edit]
The SummerSlam was originally planned to be held at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, but was moved to the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

[edit]

SummerSlam is an annual professional wrestling event produced every August by WWE since 1988. Dubbed "The Biggest Party of the Summer",[1] it is one of the promotion's original four pay-per-views (PPV), along with WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series, referred to as the "Big Four".[2][3] Announced on August 8, 2019, the 2020 event was the 33rd SummerSlam and featured wrestlers from the Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. In addition to airing on pay-per-view worldwide, the event was available to livestream on the WWE Network.[4]

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

[edit]
Main article: WWE ThunderDome

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, WWE had to present the majority of its programming for Raw and SmackDown from a behind closed doors set at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida beginning mid-March,[5] although in late May, the promotion began using Performance Center trainees to serve as the live audience,[6] which was further expanded to friends and family members of the wrestlers in mid-June.[7] SummerSlam, as well as the preceding night's NXT TakeOver event, were originally scheduled to take place in Boston, Massachusetts at the TD Garden.[4] On May 8, the ongoing pandemic forced Boston mayor Marty Walsh to suspend all large-scale gatherings until September 7, effectively canceling WWE's planned events in the city.[8][9]

Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported that the promotion was open to moving SummerSlam to September if it meant having fans in attendance.[10] However, an advertisement that aired during The Horror Show at Extreme Rules confirmed that SummerSlam would still be taking place on August 23, but with no reference to a city or venue.[11] Although Pro Wrestling Insider had reported that the event would be held at the WWE Performance Center,[12] the promotion put out an official statement on July 23 that the announcement of a new location would be forthcoming. WWE also stated that refunds would be issued at original point of purchase.[13] PWInsider then reported that WWE were looking into hosting SummerSlam on a cruise ship or on a beach.[14]

On August 17, it was made official that SummerSlam would emanate from the Amway Center, a larger venue also located in Orlando. This made SummerSlam the first major WWE event to be held outside of the Performance Center since March. WWE also entered into an agreement with the Amway Center in which all future broadcasts of Raw, SmackDown, and PPVs would be held at the venue "for the foreseeable future". Along with the move, WWE partnered with the full-service fan experience company The Famous Group to provide a "virtual fan experience", a bio-secure bubble dubbed the WWE ThunderDome, which was first utilized for the August 21 episode of SmackDown. Drones, lasers, pyro, smoke, and projections were utilized to make the wrestlers' entrances "better than WrestleMania". according to WWE Executive Vice President of Television Production Kevin Dunn, who further noted that "We can now do things production-wise that we could never otherwise do". They also installed nearly 1,000 LED boards in the Amway Center to allow for rows and rows of virtual fans, who could register for a free virtual seat. Arena audio was also mixed with that of the virtual fans so that chants from the fans could be heard.[15][16][17]

Storylines

[edit]

The event comprised eight matches, including one on the Kickoff pre-show, that resulted from scripted storylines. Results were predetermined by WWE's writers on the Raw and SmackDown brands,[18][19] while storylines were produced on WWE's weekly television shows, Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown.[20]

At Money in the Bank, Braun Strowman retained the Universal Championship against Bray Wyatt, who wrestled as his Firefly Fun House character.[21] After being absent for a few weeks, Wyatt returned on the June 19 episode of SmackDown, but was interrupted by Strowman. Wyatt stated their rivalry was just getting started before appearing as his old cult leader persona of The Wyatt Family, which formerly included Strowman and from where Strowman had originally made his WWE debut.[22] This led to a non-title match between the two called the Wyatt Swamp Fight at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules,[23] where Wyatt, fighting as his old Eater of Worlds self, defeated Strowman, who disappeared somewhere in the swamp. As Wyatt tried to leave himself, he was pulled back into the water, only for his alter ego The Fiend to appear.[11] On the following SmackDown, Wyatt stated that his old Eater of Worlds self was done for now and that The Fiend had been unleashed.[24] The following week, Wyatt said that The Fiend wanted the Universal Championship and that no one was safe until he got it, which was made evident later that night when The Fiend attacked Alexa Bliss, Strowman's old tag team partner from Season 1 of Mixed Match Challenge.[25] On the August 7 episode, The Fiend tried attacking Bliss again, who seemingly showed affection for The Fiend, causing him to back off. Strowman then appeared on the TitanTron, stating he did not care about Bliss and that he emerged a monster from the swamp. Strowman then accepted The Fiend's challenge for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam.[26] The following week saw Strowman attacking Bliss to lure out The Fiend, who appeared in the ring to confront Strowman.[27] On the August 22 episode of Talking Smack, the stipulation was changed to a Falls Count Anywhere match.[28]

On the July 27 episode of Raw, Randy Orton cut a promo listing many of his accolades before declaring that he wanted the WWE Championship again. He then issued a challenge to champion Drew McIntyre for a title match at SummerSlam. Later that night, McIntyre accepted Orton's challenge and then defeated Dolph Ziggler in an Extreme Rules match in a rematch from The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, preventing Ziggler from earning the title opportunity. Following the match, Orton attacked McIntyre with an RKO.[29]

On the July 20 episode of Raw, Andrade and Angel Garza lost to Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins).[30] The following week, Andrade and Garza won a triple threat tag team match to earn a title match at SummerSlam.[29]

After United States Champion Apollo Crews repeatedly declined MVP's offer to join his faction, later dubbed The Hurt Business,[31][32] the two faced each other in a non-title match on the June 29 episode of Raw that was won by MVP. After the match, Crews was brutally attacked by MVP's teammate Bobby Lashley.[33] The following week, MVP unveiled a new United States Championship belt and stated that he would face Crews for the title at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules.[34] At the event, however, Crews was unable to compete due to failing his pre-match physical thanks to Lashley's attack. MVP then declared himself winner by forfeit and unofficially claimed himself as the new United States Champion.[11] Crews, sporting the older United States title belt, returned on the August 3 episode of Raw where he formally faced MVP in a title match where Crews retained. Celebrating his victory, Crews later stated in a backstage interview that he would give the old belt to his children while he kept the new belt MVP introduced. MVP then demanded a rematch for SummerSlam and Crews accepted.[35] On the August 17 episode, Crews defeated The Hurt Business' Shelton Benjamin, thus banning Benjamin and Lashley from ringside during the title match at SummerSlam, which was set to occur on the Kickoff pre-show.[36]

Following several weeks of Seth Rollins tormenting and taunting Rey Mysterio, the two finally faced each other at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules in an Eye for an Eye match in which one opponent had to extract an eye of the other to win the match, which was won by Rollins.[11] Mysterio's son Dominik appeared on the July 27 episode of Raw to confront Rollins and his disciple Murphy for Rollins' actions, as well as for Rollins gloating about it. Although Dominik attacked Rollins and Murphy, they eventually overpowered Dominik until Aleister Black came out to Dominik's aid. The brawl, however, resulted in Murphy injuring Black's eye using the corner of the steel steps.[29] The following week, Dominik challenged Rollins to a match at SummerSlam. Later, after Rollins and Murphy taunted commentator Tom Phillips (which led to fellow commentator Samoa Joe defending Phillips), they were both attacked from behind by Dominik with a kendo stick. Rollins then accepted Dominik's challenge.[35] During the contract signing the following week, in which Dominik also signed a contract to officially become a WWE wrestler, Rollins stated that Dominik could use any kind of weapon he wanted. After Rollins defeated Humberto Carrillo, Rollins and Murphy attacked Dominik with kendo sticks.[37] Their SummerSlam match was later made a Street Fight.[38]

At The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, the Raw Women's Championship match between Sasha Banks and defending champion Asuka ended in controversy when Asuka inadvertently spat green mist in the referee's face, which led to Bayley removing the referee's shirt and counting the pin for Banks to unofficially win the title.[11] The following night on Raw, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon stated that neither Banks or Asuka won at Extreme Rules and announced a rematch between the two for the following week in a match where the title could be won by pinfall, submission, disqualification, or count out.[30] During the ensuing match, Bayley attacked Asuka's tag team partner Kairi Sane backstage. Asuka then left the match to check on Sane, resulting in her losing by count-out, thus Banks won the title for a record fifth time.[29] On the August 3 episode, Asuka demanded a rematch for the title, however, Banks stated that she had to defeat Bayley to earn the match at SummerSlam,[35] which Asuka did the following week.[37] On that Friday's SmackDown, as Bayley did not have a challenger for her SmackDown Women's Championship at SummerSlam, Stephanie announced a triple brand battle royal for the following week, featuring wrestlers from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, with the winner facing Bayley at the event.[26] Surprise entrant Asuka won the battle royal, thus double booking Asuka to face the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions in singles matches for their respective singles titles.[27] On the August 21 episode of SmackDown, both Banks and Bayley faced Naomi in a Beat the Clock Challenge to determine the order of their respective title defenses against Asuka with the loser defending first; Banks subsequently won as she defeated Naomi, who in turn defeated Bayley.[39]

At the onset of 2020, a romance began between Mandy Rose and Heavy Machinery's Otis. They were set to have a Valentine's Day date, however, Dolph Ziggler arrived first, stealing the date with Rose.[40] Prior to WrestleMania 36, it was revealed that Rose's Fire and Desire tag team partner Sonya Deville had conspired with Ziggler to sabotage the date by sending a fake text to Otis that Rose was running late.[41] Otis then defeated Ziggler at the event with the help of Rose, who also attacked Deville.[42] Rose then entered into a months long feud with Deville, who claimed that Rose was all looks and no talent. This culminated on the July 31 episode of SmackDown where Deville attacked Rose backstage and cut some of her hair off.[25] Rose, now sporting shorter hair, then challenged Deville to a Hair vs. Hair match at SummerSlam, which Deville accepted.[27] The following week, Rose had a change of heart, thinking there was still some good in Deville, and asked to put their rivalry behind them. Deville instead raised the stakes and changed the stipulation of their match to a no disqualification match where the loser leaves WWE.[39] This stipulation change was brought about due to a real life incident involving Deville; her home had been broken into by a stalker in Florida.[43] Her lawyers cited it was not a good idea to have a shaved head while in court.[44]

Event

[edit]
Other on-screen personnel
Role: Name:
English commentators Michael Cole (SmackDown)
Corey Graves (SmackDown)
Tom Phillips (Raw)
Samoa Joe (Raw)
Byron Saxton (Raw)
Spanish commentator Carlos Cabrera
Ring announcers Greg Hamilton (SmackDown)
Mike Rome (Raw)
Referees Danilo Anfibio
Shawn Bennett
John Cone
Dan Engler
Darrick Moore
Eddie Orengo
Chad Patton
Ryan Tran
Interviewers Kayla Braxton
Sarah Schreiber
Pre-show panel Charly Caruso
John "Bradshaw" Layfield
Peter Rosenberg
Renee Young
Booker T

Pre-show

[edit]

During the SummerSlam Kickoff pre-show, Apollo Crews defended the United States Championship against MVP with MVP's stablemates Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin banned from ringside. In the end, Crews performed a Toss Powerbomb on MVP to retain the title. Following the match, Benjamin and Lashley came down to the ring to attack Crews, however, Crews escaped.[45]

Preliminary matches

[edit]

The actual pay-per-view opened with Bayley (accompanied by Sasha Banks) defending the SmackDown Women's Championship against Asuka. In the end, Asuka attempted to attack Bayley, who was teetering on the ring ropes, however, Bayley moved out of the way and Asuka inadvertently knocked off Banks, who had been standing on the ring apron to try and distract Asuka. Bayley then performed a roll-up on Asuka to retain the title. Following the match, Bayley and Banks attacked Asuka.[46]

Next, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) defended the Raw Tag Team Championship against Andrade and Angel Garza (accompanied by Zelina Vega). The climax saw Vega stand on the ring apron to distract the referee. Garza performed a Superkick on Dawkins, who bumped into Vega knocking her off the ring apron. Dawkins then performed a Powerbomb on Garza and Ford performed From the Heavens on Garza to retain the titles.[46]

After that, Mandy Rose faced Sonya Deville in a no disqualification match where the loser would leave WWE. During the first half of the match, Rose and Deville fought at ringside, where Rose performed a flying Lariat on Deville off the announce table. Deville attacked Rose with a chair and slammed her head on the announce table. Rose performed three Running Knees, a Fairytale Ending, and a fourth Running Knee on Deville to win the match. Following the match, Otis came out to celebrate with Rose where Rose performed her own rendition of The Caterpillar, Otis's finisher.[46]

In the next match, Seth Rollins (accompanied by Murphy) fought Dominik Mysterio (accompanied by his father, Rey Mysterio) in a Street Fight. This was Dominik's first match as a WWE wrestler. Dominik performed a Russian Legsweep on Rollins from the top turnbuckle onto table below. Later on, Rey Mysterio tried to interfere but Dominik told him not to do so. Later on, Rollins handcuffed Rey to the second rope. In the end, Rollins performed The Stomp on Dominik in front of Rey to win the match. [46]

Next, Sasha Banks (accompanied by Bayley) defended the Raw Women's Championship against Asuka. During the match, Banks performed a Powerbomb from the ring apron on Asuka. Asuka applied an Ankle Lock on Banks, who rolled through. Asuka countered a Superplex attempt into a DDT on Banks for a nearfall. Asuka performed a Missile Dropkick from the top rope on Banks for a nearfall. Banks attempted a Frog Splash, but Asuka moved out of the way. Asuka then applied the Asuka Lock on Banks, who countered into a pinning combination for a nearfall, after which, Banks applied the Bank Statement. As Banks brought Asuka to the middle of the ring, Asuka countered into the Asuka Lock, but Banks escaped. The end saw a similar situation from the event's SmackDown Women's Championship match occur, with the roles of Banks and Bayley switched, however, Bayley moved out of the way. Asuka then attacked Bayley, but as Banks attempted the Bank Statement, Asuka reversed into the Asuka Lock to force Banks to submit, thus winning the title for a second time.[46]

In the penultimate match, Drew McIntyre defended the WWE Championship against Randy Orton. In the climax, after a back-and-forth contest, Orton attempted a Punt Kick on McIntyre, however, McIntyre countered with a powerbomb. As McIntyre attempted a Claymore Kick on Orton, Orton avoided it, however, McIntyre performed a backslide pin on Orton to retain the title.[46]

Main event

[edit]

In the main event, Braun Strowman defended the Universal Championship against "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt in a Falls Count Anywhere match. During the match, the two fought up the entrance ramp and inside the gorilla position. In the closing moments, Strowman used a box cutter to cut the top ring canvas to expose the wooden flooring. The Fiend countered an attack from Strowman and performed a Uranage and two consecutive Sister Abigails on Strowman onto the exposed wood to regain the title for a second time. After the match, a returning Roman Reigns (in his first appearance in five months) appeared and performed a Spear on The Fiend. Reigns then performed a Spear on Strowman, who was staggering at ringside, and attacking him with multiple chair shots. Reigns then returned to the ring to execute another Spear on The Fiend before hoisting up the Universal Championship belt.[46]

Reception

[edit]

Dave Meltzer rated the WWE Championship match 4.25 stars, the highest of the night. Meanwhile, the main event received 1 star, the lowest of the night. Elsewhere on the card, the kick-off show match received 2.25 stars, the SmackDown Women's Championship match received 3.25 stars, the Raw Tag Team Championship match received 2 stars, the Loser Leaves WWE match received 2.75 stars, and the street fight and the Raw Women's Championship match received 3.75 stars.[47]

Aftermath

[edit]

Raw

[edit]

The following night on Raw, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre gloated how he had defeated "the greatest wrestler ever" with a wrestling move, and stated that he knew that Randy Orton wanted a rematch. As McIntyre made his exit, Orton attacked McIntyre and delivered two Punts to him. Later, McIntyre attacked Orton during Orton's match against the debuting Keith Lee and the brawl ended with Orton delivering a third Punt to McIntyre, taking him out for the next couple of weeks.[48] On the August 31 episode, Orton earned himself another title opportunity against McIntyre for the WWE Championship at Clash of Champions.[49]

Sasha Banks challenged Asuka to a rematch for the Raw Women's Championship, but as a lumberjack match. However, Banks was unsuccessful in regaining the title, thus ending their feud.[48] However, the two faced each other again at Survivor Series on November 22, but as a champion vs. champion match with Banks as SmackDown Women's Champion,[50] where Banks was victorious.[51]

Dominik Mysterio teamed with his father Rey Mysterio in a tag team match against Seth Rollins and Murphy, but the match ended in a disqualification after Retribution attacked the Mysterios.[48] On August 28, a rematch was scheduled for Payback.[52]

On August 24, United States Champion Apollo Crews was scheduled to defend his title against The Hurt Business' Bobby Lashley at Payback.[53] On Raw that night, the two had an arm wrestling match that Crews won when he took a cheap shot by stomping on Lashley's foot.[48]

SmackDown

[edit]

The day after SummerSlam, it was announced that new Universal Champion "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt would defend the title against Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns in a no holds barred triple threat match at Payback.[48] Subsequently on SmackDown, it was revealed that Reigns aligned himself with Paul Heyman.[54]

Results

[edit]
No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[46]
1PApollo Crews (c) defeated MVP (with Bobby Lashley) by pinfallSingles match for the WWE United States Championship
The Hurt Business were not allowed to accompany MVP.[55]		06:40
2Bayley (c) (with Sasha Banks) defeated Asuka by pinfallSingles match for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship[56]11:35
3The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) (c) defeated Andrade and Angel Garza (with Zelina Vega) by pinfallTag team match for the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship[57]07:50
4Mandy Rose defeated Sonya Deville by pinfallNo Disqualification Loser Leaves WWE match[58]10:05
5Seth Rollins (with Murphy) defeated Dominik Mysterio (with Rey Mysterio) by pinfallStreet Fight[59]22:35
6Asuka defeated Sasha Banks (c) (with Bayley) by submissionSingles match for the WWE Raw Women's Championship[60]11:25
7Drew McIntyre (c) defeated Randy Orton by pinfallSingles match for the WWE Championship[61]20:35
8"The Fiend" Bray Wyatt defeated Braun Strowman (c) by pinfallFalls Count Anywhere match for the WWE Universal Championship[62]12:00
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match
P – the match was broadcast on the pre-show

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The event was held without a paying audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, though it featured a live crowd of virtual fans via WWE's ThunderDome viewing experience.
  1. ^ a b The SummerSlam was originally scheduled to be held at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Dee, Louie (May 17, 2006). "Let the Party Begin". WWE. Archived from the original on November 16, 2006. Retrieved May 12, 2008.
  2. ^ Paddock, Matty (August 21, 2017). "WWE SummerSlam results: Brock Lesnar and Jinder Mahal survive as Finn Balor defeats Bray Wyatt". Independent.co.uk. Archived from the original on August 22, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
  3. ^ Crosby, Jack (August 19, 2018). "WWE SummerSlam 2018 matches, card, location, date, start time, predictions PPV rumors". CBSSports. Archived from the original on August 8, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Lambert, Jeremy (August 8, 2019). "Boston To Host WWE SummerSlam 2020". Fightful. Archived from the original on August 15, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  5. ^ Johnson, Mike (March 21, 2020). "WWE taping updates". PWInsider. Archived from the original on March 22, 2020. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  6. ^ Casey, Connor (May 25, 2020). "WWE Fans Are Thrilled to See Crowds Back on WWE Raw". ComicBook.com. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  7. ^ Oestriecher, Blake (June 17, 2020). "WWE Live Events With Fans Could Reportedly Return Very Soon". Forbes. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
  8. ^ Johnson, Mike (May 8, 2020). "SUMMERSLAM WEEKEND WILL NOT TAKE PLACE IN BOSTON, MAYOR SAYS ALL MAJOR EVENTS NEED TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE PLANS". PWInsider. Archived from the original on July 20, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  9. ^ Tedesco, Mike (May 8, 2020). "WWE SummerSlam will not take place in Boston, mayor announces no events will take place". WrestleView. Archived from the original on May 21, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  10. ^ Middleton, Marc (May 16, 2020). "Vince McMahon Reportedly Determined To Have Fans At WWE SummerSlam This Year". Wrestling Inc. Archived from the original on May 22, 2020. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  11. ^ a b c d e Keller, Wade (July 19, 2020). "7/19 WWE Extreme Rules "Horror Show" PPV Results: Keller's report on Swamp Match between Braun and Bray, McIntyre vs. Ziggler, Seth vs. Rey in an Eye for an Eye match, Asuka vs. Sasha, Bayley vs. Nikki". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  12. ^ Johnson, Mike (July 6, 2020). "WWE SummerSlam Update". PWInsider. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  13. ^ WWE.com Staff (July 23, 2020). "Update on SummerSlam 2020". WWE. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  14. ^ Johnson, Mike (July 31, 2020). "SUMMERSLAM UPDATE, WWE REVIVING OLD PPV NEXT MONTH AS WELL". PWInsider. Archived from the original on August 5, 2020. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  15. ^ Heel, N. (August 17, 2020). "WWE Launching 'ThunderDome' At Amway Center This Friday". Heel By Nature. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
  16. ^ "WWE introducing new state-of-the-art viewing experience with WWE ThunderDome". WWE. August 17, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
  17. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (August 17, 2020). "WWE Announces ThunderDome Arena; Enhanced Fan Experience, Residency At Amway Center; First Look Video Shown". Fightful. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
  18. ^ Grabianowski, Ed (January 13, 2006). "How Pro Wrestling Works". HowStuffWorks. Discovery Communications. Archived from the original on November 29, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
  19. ^ "Live & Televised Entertainment". WWE. Archived from the original on February 18, 2009. Retrieved March 21, 2012.
  20. ^ Steinberg, Brian (May 25, 2016). "WWE's 'Smackdown' Will Move To Live Broadcast On USA (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on May 26, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  21. ^ Keller, Wade (May 10, 2020). "5/10 WWE MONEY IN THE BANK PPV RESULTS: Keller's report on Men's and Women's MITB Corporate Ladder matches, Drew vs. Seth, Braun vs. Bray, Bayley vs. Tamina". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on May 16, 2020. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  22. ^ Brookhouse, Brent (June 19, 2020). "WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Bray Wyatt goes back to his roots while targeting Braun Strowman". CBSSports. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
  23. ^ Wilen, Jerome (June 27, 2020). "Non-Title "Wyatt Swamp Fight" announced for Extreme Rules: The Horror Show PPV". WrestleView. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
  24. ^ Crosby, Jack (July 24, 2020). "WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Bray Wyatt ready to unleash The Fiend, wild Bar Fight closes the show". CBSSports. Archived from the original on July 25, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  25. ^ a b Brookhouse, Brent (July 31, 2020). "WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: The Fiend unleashes surprising attack, champions retain titles". CBSSports. Archived from the original on August 2, 2020. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  26. ^ a b Brookhouse, Brent (August 7, 2020). "WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Show ends in chaos as Retribution tears apart Performance Center". CBSSports. Archived from the original on August 19, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  27. ^ a b c Brookhouse, Brent (August 14, 2020). "WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Braun Strowman ends uneven show by attacking Alexa Bliss". CBSSports. Archived from the original on November 27, 2021. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  28. ^ Toro, Carlos (August 22, 2020). "Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt Now A Falls Count Anywhere Match At WWE SummerSlam". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  29. ^ a b c d Keller, Wade (July 27, 2020). "7/27 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Asuka vs. Banks for Raw Title, Drew's stipulation, Orton's announcement, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  30. ^ a b Brookhouse, Brent (July 20, 2020). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Seth Rollins, Randy Orton highlight great night of in-ring action". CBSSports. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  31. ^ Keller, Wade (June 15, 2020). "6/15 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Backlash fallout including Drew & Truth vs. Lashley & MVP, Asuka vs. Jax rematch, Ric Flair appears". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 19, 2020. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
  32. ^ Brookhouse, Brent (June 22, 2020). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Edge delivers epic promo, Rey Mysterio returns on 'Championship Monday'". CBSSports. Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  33. ^ Brookhouse, Brent (June 29, 2020). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Sasha Banks shocks in champions vs. challengers match as heels dominate". CBSSports. Archived from the original on July 30, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  34. ^ Brookhouse, Brent (July 6, 2020). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Women deliver thrilling matches, new United States title unveiled". CBSSports. Archived from the original on July 7, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
  35. ^ a b c Brookhouse, Brent (August 3, 2020). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Shane McMahon's Raw Underground flops on directionless show". CBSSports. Archived from the original on August 5, 2020. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  36. ^ Brookhouse, Brent (August 17, 2020). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Shawn Michaels gets destroyed by Randy Orton on SummerSlam go-home show". CBSSports. Archived from the original on August 19, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  37. ^ a b Silverstein, Adam (August 10, 2020). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Randy Orton punts Ric Flair, Retribution and Raw Underground disappoint". CBSSports. Archived from the original on September 19, 2020. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  38. ^ Defelice, Robert (August 15, 2020). "Dominik Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins At SummerSlam 2020 Is Now A Street Fight". Fightful. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  39. ^ a b Brookhouse, Brent (August 21, 2020). "WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Braun Strowman attacks Bray Wyatt, title change in ThunderDome debut". CBSSports. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
  40. ^ Brookhouse, Brent (February 14, 2020). "WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Bray Wyatt warns Hulk Hogan, Roman Reigns teams with Daniel Bryan". CBSSports. Archived from the original on February 15, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  41. ^ Keller, Wade (April 3, 2020). "4/3 WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT: Keller's coverage of final hype for WrestleMania including John Cena responding to Bray Wyatt, Miz TV sets stage for SD Tag Title ladder match, Elias injury update". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  42. ^ Keller, Wade (April 5, 2020). "WWE WRESTLEMANIA 36 RESULTS – NIGHT TWO: Keller's report on Lesnar-McIntyre, Cena-Fiend in Firefly Funhouse match, Ripley-Charlotte, Edge-Orton, Otis-Ziggler, Lashley-Black, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
  43. ^ Marrero, Tony (August 18, 2020). "WWE star Sonya Deville on stalking suspect: 'He was there to hurt me.'". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  44. ^ Carey, Ian (August 24, 2020). "Reported Reason Hair vs Hair Stipulation Was Dropped For Sonya Deville vs Mandy Rose". SEScoops. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  45. ^ Powell, Jason (August 23, 2020). "WWE SummerSlam Kickoff Show results: Powell's review of Apollo Crews vs. MVP for the U.S. Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  46. ^ a b c d e f g h Powell, Jason (August 23, 2020). "WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, Braun Strowman vs. The Fiend for the WWE Universal Championship, Mandy Rose vs. Sonya Deville in a No DQ, loser leaves WWE match, Asuka challenges for two titles". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on September 13, 2020. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  47. ^ "Dave Meltzer Star Ratings – WWE Summerslam 2020". IWNerd. 17 August 2020. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  48. ^ a b c d e Brookhouse, Brent (August 24, 2020). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Orton punts McIntyre, Keith Lee debuts on disappointing show before Payback". CBSSports. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  49. ^ Brookhouse, Brent (August 31, 2020). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Randy Orton steals title shot after chaotic triple threat main event". CBSSports. Archived from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  50. ^ Brookhouse, Brent (October 26, 2020). "WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Randy Orton encounters The Fiend, Survivor Series build begins". CBSSports. Archived from the original on October 27, 2020. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  51. ^ Keller, Wade (November 22, 2020). "11/22 WWE SURVIVOR SERIES PPV RESULTS: Keller's report on McIntyre vs. Reigns, Asuka vs. Banks, New Day vs. Street Profits, Lashley vs. Sami in battle of champions". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  52. ^ Toro, Carlos (August 28, 2020). "Dominik And Rey Mysterio Teaming Up For Tag Match At WWE Payback; Updated Card". Fightful. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  53. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (August 24, 2020). "United States Title Match Added To WWE Payback, Updated Card". Fightful. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  54. ^ Brookhouse, Brent (August 28, 2020). "WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns alliance with Paul Heyman revealed in stunning twist". CBSSports. Archived from the original on November 27, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
  55. ^ Garretson, Jordan (August 23, 2020). "United States Champion Apollo Crews def. MVP (Kickoff Match)". WWE. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  56. ^ Garretson, Jordan (August 23, 2020). "SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley def. Asuka". WWE. Archived from the original on August 31, 2020. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  57. ^ Garretson, Jordan (August 23, 2020). "Raw Tag Team Champions The Street Profits def. Andrade & Angel Garza". WWE. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  58. ^ Garretson, Jordan (August 23, 2020). "Mandy Rose def. Sonya Deville in a No Disqualification Loser Leaves WWE Match". WWE. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  59. ^ Garretson, Jordan (August 23, 2020). "Seth Rollins def. Dominik Mysterio in a Street Fight". WWE. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  60. ^ Garretson, Jordan (August 23, 2020). "Asuka def. Sasha Banks to become the new Raw Women's Champion". WWE. Archived from the original on August 31, 2020. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  61. ^ Garretson, Jordan (August 23, 2020). "WWE Champion Shawn Michaels def. Randy Orton". WWE. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  62. ^ Garretson, Jordan (August 23, 2020). ""The Fiend" Bray Wyatt def. "The Monster" Braun Strowman in a Falls Count Anywhere Match to become the new Universal Champion; Roman Reigns returns". WWE. Archived from the original on August 31, 2020. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=SummerSlam_(2020)&oldid=1249795323"