SummerSlam 2024 was equivalent to WrestleMania 40, if not better. There would not be much of an argument that Roman Reigns’ highly anticipated return was received with one of the loudest cheers in WWE history. But other slated matches also gave fans top-tier entertainment that has been complemented with astonishing storytelling. But, make no mistake, SummerSlam 2024 is just the beginning of several storylines and that’s a good thing.
The Fall Of The Judgement Day
Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio. Image Credit: WWE
The Judgement Day is seemingly no longer functional as two of the key members of the heel stable have betrayed their partners. To begin with, Finn Bálor screwing Damian Priest in his match against Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship was a bit of a shocker but that somehow unveiled the true nature of Bálor that he has been jealous of Priest for his WHC title (per the presumed storyline).
Finn Balor is that ONE friend
he wants you to do well, but not better than him#SummerSlam
— Degenerate George (@DGen_Media) August 4, 2024
Bálor’s screwing Priest has certainly cracked the stable in half with the other members seemingly clueless about whom to follow, Priest or Bálor? But Bálor’s screwing was just the tip of the iceberg, the Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio romantic angle cooked hard in the SummerSlam as Dirty Dom finally betrayed Rhea Ripley kissing Morgan after her victory over her. Also, Dom interrupted Ripley with her match as well.
Everything you love is mine. @RheaRipley_WWE
Liv Morgan Revenge Tour ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/PQsfxWDbdV
— LIV Morgan (@YaOnlyLivvOnce) August 4, 2024
With that note, the new storyline for Dom and Morgan begins with a potential Ripley and Jey Uso romantic angle in the near future. But right now, the fate of The Judgement Day is in the dark. The Judgement Day was founded by Edge at WrestleMania 38 in 2022 with Priest and Ripley joining the team with a dark gothic theme.
New Champions
Gunther. Image Credit: WWE
WWE has crowned four new champions and that’s a good thing for the depth of potential future storylines. Bron Breakker has been a promising star of the generation who proved his potential as a heel since his debut in the main roster. Breakker claimed victory against Sami Zayn ending his 118 days of Intercontinental title reign. Breakker is a rising star and with his championship, he is ready to face new challenges and WWE is pushing him with a solid nudge.
Queen Nia Jax dethroned @itsBayleyWWE and won the WWE Women’s Title at #SummerSlam! Presented by @VALORANT.
RESULTS: https://t.co/IU0zAz4NmV pic.twitter.com/XNCmdYPjhj
— WWE (@WWE) August 4, 2024
Nia Jax, the Queen of the Ring defeated Bayley to win the WWE Women’s Championship. While most fans almost believed that Tiffany Stratton would cash in her money in the bank contract to steal the title from her partner Jax WWE decided to keep that narrative for later and it is almost inevitable.
.@RealLAKnight leaves #SummerSlam as the NEW United States Champion after defeating @LoganPaul. Presented by @SlimJim.
RESULTS: https://t.co/0ONt1LG2kt pic.twitter.com/YsEOJZAbUc
— WWE (@WWE) August 4, 2024
LA Knight finally got the big breakthrough defeating Logan Paul for the United States Championship who held the title for nearly 300 days. The feud between the stars has been entertaining and carefully handled but Knight’s big breakthrough was necessary as fans have waited for the gold to shine with him. With Knight’s excellent mic skill and wide fan following, the US title reign for the star would be very interesting.
WHY FINN WHY?!#SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/U4LCYuhUhu
— WWE (@WWE) August 4, 2024
Gunther’s win over Priest also brings new possibilities for the superstar. The Ring General had a stunning 666 days of Intercontinental Championship reign before being defeated by Zayn. Gunther who has been one of the Ironclad and ruthless heels may make another glorious reign with his new World Heavyweight Championship while several superstars eyeing the title.
CM Punk’s Feud With Drew McIntyre Is Far From Ending
Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins and CM Punk. Image Credit: WWE
Arguably CM Punk lost in his own game as The Best in the World was seen to be emotional throughout the match. Although it cost him dearly, the narrative of the bracelet of AJ Lee (Punk’s wife) is far from ending. The bracelet distracted Punk throughout and Drew McIntyre perfectly manipulated Punk with it after being screwed over by Punk several times before.
MCINTYRE WINS.#SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/ByC1vIohZ7
— WWE (@WWE) August 4, 2024
However, McIntyre’s victory over Punk was not the end of their feud. The Scottish Warrior again stole the bracelet from Punk teasing that another Punk vs. McIntyre match is on the card. Maybe Punk will win this time.
With that note, it is unclear where the Seth Rollins narrative will go. The Visionary was the special guest referee of the Punk vs. McIntyre match and it is unclear if he would fall into the triangular feud with them.
Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns and The New Bloodline
Roman Reigns. Image Credit: WWE
The new Tribal Chief (or as Cody Rhodes calls it “Wannabe Tribal Chief”) Solo Sikoa has created mayhem on multiple occasions in the absence of Roman Reigns following his WrestleMania 40 defeat by Cody Rhodes.
ROMAN REIGNS IS BACK!#SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/a49hy66nzo
— WWE (@WWE) August 4, 2024
Reigns made a stunning return in the SummerSlam as a babyface to aid Rhodes. Rhodes was challenged by Solo Sikoa in a Bloodline Rules match. Reigns’ return was long expected by fans and with his return a Bloodline Civil War is possible potentially with Jey Uso siding with him again alongside his brother Jimmy Uso.
In the new Bloodline, Solo Sikoa has managed to create a strong group with Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa and Jacob Fatu. Reigns appeared in an OTC t-shirt which stands for Original Tribal Chief showing that he is still in the game. His wise man, Paul Heyman may return to WWE soon as well.
Rhodes’ title defence may face new challengers while The Head of the Table and the New Bloodline civil war dominates the faction.
