SummerSlam 2024 LIVE results: Roman Reigns returns as Cody Rhodes retains WWE title
Re-live the action as CM Punk fought Drew McIntyre, while Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley were among the stars to compete
It was a night of betrayal, shocks and surprises as WWE SummerSlam unfolded in front of 57,000 fans in Cleveland on Saturday.
All eyes were on CM Punk as he wrestled his first televised singles match in over a decade, going toe-to-toe with British star Drew McIntyre to conclude one of the hottest feuds of the year.
But it was “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio who set the tone for the evening long before those two stepped into the ring, turning on Rhea Ripley and The Judgement Day after the Women’s World Championship match opened the show.
The Judgement Day imploded further as the penultimate match of the night concluded, with Finn Balor betraying Damian Priest.
However, the biggest shock of the night came in the main event, which saw Cody Rhodes face Solo Sikoa for the Undisputed Universal Championship - amid rumours of a Roman Reigns return.
After a gruelling battle, “The American Nightmare” secured the three count to defend his title, as the “Tribal Chief” made his first appearance since WrestleMania, returning to attack his own Bloodline.
Re-live updates and see all results from WWE SummerSlam:
WWE SummerSlam LIVE: CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre
That was a lot of fun, but in the end, it was Punk’s issue with Rollins that cost him the match - potentially setting up a future feud between the pair?
Rollins makes himself scarce soon after McIntyre’s win is confirmed, and with Punk flat on his back inside the ring, the Scotsman rubs salt in the wounds by taking the bracelet from his opponent once more.
“CM Punk cost himself this match tonight,” Michael Cole says on commentary.
WWE SummerSlam LIVE: CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre
With Rollins on the floor, Punk grabs his bracelet back, but his issues with Rollins ultimately cost him here. Watching the argument unfold, McIntyre takes his opportunity and nails Punk with a Claymore!
One... two... two and a half... THREE! McIntyre wins, even with a very, very slow count from the ref!
WWE SummerSlam LIVE: CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre
There’s another flashpoint here are Rollins grabs Punk’s bracelet - which Drew has been parading for weeks - leading to a staredown between the pair.
McIntyre then knocks the referee out of the ring and is caught off-guard by Punk, who hits his “GTS” finisher for the first time tonight.
Without a referee to count, McIntyre survives, and Punk turns his attention to Rollins, demanding he count to three!
Rollins, though, doesn’t take too kindly to being shouted at, but ends up taking a “GTS” himself!
WWE SummerSlam LIVE: CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre
Punk has still got it! McIntyre has dominated for much of the match, but we’ve just seen some vintage CM Punk! A couple of running knees in the corner are followed by a clothesline that flattens Drew, before he delivers a flying elbow from the top rope!
He then locks in the Anaconda Vice, but McIntyre survives, and seconds later rocks Punk with a Claymore Kick! The crowd are absolutely loving it, and we don’t look done yet!
WWE SummerSlam LIVE: CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre
McIntyre is urging Rollins to turn a blind eye to some of his more illegal actions, telling him that he can make the Punk problem “go away”.
The guest referee initially turns his back, but grabs a steel chair from McIntyre’s hands before he can hit Punk! Rollins said ahead of SummerSlam that his aim was to avoid getting involved physically, but it seems that has all gone out the window early on.
WWE SummerSlam LIVE: CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre
Referee Rollins is... letting quite a lot go! He appears to draw the line at McIntyre smacking Punk’s head against the underside of the steel ring, but then gives him the green light to do it anyway. Brutal.
Punk got some offence in early, but it’s been all Drew for the last few minutes. Rollins also seems to be egging on the Scottish star!
WWE SummerSlam LIVE: CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre
It doesn’t matter how many times it happens, there’s something very surreal about seeing CM Punk back in a WWE ring after all these years.
This will be his first singles match in the company since 2013, and they’ve done a great job of making it feel as monumental as it is.
On a card with this many title defenses it’s a real acheivement to make a non-title match feel this big. This feud with McIntyre is an all-timer, and I wouldn’t be upset to see it carry on right through to next year’s WrestleMania!
WWE SummerSlam LIVE: CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre
And here comes CM Punk, to a huge ovation, and chants that include a word we definitely cannot repeat.
This is his first one-on-one televised match in WWE for over 10 years... and after a bit of back and forth between the trio in the ring, Rollins gets this match under way! Big fight feel here!
WWE SummerSlam LIVE: CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre
Special guest referee Seth Rollins has made his entrance ahead of Punk and McIntyre... showing off his very impressive fit!
McIntyre, meanwhile, is wearing black with a hint of green. The pair share a quick conversation before Rollins banishes him to his corner.
WWE SummerSlam LIVE: CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre up next
Next up, it’s the one we’ve all been waiting for, CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre!
This will be Punk’s first televised singles’ match since making his return to WWE last year.
It’s been a long, long time coming, and who better for him to share the ring with than McIntyre? Their feud has been red hot, and it’s likely going to conclude tonight.
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