WWE SummerSlam 2022 match grades, results: Roman Reigns ends rivalry with Brock Lesnar, Logan Paul impresses in the ring

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Daniel Yanofsky
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Roman Reigns
(WWE.com)

If this was truly the end of the Roman Reigns-Brock Lesnar rivalry, it went out in a blaze of glory. 

Reigns beat Lesnar in an epic Last Man Standing match Saturday night to retain the undisputed WWE Universal title. Now, Lesnar and WWE fans have no choice but to "Acknowledge" Reigns. 

The match, which featured a tractor breaking the ring inside Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., was as chaotic as one could imagine. It was one of the better matchups between Lesnar and Reigns; Reigns now leads 4-2 in singles matches.

Reigns used everything to put down "The Beast," from tables to chairs to title belts. The Usos and Paul Heyman, who took an F-5 through a table, even helped out. This came after Lesnar broke the ring with a tractor and used its lift to push Reigns into the ring.

Theory tried to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase but failed. He still has the briefcase, but it is unknown when he will cash in. 

The event marked a new era for WWE with Triple H now in charge of booking. That was evident with NXT stars Dakota Kai and Io Shirai appearing, as well as how different the announcers sounded. Triple H took over creative after Vince McMahon retired amid an investigation into millions of dollars in hush money McMahon allegedly paid over the years to hide affairs. 

MORE: McMahon retires steps away amid 'hush pact' investigation

Elsewhere on the card, Pat McAfee beat his former football teammate Happy Corbin, and Logan Paul beat The Miz in one of the most impressive performances in recent memory. After signing an exclusive deal with WWE, the takeover for Paul has officially begun.  

The Sporting News provided match grades and analysis of each match. Here's how it all went down. 

WWE SummerSlam 2022 Live results, highlights

7:45 p.m. ET: Titus O'Neil comes out and presents custom WWE titles to those who make a difference in the world. Musicians on Call are an example of the causes that won gold. 

8 p.m. ET: The main card has begun. It was announced during the preshow it was announced that Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair would be the opening match. 

Bianca Belair def. Becky Lynch, retains 'Raw' women's title

A rematch of last year's SummerSlam opens this year's SummerSlam. Last year, Lynch beat Belair in 27 seconds after Sasha Banks failed to show up to the event. The fans are on their feet as the two have an intense staredown. Lynch is wearing red and Belair is wearing blue, symbolizing fire and ice. 

Lockup to start. Lynch immediately targets Belair's arm, getting her set up for a submission attempt. Belair gains momentum following a lapse in judgment, however, and lands impressive acrobatic moves. On the outside, Lynch lands a leg drop from the barricade. Back in the ring, they trade counters. Lynch tries to attack again on the outside, but Belair counters everything and lands a suplex. 

Lynch's arm is hurt as she tries for a crossbody. Belair catches her, but Lynch counters into a stunner. The champion goes for her finisher, but Lynch captures her in the Disarm-Her. Belair manages to escape and bring them both out of the ring, where she lands a KOD to Lynch.

Another KOD attempt on the inside, but Lynch counters. She lands straight into a standing spinebuster. Manhandle Slam by Lynch but only for two. Rollup by Belair and one by Lynch. Up top, Lynch goes for the Manhandle Slam, but a Spanish Fly counter by Belair and then a KOD secures the win for the champion. She retains her title. 

As expected, Belair and Lynch put on a show for the ages. Last year is a thing of the past for Belair; she has her redemption. Both women started a new era the right way. 

Grade: A+ 

Bayley is back! She's not alone, however. Dakota Kai and Io Shirai have arrived. They attempt to attack Belair, but Lynch comes to her aid. 

Logan Paul def. The Miz

Logan's brother Jake's boxing match scheduled for next week just got nixed. 

Miz tries to one-up Paul right away and has him on the floor. Paul is able to showcase some wrestling with a Fireman's Carry. Paul then lands punches to The Miz's gut; the blows look better than Shane McMahon's. He does the splits and counters a Miz kick to a rollup for two. Moonsault by Paul to the outside. 

Back inside, Paul lands hard chops. Miz lands a Codebreaker to Paul's face. Ciampa, who is in The Miz's corner, lands a cheap shot. Miz lands "YES/IT Kicks" in the corner. Blockbuster by Paul, a throwback to when they teamed up at WrestleMania. Paul lands his own kicks and a Figure-Four Leglock. 

Paul lands a crossbody after Miz gets out of the submission attempt. Ciampa gets ejected from ringside. He doesn't want to leave, but A.J. Styles attacks Ciampa. He throws Ciampa into the crowd. Paul lands a Phenomenal Forearm but only for two. Paul clears the announce table, puts Miz on it, and lands a frog splash to the outside onto Miz. Maryse distracts the ref, Miz almost hits Paul and Maryse with a chain, and Paul lands the Skull Crushing Finale for the win. 

On paper, that match had no reason to be that good. Paul showed his dedication to preparing for his first WWE singles match. A very solid encounter between the two. Paul is just getting started, which is pretty impressive when you think about it. 

Grade: A-

An ad for water from the Maximum Male Models. That was something that indeed happened. 

Lashley dominates Theory, retains United States title

Lashley defends against Theory next. As Lashley gets inside the ring, Theory attacks him with the Money in the Bank briefcase. The bell rings and Theory tries to outstrike Lashley. Lashley gains momentum, however, and drops Theory to the floor. Theory is attempting to leave the ring, but Lashley stops him. Theory lands a rolling dropkick. 

Lashley and Theory exchange punches in the middle of the ring. Running powerslam by Lashley. He goes for the spear but Theory jumps out of the way. Theory goes for the dropkick again but Lashley grabs him and puts him in the Hurt Lock. Theory taps. 

This was a dominant performance by Lashley mixed with a few moves by Theory. A loss continues the tradition of MITB winners getting pinned. It does set Theory up for a potential cash-in later. 

Grade: C+

Edge returns, the Mysterios beat Finn Balor and Damian Priest

Balor and Priest of The Judgement Day (with Rhea Ripley) come out first for their match against Rey and Dominik Mysterio. The bout was recently changed to a No-Disqualification match. 

Both teams attack right away. Hurricanrana by Rey and Judgement Day have already been put to the outside. Rey held the ropes for Dominik, who landed a dive. In the ring, Rey honors Eddie Guerrero. Dominik is in the match but is overpowered by Balor. Priest in the match now and dominates Dominik. Balor now mocks Eddie Guerrero while not giving Dominik a chance to get some rest.

Rey is now in the match and lands big moves including a seated senton against Priest. A bulldog by Rey gets Priest. Balor tries to use a chair but Rey grabs it and uses it against Priest. Rey then slides him and the chair out of the ring onto Balor. Superkick by Priest. A 619 attempt by Rey is foiled thanks to a clothesline by Balor. Dropkick to Rey and Dominick stops Balor from going up top. Top rope Hurricanrana by Rey but only for two. 

Assisted Hurricanrana by Rey and Dominik. Double 619 is halted by Ripley, who drops Dominik. Sound of Heaven by Priest to Rey. The lights go out and Edge is back. He is in his Brood outfit. He hits a boot to Priest and a spear to Balor. He lands a spear to Priest. Double 619 to Balor and Rey pins him for the win. 

It wasn't much of a No-DQ match, but it was a solid bout overall. Edge came back just in time. All four men (plus Edge and Ripley) did what they were supposed to do to keep the crowd interested. 

Grade: B-

Pat McAfee impresses in win over Happy Corbin

Pat McAfee vs. Happy Corbin is up next. A choir has come out to chant "Bum-a— Corbin." No "Seven Nation Army" entrance for McAfee tonight. Superkick by McAfee right away. McAfee goes on the attack, but Corbin lands a few punches himself.

Hurricanrana by McAfee. McAfee puts Corbin on the top rope and lands a flip. Corbin, however, lands a huge dropkick. He then manhandles McAfee in the middle of the ring. Outside the ring, Corbin pushes McAfee around. Back in the ring, McAfee puts down Corbin and lands a top-rope dive. Corbin slams McAfee onto the announce table. Corbin gets on commentary and mocks McAfee's family. In the ring, McAfee recovers and goes up top. Superplex from the top rope by McAfee. 

Corbin and McAfee trade shots in the middle of the ring. McAfee lands a standing Swanton to the floor. End of Days attempt by Corbin. The referee gets hit, however. McAfee lands a low blow with the referee distracted. Code Red by McAfee for the win.  

McAfee continues to impress. Corbin was the perfect dance partner for him. The ending may have sloppy, but both made up for it. A solid effort by the former football stars. 

Grade: B+

Drew McIntyre, who beat Sheamus on Friday to earn a shot at the undisputed WWE Universal championship at Clash at the Castle, comes out, followed by a simple statement that he would win the title against whomever won the main event. 

Usos retain tag titles against Street Profits

Jeff Jarrett comes out to be the guest referee for the WWE undisputed tag team title match that's up next. The Street Profits come out with the Tennessee Titans cheerleaders. 

Angelo Dawkins attacks Jimmy Uso right away. Jey Uso comes in and controls the early portion of the bout. Dawkins is in trouble early as he is being isolated. Jarrett tries to lay down the law early. Jimmy tries two hip bumps in the corner but fails on the second attempt. Montez Ford is in the ring and picks up the pace. Jey lands a kick but Ford lands a blockbuster as a reversal. Neckbreaker to Ford but only for two. 

Jimmy and Jey try for a double-team but Ford stops it. Dawkins lands a top rope senton. Spinning neckbreaker by Dawkins. Jimmy with a kick of his own. Double-team pounce into a suplex by Street Profits. They try a blockbuster but Jey lands a superkick. Double superkick, and Jimmy lands an Uso Splash but only for two. Usos go for a double top-rope splash and land it. Ford stops the pin attempt, however. 

Ford gets thrown out of the ring. Jey almost superkicks Jarrett. Dawkins with a spinebuster and Ford with a top-rope splash. Jey kicks out. Ford yells at Jarrett. He runs into a superkick on the outside by the Usos, who throw him out to the fans. Dawkins runs into a superkick. Another one. The 1-D by the Usos and they retain the titles. 

The Usos and The Street Profits have never had a bad match against one another. This bout continued that trend, even if it was short. It is surprising that Jarrett didn't have a bigger role in the match, but that is fine. Big win for The Bloodline.  

Grade: B-

Kid Rock is in the building. 

Riddle is out now. His match with Seth "Freakin" Rollins was nixed following an "injury" not long ago. Rollins comes out and lands the Stomp to Riddle. Arrive, attack Riddle, leave.

Liv Morgan survives a dangerous Ronda Rousey, retains 'SmackDown' women's title

Morgan defends the WWE "SmackDown" women's title against Rousey next. Morgan cashed in her MITB briefcase against Rousey not long ago. 

Rousey is hot right out of the gate. Morgan attempts to fight back but Rousey lands hard kicks. Codebreaker by Morgan. Rousey goes for the armbar. She switches to the other arm. Rollup by Morgan and she then turns it into a submission. Crucifix Driver by Morgan but only for two. 

Quick judo takedown by Rousey. She lands the armbar but Morgan makes it to the ropes. Rousey lands another armbar, but Morgan gets to the ropes again. A third armbar attempt, and Morgan has now lasted in an armbar longer than any other Rousey UFC opponent. Morgan rolls up Rousey and the referee counts three. Morgan tapped, in the middle of the pin, however, but the referee didn't see it. 

Rousey now attacks Morgan and lands a big armbar. She then lands an armbar to the referee. 

This was a short, dominant performance by Rousey. with Morgan getting lucky at certain points. Not the most ideal booking decision when Morgan is a champion. Still, it was a creative finish. The feud continues.

Grade: C+

Kane, who is the mayor of Knox County, Tenn., in real life, is here to talk about the SummerSlam attendance: 48,449. 

Roman Reigns def. Brock Lesnar, retains undisputed WWE Universal championship in a classic

For perhaps the final time (according to WWE), Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar will face off for the undisputed WWE Universal championship. It is a Last Man Standing match. Reigns comes out first, which might be a bad omen. Lesnar drives a tractor to the ring and is now wearing a flannel. 

Lesnar with a Lou Thesz Press off the tractor. Suplex on the floor by Lesnar. Another suplex, this time from the top of the steps. Suplex onto the equipment. An F-5 attempt, and Reigns pushes Lesnar out of the way. Reigns is driven into the steel. German Suplex by Lesnar. Samoan Drop through the table by Reigns after Lesnar was distracted by Paul Heyman. 

Reigns then hits Lesnar with the steps. Lesnar gets put through the table by a Urinage. Superman Punch hits but Lesnar is only down to one knee. Another attempt and Lesnar gets down and back up. Spear by Reigns. Lesnar is back up. Spear attempt reversed to an F-5, but that is reversed. Lesnar then puts Reigns outside the ring to another table. Reigns' arm is hurt as he gets pushed into the table. Brock goes to the tractor. 

Lesnar throws a piece of the table at Reigns. He then puts Reigns into the front loader of the tractor, lifts him up and dumps him into the ring. Suplex by Lesnar, and another, and another. 

F-5 by Lesnar but Reigns beats the count. Another F-5 attempt, but Reigns lands the guillotine. Lesnar lands a guillotine of his own. Reigns is back up just in time. Lesnar uses the tractor to move the ring. Lesnar then moves the tractor and takes Lesnar out of the ring. The Usos attack Lesnar but he fights back. Lesnar lands an F-5 to Heyman through the table. Reigns then spears Lesnar. 

Theory comes out with the MITB briefcase and hits Reigns with it. He didn't cash in, however. Lesnar hits him with an F-5, and then the Usos superkick Lesnar. Spear by Reigns onto the championships. Lesnar is back up. Reigns then uses the MITB briefcase to beat up Lesnar, who is back up. Reigns then hits Lesnar with a title, but Lesnar again gets up. Another title shot by Reigns to the face of Lesnar, who then throws ring materials onto Lesnar. Lesnar can't get up and Reigns retains. 

This match was the most chaotic bout between Lesnar and Reigns. A lot happened, but that made it extremely entertaining. If this was the final fight between the two, it was the perfect ending. Theory did not cash in, so he still has the briefcase. Who can dethrone Reigns? 

Grade: A-

WWE SummerSlam 2022 results

  • Roman Reigns (c) def. Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing Match for the undisputed WWE Universal title
  • The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) (c) def. The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) for the undisputed WWE tag team titles
  • Bianca Belair (c) def. Becky Lynch for the WWE "Raw" women's title
  • Liv Morgan (c) def. Ronda Rousey for the WWE "SmackDown" women's title
  • Bobby Lashley (c) def. Theory for the WWE United States title 
  • Logan Paul def. The Miz 
  • Pac McAfee def. Happy Corbin
  • The Mysterios (Dominik Mysterio and Rey Mysterio) def. Judgement Day (Damian Priest and Finn Balor)
Author(s)
Daniel Yanofsky Photo
Daniel Yanofsky

Daniel Yanofsky is a combat sports editor at The Sporting News.