10 Best WWE SummerSlam Main Events Ever - According To Dave Meltzer
2. SummerSlam 2013 - John Cena Vs Daniel Bryan (****1/2)
A superlative scrap for the ages that got somewhat overpowered by the angle that followed, John Cena's unsuccessful title defence over Daniel Bryan was an era-defining battle that marked a clear change in styles for main events going forward.
Driven first by CM Punk's iconic Las Vegas 'pipebomb' that later translated to the Straight Edge Superstar's high profile main events against Bryan and Brock Lesnar, Daniel Bryan's entire ascent through 'The Champ' was built on the fantasy-becomes-reality story that he didn't look or act like Vince McMahon's vision of a WWE Superstar or brand representative.
Long underrated and determined to disarm any of his remaining critics, Cena once again showed his physical prowess by matching Bryan's natural energy and technical wizardry, particularly in a dramatic final third in which the challenger's victory started to become more of an impossibility than a fleeting opportunity.
The finish was the ideal way to pay off what had genuinely played out as a tactical giant killing. Both had worn each other down with their respective submission holds, and neither had given an inch in their an exhausted flurry of kicks and punches. Bryan recovered with a huge boot to Cena's head, then nailed a killer running knee to knock out 'The Champ' and (briefly) claim his first WWE World Title.