10 Times WWE Let Everyone Down At SummerSlam

1. Kevin Nash & Alberto Del Rio Kill The Summer Of Punk (2011)

CM Punk, Kevin Nash SummerSlam 2011
WWE.com

No wrestler was hotter than CM Punk heading into SummerSlam 2011.

His 'Summer Of Punk' storyline had been a complete success, with his Money In The Bank showdown with John Cena creating one of the most electric atmospheres in wrestling history. WWE probably brought him back to television too soon, but his momentum continued throughout his return, and he was set to wrestle John Cena for the WWE Undisputed Championship at the event.

Sadly, SummerSlam 2011 was the night the Summer Of Punk died. The Chicagoan once again defeated Cena, but he was attacked by the returning Kevin Nash in the aftermath. The former Diesel came out of nowhere, downing Punk with his Jackknife Powerbomb, allowing Alberto Del Rio to run to the ring, cash-in his Money In The Bank briefcase, and take the belt.

It was a staggering momentum-killer for Punk, whose creative direction had been murdered. The storyline eventually devolved into a bizarre feud against Nash and Triple H, and 'The Game' buried him even deeper with a win at Night Of Champions.

These booking decisions sucked the life out of an incredible, attention-grabbing storyline, and it started at SummerSlam.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.