25 Greatest WWE SummerSlam Matches EVER
2. John Cena Vs Daniel Bryan (SummerSlam 2013)
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.
Daniel Bryan's entire ascent 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. Still determined to disarm any of his remaining critics despite the substantial injury he was carrying, Cena once again showed his physical prowess by matching Bryan's 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 the 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 nailing a killer running knee to knock out 'The Champ' and (briefly) claim his first WWE World Title instantly established it as a new finisher, even if he was barely permitted to win in the months that followed.