8 WWE SummerSlam Main Events That Topped WrestleMania

5. CM Punk Vs. Jeff Hardy (2009)

CM Punk Jeff Hardy
WWE.com

CM Punk and Jeff Hardy could have played hopscotch mid-ring at SummerSlam 2009 and still topped the main event of WrestleMania 25. A complete let down that didn't capitalise on the hot build both men had worked before the event, Triple H vs. Randy Orton was another 'Mania title stinker from 'The Game' that didn't deserve the last match status.

Fast forward to the summer though and the Punk vs. Hardy feud was another featuring stellar build. Ingrained with nods towards Jeff's substance abuse problems, the realism on show made the rivalry more gritty and that feel was only further aided by Punk's own straight edge ideals. Come bell time at SummerSlam, the TLC match headliner did what Orton and Triple H could only have dreamed of months prior.

Holding the crowd in the palms of their hands, Punk and Hardy produced a fast-paced main event that proudly displayed the bright future of WWE's top line mix. Of course, Jeff would be gone shortly afterwards, but not before bettering the main event of WrestleMania.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.