All 27 WWE SummerSlam Opening Matches - Ranked
1. Rey Mysterio Vs. Kurt Angle - 1992
...Because this match is. You will never, ever see a better opening match to a show than Rey Mysterio and Kurt Angle at SummerSlam 2002. You could put together a good argument for SummerSlam 2002 being the best WWE show of all time (up against WrestleMania X7 of course), and from top to bottom the whole thing is stacked. The opener is faultless. Angle saunters to the ring looking as intense as usual, only to be surprised by Rey from behind and we’re on our way.
The pace is frenetic to start, until Angle connects with an absolutely gorgeous German to slow things down. One thing that really stands out throughout the match is the quality of Angle’s counters, they really are a thing of beauty. Rey continually tries to use his quickness throughout the match, but until a point Angle is just too good.
Rey somehow regains control and hits a sweet rolling hilo over the ref to the outside, and the closing stretch is on. Kurt Angle remains an all time great when it comes to near falls, as show towards the end of this match. There are a couple of 2.99999’s that are just stunning. Rey hits the West Coast Pop straight onto Angle’s neck for another 2.99999. Angle counters a top rope rana straight into the ankle lock, giving Rey no choice but to tap out.
The match lasted nine minutes and 20 seconds, and I dare you to find a better sub-10 minute match in WWE history. It doesn’t exist.