The Best Match From Every 2021 WWE PPV

Sometimes a compelling story and excellent in-ring work is all it takes to usurp the box office draws.

The fact that Edge and Rollins' meeting at SummerSlam was simultaneously the best match of the August PPV and the least best match of their personal trilogy speaks volumes to the feud's quality. Rooted in animosity tethered as far back as 2014, Edge rightfully resented Rollins for threatening his permanent retirement with an attempted Curb Stomp to his surgically-repaired neck three years into his nine-year sabbatical.

By contrast, 'The Architect' confessed that on a personal level, he had grown weary of endless comparisons between himself and the prime years of Edge's career. Additionally, Rollins conceded he regretted only not finishing the job when given the chance. In Rollins' eyes, Edge's return to the ring, much like fellow SummerSlam participants John Cena and Goldberg, meant prime opportunities being stolen from the full-time roster grinding year-round to earn their place--a habit WWE management will likely never truly break.

'The Rated R Superstar' channeled his darker side not seen since the days of The Brood and together with 'The Visionary' provided their absolute best for over 20 minutes before Edge emerged the victor, upstaging Goldberg's return and subsequent beatdown at the hands of WWE Champion Bobby Lashley. Their efforts also stole the show out from under John Cena and Universal Champion Roman Reigns (who upped the stakes by threatening to leave WWE had he lost), who had a better than expected outing in their own right.