WWE Summer Slam 2025 Night 1 delivered high-octane drama and a shocking twist as Seth Rollins stunned CM Punk with a surprise Money in the Bank cash-in to capture the World Heavyweight Championship. The first night of WWE’s annual summer spectacle, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, set the stage for a thrilling weekend with its mix of title changes, celebrity moments, and unexpected swerves.
The evening kicked off with Roman Reigns and Jey Uso teaming up to defeat Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker in an intense tag-team opener. Following the action-packed start, the first championship change of the night came when Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss dethroned Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez to win the Women’s Tag-Team Championships, injecting new energy into the division.
Sami Zayn then scored a singles victory over KarrionKross in a competitive bout, showcasing his resilience and crowd-favourite status. Meanwhile, Tiffany Stratton successfully defended her WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill, solidifying her reign at the top of the women’s division.
One of the most talked-about segments of the night involved musician Jelly Roll, who competed alongside Drew McIntyre in a tag-team match against Logan Paul and McIntyre himself. Jelly Roll, expected by many to be a one-off celebrity participant, exceeded expectations by taking one of the biggest celebrity bumps in WWE history. Though his team ultimately fell short, his effort impressed both fans and critics, raising the bar for future crossover appearances in the squared circle.
The climax of the night came in the main event, where CM Punk captured the World Heavyweight Championship in a hard-fought battle. His celebration, however, was short-lived. Seth Rollins shocked the WWE Universe by cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase, defeating Punk and stealing the spotlight once again. The dramatic finish capped off a night filled with intrigue and emotion.
According to Fightful Select (via Ringside News’ Steve Carrier), Rollins’ dramatic cash-in was the result of a meticulously planned storyline. WWE officials reportedly orchestrated a fake knee injury during Rollins’ match against LA Knight at Saturday Night’s Main Event to mislead both fans and backstage insiders. “Everyone involved went above and beyond to sell the idea that Rollins was hurt,” the report noted.
In the immediate aftermath of the supposed injury, Triple H said the situation “doesn’t look good,” while Rollins’ wife, Becky Lynch, shared an Instagram video of him on crutches wearing a large brace on his right leg. The convincing act had even seasoned fans questioning the legitimacy of the injury. WWE kept the ruse alive until the shocking cash-in, proving that even in the age of constant leaks and smartphone footage, genuine surprises are still possible.
The bold swerve added a jolt of excitement to Summer Slam’s historic first two-night format. While some viewers may have predicted the twist, Rollins’ triumph created a buzz that will carry into Night 2, leaving fans eager to see how CM Punk responds to the stunning betrayal.
With Night 1 setting a high bar, WWE has laid the groundwork for an unforgettable SummerSlam weekend, blending athleticism, storytelling, and the kind of surprises that keep fans coming back for more.
