Verdict: Not an easy show to rate. The two marquee matches that closed the show were both pretty good but also both had massive flaws. Austin’s injury and Bret’s body part stuff both held those matches back from reaching a higher level. Of the rest of the show the only match of note was Mankind’s cage match and transformation into Dude Love. Shamrock looked unprepared, Pillman looked hurt and the various gang factions were overdone. For a big event like SummerSlam it wasn’t the home run it probably should have been. I still have fond memories of the show because of Bret’s title win and the continuing rise of Austin though, so I guess it’s a thumbs up.
Summary: 56
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