SummerSlam 1996

1. Owen Hart defeated Savio Vega by pinfall

This was a fun opener that got a good amount of time, despite there being no real story going into this match. Sometimes I forget how good Owen really was.

Rating: 3.25 (out of 5)

2. The Smoking Gunns defeated The Godwinns, The New Rockers, and The Body Donnas by pinfall

This was way too long for what it was worth. This was not a great time for tag team wrestling and it shows here.

Rating: 1

3. Sid defeated British Bulldog by pinfall

This kind of felt like a house show match. Not much else to say about it.

Rating: .75

4. Goldust defeated Marc Mero by pinfall

This was a pretty solid match, with the exception of a few sloppy spots. The crowd was pretty dead, which didn't help matters.

Rating: 2

5. Jerry Lawler defeated Jake Roberts by pinfall

This was an absolutely horrible match. Yes, I'm aware it was more of a story than a wrestling match, but it did nothing for either guy. Awful.

Rating: 0

6. Mankind defeated Undertaker in a Boiler Room Brawl

This was definitely the blueprint for many of the brawls in the late 90s. Very innovative, but at the same time, not a great wrestling match. Both guys gave a good effort, especially Foley (big surprise, huh?) and this was the beginning of Paul Bearer the heel.

Rating: 3

7. Shawn Michaels defeated Vader by pinfall

***Match Of The Night***

This was a great match. Shawn was just on a major roll at this point and I have always enjoyed watching Vader destroy the smaller wrestlers. The ending was a little so-so, but this is good stuff.

Rating: 4

Well, there is one great match, two good ones, and a bunch of filler. Not the recipe for a great show, but far from being horrible. I'd say this one is about average, thanks to Michaels and Vader.

Overall Rating: 61%