WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 2 Results and Highlights: Cody Rhodes Reclaims Gold, Brock Lesnar Shocks the World (8-3-25)

By: Xavier Jones

Headline Photo Credit: WWE 

The second night of WWE SummerSlam 2025 at MetLife Stadium, attended by an announced 60,561 fans, delivered a thrilling conclusion to the first-ever two-night SummerSlam. Hosted by Cardi B, Night 2 featured six championship matches, including a chaotic TLC bout, a brutal Steel Cage match, and a main event Street Fight that saw Cody Rhodes reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship from John Cena. The night ended with a seismic shock as Brock Lesnar returned after a two-year absence, attacking Cena to close the show.

Women’s World Championship Triple Threat Match:

Naomi (c) def. Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky to retain the Women’s World Championship

The night opened with a high-octane triple threat match for the Women’s World Championship. Naomi, who won the title via a Money in the Bank cash-in at WWE Evolution, faced former champions Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Ripley and Sky initially formed an uneasy alliance, but it crumbled when Ripley accidentally struck Sky, allowing Naomi to capitalize with a missile dropkick and a 619. The match featured breathtaking spots, including Sky’s moonsault to the floor and Ripley’s super Riptide on Sky. Naomi secured the victory with a sneaky roll-up on Ripley, retaining her title. 

Analysis: This match set a high bar, with Sky and Ripley’s chemistry stealing the show, though Naomi’s opportunistic win kept her reign alive. Fans on X praised the match’s intensity but debated the finish, with some wanting Ripley to reclaim the title. The result opens the door for a one-on-one Ripley-Naomi or Sky-Naomi feud. 

WWE Tag Team Championship Six-Pack TLC Match:

The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) (c) def. Andrade & Rey Fenix, #DIY, Fraxiom, Motor City Machine Guns, and The Street Profits to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship

The chaotic six-team TLC match for the WWE Tag Team Championships was a highlight, featuring The Wyatt Sicks defending against #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa), Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer), Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin), The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford), and Andrade & Rey Fenix. The match delivered jaw-dropping moments, including four consecutive table dives and a Spanish Fly from Axiom to Dawkins through tables outside. The Wyatt Sicks were retained when Lumis climbed the ladder to retrieve the belts after Macy cleared the ring.

Analysis: Described as one of the best TLC matches in years, this bout was a chaotic masterpiece that showcased the depth of SmackDown’s tag division. The Wyatt Sicks’ retention keeps their eerie momentum, but #DIY or The Street Profits could emerge as future challengers.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match:

Becky Lynch (c) def. Lyra Valkyria to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (No DQ, No Countout, Last Chance Match)

Becky Lynch defended her title against Lyra Valkyria in a brutal No DQ, No Countout match, stipulating that Valkyria could no longer challenge for the title if she lost. Lynch dominated early, using a kendo stick, steel chair, and toolbox, even zip-tying Valkyria’s hands and hanging her over the ring post. Valkyria fought back valiantly, using her bound hands for a bear hug and headbutts, but Lynch secured the pin after a Manhandle Slam.

Analysis: The match was criticized on X for being overly long and clunky, with some fans feeling the stipulations were underutilized. Lynch’s victory solidifies her reign, but Valkyria’s performance keeps her credible. Nikki Bella is rumored to be Lynch’s next challenger.

United States Championship Match:

Solo Sikoa (c) def. Jacob Fatu to retain the United States Championship (Steel Cage Match)

Solo Sikoa faced Jacob Fatu in a Steel Cage match, designed to prevent interference from Sikoa’s new faction. The match saw intense back-and-forth action, with Fatu breaking out of handcuffs to showcase his strength. However, a kick to the cage door stunned Fatu, allowing Sikoa to escape the cage for the win. 

Analysis: The match disappointed some fans on X due to its mild finish and underuse of the cage, with critics noting it felt like a standard bout. Sikoa’s retention strengthens his faction’s dominance, but Fatu’s performance suggests he remains a threat. 

Intercontinental Championship Match:

Dominik Mysterio (c) def. AJ Styles to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Dominik Mysterio defended his title against AJ Styles, who entered in an Eddie Guerrero-inspired lowrider and wore Guerrero-themed gear. Styles dominated early with a tornado DDT and hard strikes, but Mysterio countered a Phenomenal Forearm with a Michinoku Driver. Mysterio sealed the win by hitting Styles with his boot and landing a frog splash.

Analysis: The Guerrero tributes added emotional weight, and Mysterio’s win reinforced his heel credibility. Fans on X were split, with some shocked at Styles’ loss but others praising Mysterio’s growth. This sets up potential Morgan-related storylines for Mysterio.

Undisputed WWE Championship Match:

Cody Rhodes def. John Cena (c) to win the Undisputed WWE Championship (Street Fight)

The main event saw Cody Rhodes challenge John Cena in a Street Fight, a rematch from their WrestleMania 41 encounter. Cena, fresh off a surprising babyface turn on SmackDown, started strong, using a crutch from NBA star Tyrese Haliburton at ringside. The match spilled into the crowd and backstage, with both men using tables, chairs, and steel steps. Key moments included Cena’s Attitude Adjustment through the Spanish announce table and Rhodes’ piledriver, both resulting in near falls. Rhodes sealed the victory with an avalanche Cody Cutter through a table, followed by a Cross Rhodes. Post-match, Cena presented Rhodes with the title in an emotional exchange, only for Brock Lesnar to return and deliver an F-5 to Cena, closing the show.

Analysis: Hailed as an instant classic, this match showcased Cena’s resilience at 48 and Rhodes’ determination. Lesnar’s return, his first since 2023 amid legal controversy, sparked debate on X, with some fans thrilled and others critical. Rhodes’ victory marks the start of a new championship era, potentially leading to a Lesnar feud.

Final Thoughts

WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 2 delivered a memorable conclusion to the historic two-night event, surpassing Night 1 with its high-stakes matches and shocking moments. Cody Rhodes’s championship victory and Brock Lesnar’s controversial return provided a dramatic capstone, while the TLC match and women’s triple threat showcased WWE’s depth. Despite some criticism of shorter matches like Sikoa vs. Fatu, the night’s highs made it a standout. Fan reactions on X were largely positive, though some expressed disappointment over predictable outcomes and Lesnar’s return. With SummerSlam 2025 in the books, WWE has set a high bar for its two-night experiment, paving the way for intense storylines heading into the fall.