The first WWE event at the location since 2007 will be this year’s SummerSlam, which will return to Detroit on Saturday, August 5, at Ford Field, the site of WrestleMania 23. Thirty years ago, the historic WrestleMania III took place at the Pontiac Silverdome, and SummerSlam used to be held at The Place of Auburn Hills.
Michigan has also played host to other significant WWE events in the past. According to a press release, “Landing WWE SummerSlam at Ford Field is a signature win for Detroit.” “WWE history holds a particular spot for Metro Detroit, and many of its classic moments were created there.” “We are grateful that the entire WWE family has given us this fantastic opportunity, and we are looking forward to providing a first-rate experience.”
The main event of SummerSlam ’93 featured Yokozuna defending the WWF Championship against Lex Luger. Luger prevailed over his opponent via count-out, preserving the champion’s championship. Jerry Lawler’s WWE debut match, in which Bret Hart won via disqualification, was also included on the same card. When “The Hitman” resisted releasing the Sharpshooter, the referee overturned his earlier loss.
Royal Rumble 2023
In addition, Michigan’s own Steiner Brothers successfully defended the WWF Tag Team Championship against challengers The Heavenly Bodies, and The Undertaker prevailed over Giant Gonzalez in a Rest In Peace match. Rhea Ripley, who prevailed in the women’s Royal Rumble match in 2023, is deviating a little from her original plan to get to WrestleMania in order to atone for some of her prior transgressions.
At the very beginning of Monday night’s “WWE Raw,” Edge and Beth Phoenix made an appearance and demanded a match against Ripley and Finn Balor. Edge and Phoenix were soon addressed by Balor, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio. Mysterio accepted the challenge on behalf of Ripley even though their Judgment Day coworker wasn’t present, and WWE made the contest official.
