Reimagined: SummerSlam 2003

The expectation is high with this year’s installment of WWE SummerSlam right around the corner. SummerSlam is considered the company’s 2nd or 3rd biggest event of the year, depending on where you rank The Royal Rumble. This period also marks the 20th Anniversary of the 2003 SummerSlam, held in Phoenix, AZ. The 2003 SummerSlam is highly reflective of its era, Ruthless Aggression. It would contain many gimmick matches, including a somewhat out-of-place Elimination Chamber match.  

However, SummerSlam 2003’s card was a victim of injuries and a transitional period in the company. The brand split was just a little over a year in progress at this point. In the preceding June of that year, WWE began to run separate PPVs for Raw and Smackdown. This would Mark the first time since May that both rosters would be featured on the show. While SummerSlam 2003 isn’t necessarily viewed as a dud by fans and insiders, it is typically regarded with a “meh” impression, failing to stand out amongst many prior and future events.  

In this reimagining, we will look at WWE’S considerably stronger roster at the time and use it to more significant effect. For instance, Intercontinental Champion, Christian, isn’t even on the show and is instead relegated to a backstage segment. That will change in this exercise. We will also be changing the main event for the show. The Elimination Chamber was thrown together and lacked any real heat, due to Triple H's injuries preventing him from working a full-length bout.  

The original card was as follows. 

• Kickoff Match- Shannon Moore vs Rey Mysterio- Cruiserweight Title Match 

• The Dudleys vs La Resistance- Raw Tag Title Match 

• The Undertaker vs A-Train 

• Shane McMahon vs Eric Bischoff- Falls Count Anywhere  

• A Four-Way Match For Eddie Guerrero’s U.S Title  

• Brock Lesnar vs Kurt Angle- WWE Title Match 

• Kane vs RVD- No Holds Barred 

• Shawn Michaels vs Kevin Nash vs Randy Orton vs Chris Jericho vs Goldberg vs Triple H- World Heavyweight Title Elimination Chamber Match 

We will keep the kickoff match intact and a couple of matches on the card. As you see, the original opener for this show was the Raw Tag Title match. It didn’t set the right tone for the show and seemed out of place, so we pushed it to Raw, the following night. For the most part, though, we will make significant changes to the event.  This will maximize the talents in a way the company seems to fall short of doing. Let’s take a trip down memory lane without further ado and reimagine SummerSlam 2003! 

1. Booker T vs Chris Jericho  

Booker T is another talent that was criminally left off this show. It’s unclear if he was dealing with injuries at the time, but if not, there is no excuse as to why he wasn’t booked, no pun intended.  This match somehow never got a featured spot on a major show, and that’s a head-scratcher. This seems like a perfect opportunity to put these two together. Both guys were excellent at opening a show with just the right pacing and hitting their time cues. Booker gets the win here for no reason other than to start the show on a high. Winner- Booker T By Pinfall 

2. The APA vs The World’s Greatest Tag Team- Smackdown Tag Championship Match  

Despite their hyperbolic moniker, the WGTT were slightly unappreciated during this Era. They were consistently delivering solid bouts with a variety of opponents but like many others, weren’t given a spot on this card. The APA were fresh from their invitational Bar Room Brawl at the previous show, which was ga ga, but fun. Of course, Bradshaw won the match, which springs his and Farooq’s momentum into this title bout. This one is a clash of styles in a good way, as APA utilize their brawling style to neutralize Haas and Benjamin’s ground game. The champs hang in there, though, and can squeak out a victory when APA gets overzealous and finds themselves disqualified. Winners- World’s Greatest Tag Team By DQ 

3. Shane McMahon vs Eric Bischoff- No Disqualification 

This is one of the few matches that we will be keeping from the original card but will make a slight tweak to the stipulation. This one had a story with multiple moving parts. There was an ongoing rivalry between Co-General Managers Eric Bischoff and Steve Austin. Also, the bizarre and cringeworthy segment would see Bischoff force himself on Linda McMahon. Of course, this would lead to Shane avenging his Mother in typical WWE fashion. The story lurking beneath all of this, though, and arguably the most important element, was Kane.  

If you’ll recall, Kane was originally booked against his former partner, RVD, in what ended up being a throwaway match. Yes, that story needed a punctuation mark, but it was a waste of Kane, who was white hot at the time. So in our reimagining, Kane has been suspended by Steve Austin for brutally attacking RVD and sidelining him. Following SummerSlam, Kane would go on to feud with Shane McMahon, and this is a perfect way to set that rivalry up. 

All of the same shenanigans take place, including the Jonathan Coachman heel turn, which actually exceeded most expectations. As well as the fun interactions with Steve Austin and Bischoff/Coachman, who Austin couldn’t touch unless they “physically provoked” him. The key difference is that just when it appears, Shane has the match won, Kane surfaces and chokeslams him, giving Bischoff the victory. Eric reveals that he lifted Kane’s suspension, defying Austin and exacerbating their issue. Winner- Eric Bischoff By Pinfall  

4. Shawn Michaels vs Christian- Intercontinental Title Match 

Once again, this is a case of WWE having a potential show-stealer of a match that they never booked on a major stage. The story behind this one, though it barely needs one, is Kevin Nash, HBK’s good friend. Nash was originally on this card in the Chamber match but contributed little as a competitor. He was, ironically, something of a sympathetic character at the time and always had name value. In the buildup to this match, Christian exploits Nash’s notorious quad issues, drawing Shawn’s ire after an attack on Raw.  

Shawn is looking for both vengeance and the IC title in this one. The match is exactly what you would expect; a 4 to 5-star classic, with well-timed near falls and sophisticated sequences. At one point, it appears as though Christian will use the championship as a weapon against Shawn. Kevin Nash limps to the ring in an attempt to intervene but inadvertently distracts his friend. Christian rolls Michaels up with a handful of tights, stealing the victory. Winner- Christian By Pinfall  

5. The Undertaker vs Eddie Guerrero- United States Championship Match 

It’s both a travesty and a miracle that The Undertaker and Eddie Guerrero were exclusive members of the early Smackdown roster yet never had a proper singles match. We will take the creative liberty of righting that wrong here. Initially, The Undertaker would work with A-Train at this show. With all due respect to Matt Bloom, who had a good match with The Deadman,  it seemed like a missed opportunity for a marquee bout at an event that needed more of them. Eddie on the other hand, would defend his title in a throwaway 4-way match. With the Chamber match already on the card, this seemed somewhat excessive.  

This match is every bit as good as you would expect. The Undertaker and Eddie masterfully craft a story that allows you to overlook the considerable size difference. Eddie bumps all over, and The Undertaker sells for him, allowing the still-emerging star to shine. Some highlights include Eddie hitting two of the three amigos, but Taker counters with a chokeslam for the 3rd, only to be rolled up for a 2 count! The end comes when The Undertaker hits a massive Last Ride, capturing his first U.S Championship- Winner- The Undertaker By Pinfall  

6. Trish Stratus vs Molly Holly- Women’s Championship  

As was often the case in this era, women would find themselves without a place on the card. This is especially egregious because the roster was stacked with talent during this event. This would have certainly been the match to go with her. As much as you’d want to protect Trish, Molly needs a decisive win even more. It would probably be a stretch to get these two 6 minutes at this time, but that’s what this reimagining is for. Molly goes over after a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle. Winner- Molly Holly By Pinfall  

7. Goldberg vs Ric Flair vs Triple H- World Heavyweight Championship  

This show's original main event was Goldberg and Triple H for the World Title. Not only was this match highly anticipated from a “kayfabe” standpoint, but comments made by Triple H made it seem like there was legitimate heat. However, because Hunter had aggravated an injury, the match was changed to the aforementioned Chamber bout. There seems a better way to have gotten themselves out of this situation until they could get a proper singles bout. Look no further than Triple H’s mentor and friend at the time, Ric Flair.  

If you’ll recall, earlier that same year, there was an angle and a match that would see Ric Flair challenge Triple H for the title on a Raw from Greenville, SC. We will tweak the outcome of that match just a bit to serve this one better instead of giving Hunter a. decisive victory over Ric, Randy’s disqualifying Hunter. Hunter and Randy leave Ric lying, seeming to signify Ric’s exclusion from Triple H’s inner circle. Ric still has his celebration after the show, but we don’t see him for several weeks afterward. 

When it’s announced that Goldberg will be facing Hunter at SummerSlam, the obligatory contract signing is scheduled for Raw. Ric Flair’s music interrupts a few moments in, and we see the Nature Boy for the first time in weeks. Hunter is apoplectic and demands to know what he’s doing there, as Goldberg looks characteristically intense and annoyed. Ric Flair apologizes to Goldberg but says he and Hunter have unfinished business. Hunter and Orton leave the ring, and the show ends with a stare-down, first with Ric and Hunter, then Goldberg and Flair. 

The following week on Raw, Ric Flair opens the show and asks Goldberg to come to the ring. Bill agrees, and Ric proceeds to make an impassioned plea to him. “Brother, I’ve been in this business for 3 decades, and I’ve told you since I met you, I have never seen anything like you.” “I know Triple H, and he and I both know you are the one guy, who has his number.” “But I also know his M.O. and can guarantee he has a plan.” 

“Now, when I stood across the ring from Triple H in Flair country,” I felt something I ain’t felt in a long time.” I felt like I could be the man one more time; who!!” “Bill, I’m looking you in the eye and telling you I respect you and would never try to step on your toes.” “I’m asking you before anyone else because of that respect.” But Triple H couldn’t beat the Nature Boy, and I want that 17th World Title!” “So what do you say, big man, let’s make it a Triple threat at SummerSlam?”  

Goldberg smirks as the crowd erupts at the idea. “Ric, you helped me a lot when I needed it the most.” “As much as I would love to repay that generosity, I know exactly who you are.” “They don’t call you the dirtiest player in the game for nothing, and I’m sorry, Ric, I love you, but I don’t trust you.” To the crowd's disappointment, Goldberg taps Ric’s shoulder and leaves the ring. Ric leaves dejected but is approached by Steve Austin later in the show. 

He tells Ric that he heard the crowd earlier and is as big a fan of the Nature Boy as anyone. He and Eric have reached a compromise. If Ric can win a match later that night, he will be added to the match at SummerSlam. Ric perks up, but his enthusiasm slightly wanes, when he learns it will be a handicap match against Triple H and Randy Orton. The match is set for the main event.  

Hunter and Orton punish and taunt Flair for the majority of the match. The action spills outside the ring, and Hunter and Randy get so caught up in the beatdown that they are unaware of the count. While Hunter is retrieving a chair, Ric pokes Orton in the eye and rolls into the ring, leaving his opponents to be counted out. Flair won the match! Hunter and Orton are furious, and the former retrieves a sledgehammer from under the ring. Orton holds Flair in place, and suddenly Goldberg hits the ring. Hunter leaves the ring immediately, leaving Orton to contend with Goldberg. Triple H re-emerges and goes to blast Goldberg with the sled, Flair takes the bullet for him at the last moment.  

With only one week of television left until the PPV, Flair once again assures Goldberg that his only intention is making sure the World Title ends up where it belongs. A tag match is booked for the go-home show, with Ric and Goldberg against Hunter and Orton. Hunter is limited, and he and Flair brawl to the back to conceal his limitations. At the last minute, Ric returns to give Bill the assist, and he crushes Orton with a spear and a jackhammer. Ric offers his hand to Goldberg to end the show, and Goldberg finally accepts but pulls him in close and appears to warn him. 

The bell rings to start the match, and initially, no man makes a move. Finally, Triple H lunges at Goldberg, who responds by grabbing the champion by the throat. He lifts him into a gorilla press position and is struck with a low blow from Ric Flair. It’s all revealed to be a ruse, to keep the title on The Game. Hunter and Flair put the boots to Goldberg, as the crowd boos fervently. They make several attempts to pin Goldberg, but he is incensed. Nevertheless, Flair and Triple H stay on him.  

At one point, Flair applies the figure four to Goldberg, while Hunter lays on him to get a pinfall. Goldberg powers him off to a huge pop and grabs Ric by the throat. Hunter takes a powder, and Goldberg proceeds to DESTROY Flair. He power-slams him and then delivers the Jack Hammer. Hunter realizes that Goldberg can and is about to win the title by simply beating Flair, when Randy Orton strikes with an RKO out of nowhere. Triple H quickly gets in the ring, pedigrees Goldberg, and attempts to pin him, but the challenger kicks out at 2!  

Hunter is incredulous before instructing Orton to retrieve the sledgehammer. Orton holds Goldberg in place, and Hunter strikes him with the sled. The champion covers, and again Goldberg kicks out at two. Triple H then furiously and desperately strikes Goldberg with the sledgehammer again. This time, it’s a three-count. It has taken all of Evolution to defeat Bill Goldberg, including a Swerve by Flair. This sets up the eventual singles match and gives Goldberg the same “out.” Winner- Triple H By Pinfall  

8. Brock Lesnar vs Kurt Angle- Submission Match- WWE Championship  

Because the entire Goldberg/Triple H fiasco was more of an angle than a match, this should have always been the main event. This was the best match of the card, and putting it as the show closer is prudent. Adding the submission stipulation creates more intrigue over which Alpha machines would tap into one another. The match is dramatic and unique, with Lesnar pulling out the Brock Lock, Boston Crab, and Full Nelson.  

For his part, Kurt Angle pays tribute to Bret Hart, using both the Sharpshooter, and Figure Four around the ring post. The finish comes when the ref has been incapacitated. Mr. McMahon, who had inserted himself in this situation, attempts to blast Angle with a chair, which is being held in place by Brock. Kurt ducks at the last second, and Brock gets rattled with the chair. The champion gives the Angle Slam to Vince, then blasts Brock again with the chair.  

He then applies the Ankle Lock to an unconscious Lesnar. The referee comes to just in time and awards the match to Angle after Lesnar is unresponsive. The show ends on a high note, with Angle celebrating his victory as we go off the air. The announcers speculate that Brock never actually tapped out and what sort of fallout we may expect. Thus concludes our SummerSlam 2003 reimagining. Winner By Knockout/Submission- Kurt Angle 

We hope you enjoyed our look back at a SummerSlam that has been moderately forgotten. SummerSlam has given us some of the most unforgettable and defining moments in WWE history. One can only wonder what we may see on Aug 5 at the 36th installment of this year’s event!