While many people’s lasting memory of last week’s SummerSlam 14 in Los Angeles will be Brock Lesnar’s total demolition of John Cena in the main event, there were plenty of other highlights, both inside and outside the ring.
At the Staples Center, Bray Wyatt finally secured his place among the WWE Superstars with a fine win over Chris Jericho in what was probably the best match of the night. Elsewhere, Roman Reigns pulled out a win from nowhere in his grudge match with Randy Orton, and Stephanie McMahon looked like she hadn’t lost a step in her entertaining win over Brie Bella, albeit with an assist from husband Triple H and Brie’s sister Nikki.
Although the SummerSlam 14 action was acclaimed by both fans at the Staples Center and the huge PPV audience back home, just as important were the outreach programs that WWE organized in the run up to the Sunday program. WWE has a well-deserved reputation for making a difference in the communities that host its flagship events and SummerSlam 14 was no different.
On the morning of the Staples Center event, WWE Divas Layla, Lana and Lilian teamed up with Susan G. Komen to host mobile mammogram screenings at Northgate Gonzales in downtown Los Angeles. The Divas signed autographs and posed for photos while underserved and underinsured women were able to receive mammograms free of charge.
Earlier that week, Stephanie McMahon headlined a Be a STAR rally at the Boys & Girls Club in East LA. Three hundred kids, ranging from 5 year olds to high-schoolers, cheered for their favorite Superstars as they spread the message of ‘Showing Tolerance and Respect.’
Elsewhere, Naomi, Emma and Dolph Ziggler brought smiles to the faces of kids and their families at Mattel’s Children’s Hospital UCLA, and Titus O’Neil and Summer Rae hosted a Reading Celebration at ICEF Vista Academy. And, of course, the week wouldn’t have been complete without a few wishes being granted under the WWE-supported Make-A-Wish program, with Sheamus, Mark Henry, Sin Cara and the Bella sisters on hand to make some dreams come true.
This year’s SummerSlam marked the end of a 6-year run at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Next year’s the event will move to New York/New Jersey where WWE will once again have an impact both inside and outside the ropes!