2023 WWE SummerSlam results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns retains his title as Jimmy Uso turns on Jey Uso

WWE Undisputed Universal Championship -- Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jey Uso (Tribal Combat match): Reigns flaunted his size and experience edge in the first act of their epic encounter. Uso was the one who challenged Reigns to Tribal Combat and used the no disqualification ruleset as a means to bridge the gap between him and his cousin. Eventually, Reigns took over and physically urged the crowd to quiet as the fans at Ford Field chanted for Uso. Reigns battered Uso with a kendo stick as a symbolic punishment for his treachery. The underdog challenger endured a long beating before finally biting back. Uso countered Reigns' signature spear with a kendo stick shot and proceeded to whip him with the bamboo sword until it splintered. Uso followed it up with a stunning front flip dive over the ropes onto Reigns ringside.

Reigns scored the match's first near fall after catching Uso midair with a Superman Punch. Uso swung the momentum in his favor with a super kick and Uso Splash. Uso channeled months and years of pent up frustration into a steel chair and expelled it through Reigns' spine. That's when the plunder started to pile up. Reigns powerbombed Uso into a pile of chairs. Later on, Uso drove Reigns through a wooden table with a Samoan drop. Uso proceeded to whip his older cousin with a strap as the action spilled into the crowd.

Reigns' history-making reign as universal champion is due in large part to the support of The Bloodline. SummerSlam was no different. Solo Sikoa emerged from the crowd, laid out Uso with a Samoan Spike and drove him through a table. Reigns was in shock after inadvertently striking Sikoa with a spear. The break in focus gave Uso crucial time to hit the champion with a spear for a deep two count. The inadvertent strike sent Sikoa into a frenzy. The Bloodline's enforcer struck Uso but engaged in an argument with Reigns that allowed Uso to spear Reigns through the ringside barricade. Uso incapacitated Sikoa and hit Reigns with a chain of signature moves. Uso's victory was assured before Uso was assaulted by a masked assailant. The assailant revealed himself as Jey Uso's twin brother Jimmy Uso. Reigns was shocked by the revelation but capitalized anyway to win the match.

The outcome of the match is a lot to process. Jey Uso looked tremendously strong in defeat by nearly overcoming both Reigns and Sikoa. The idea of Jimmy Uso turning on his twin brother is peculiar and could trend into ridiculous soap opera. The match proceeding it was typical Bloodline stuff: slow at times and very compelling at others. I'll give WWE the benefit of doubt in a long-arching story that is usually fantastic. But tonight has left this viewer confused and was overall a step below the Match of the Night quality typical for these superstars. Reigns def. Uso to retain. Grade: B+