Rob Van Dam def. Cesaro (Kickoff Match)

LOS ANGELES - Few Superstars know how to get a party started quite like Rob Van Dam. And once again, the hardcore high-flyer cranked it up to 11 in his SummerSlam Kickoff Match victory over Cesaro, toppling the Swiss Superman and spurring the crowd inside L.A.’s Staples Center to its feet.

Check out photos of RVD grounding the Swiss Superman

The bout started off when Cesaro demonstrated his overwhelming power, dealing RVD several punishing blows. Mr. Friday Night brought his talents to Sunday, though, as he nailed Cesaro in the face with a standing hurricanrana. The two took the action outside the ring, where RVD smacked Cesaro with a big boot. When the match continued inside the squared circle, Van Dam attempted several Five-Star Frog Splashes, but was thwarted when Cesaro hit him with a mid-air uppercut. Van Dam, however, would not be deterred. On his fourth attempt at a Five-Star Frog Splash, Van Dam made certain his aim was true. He landed atop his fellow former Paul Heyman Guy with crushing intensity, covered his opponent and celebrated after the three-count.   

Watch RVD and Cesaro clash in the SummerSlam Kickoff

In the months leading up to SummerSlam, the two clashed in such high-profile contests as an Intercontinental Championship No. 1 Contender’s Tournament match and a Money in the Bank Match qualifier. More recently, RVD and Cesaro tangled in a pair of high-profile Triple Threat Matches for the United States Championship during WWE’s Live Tour in Australia, both of which saw Sheamus as the victor. Their frustration with each other, however, culminated at The Biggest Party of the Summer. And in the end, despite Cesaro’s attempt to harsh Van Dam’s mellow, the Swiss buzzkill failed, leaving RVD to party on into the L.A. night.