Country music star Darius Rucker performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" to open Night 2 of WWE SummerSlam on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The performance drew enthusiastic "U-S-A" chants from the crowd following its conclusion.
Rucker, a multi-time Grammy Award winner, shared his long-standing connection to professional wrestling during the event's pre-show. He recalled growing up watching wrestling, specifically mentioning the matches between Dusty Rhodes and "Superstar" Billy Graham. Rucker also revealed he owns an authentic Ric Flair robe, which he described as a worthwhile purchase.
"For me, is the draw of wrestling," Rucker stated regarding his interest in the sport. "The matches are wonderful and great but it’s the stories. You get behind somebody. You understand where the story’s going and the times they get it right is the most satisfying thing in the world."
Rucker's performance set the tone for a significant night in professional wrestling, as SummerSlam Night 2 featured a lineup of matches and storylines. WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield also recently highlighted the depth of talent within professional wrestling in an interview with Fox News Digital.