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Darius Rucker was tapped to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” to start Night 2 of WWE SummerSlam in Minneapolis on Sunday and brought down the house.
The multi-time Grammy Award winner was gearing up for the performance throughout the day and delivered on one of the biggest stages WWE has to offer. Thousands of people jammed into U.S. Bank Stadium for the night of matches and were treated to an epic performance.
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Darius Rucker performs the national anthem during SummerSlam at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., on Aug. 2, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)
“U-S-A” chants immediately broke out after the rendition was finished.
Rucker appeared on the pre-show before SummerSlam took off and revealed just how deep his pro wrestling fandom is. He said he grew up a fan of the sport and remembered watching the second epic bout between Dusty Rhodes and “Superstar” Billy Graham when he was growing up.
He also said he owns an authentic Ric Flair robe.
“I spent a fortune for it and it was worth every penny,” Rucker said.
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Darius Rucker performs the national anthem during SummerSlam at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., on Aug. 2, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)
For Rucker, it’s the storytelling that pro wrestling provides which drew him into the sport. He said there was nothing like when a storyline comes full circle and the right decisions are made.
“That, for me, is the draw of wrestling,” he said. “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.”
Corey Graves, Darius Rucker and Peter Rosenberg smile at WWE Countdown during SummerSlam at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., on Aug. 2, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)
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SummerSlam Night 2 was already set to be a big deal in the pro wrestling world and Rucker managed to set the tone just right.