2026 Summerslam Preview

SummerSlam returns for its second year as a two-night event, and the card has all the makings of one of WWE’s most intriguing this year. While I haven’t been glued to every episode of Raw and SmackDown like I used to be, I’ve kept up enough to know where the major stories are headed.

With that said, here are my predictions for one of WWE’s biggest weekends of the year.

World Heavyweight Championship

Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins

Prediction – Roman Reigns retains

Whether this match closes out SummerSlam or not, it has all the ingredients to steal the weekend. Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins simply don’t miss when they share the ring, and this latest chapter should be no different. I’m taking the OTC to survive by the skin of his teeth in another classic, keeping the door wide open for the much-needed rubber match.

Undisputed WWE Championship

CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes

Prediction – CM Punk retains; Drew McIntyre returns

This could very well be the Match of the Weekend. It’s the first time CM Punk and Cody Rhodes have squared off since both men returned to WWE, and the atmosphere alone should make this feel special. The match itself won’t disappoint, especially if this is just the beginning of a series. Cody has been slowly unraveling over the past several months, and SummerSlam could finally push him over the edge.

Summerslam has become known for memorable returns. From Brock Lesnar last year to Roman Reigns the year before and I think another big one is coming. Drew McIntyre finally returns, either getting involved in the match or appearing afterward to spoil Punk’s celebration. Regardless, Punk retains while potentially reigniting one of WWE’s best personal rivalries in recent years.

Hell in a Cell

Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar

Prediction – Oba Femi wins

How do you top a rivalry between Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi? You lock them inside Hell in a Cell. This has all the makings of a show-stealer. Two monsters, one of WWE’s most brutal stipulations, and the opportunity to create a new megastar.

I’m taking The Ruler to score the biggest victory of his career, officially passing the torch from Lesnar to WWE’s next unstoppable force. Meanwhile, Brock gets the proper retirement and hometown sendoff he deserves.

Women’s World Championship

Liv Morgan vs. IYO SKY

Prediction – IYO SKY wins #AndNew

Liv Morgan’s title reign has had its moments, but it hasn’t quite reached the level many fans expected. With Judgment Day beginning to show cracks and IYO SKY remaining one of WWE’s most beloved performers, the timing feels right for a championship change. The match should be excellent, and I’m picking The Genius of the Sky to leave Minnesota as the new Women’s World Champion.

Six-Man Tag Match

The Usos & Jacob Fatu vs. LA Knight, Royce Keys & Solo Sikoa

Prediction – LA Knight, Royce Keys & Solo Sikoa

The Bloodline saga continues, and you just know somebody is going to have a defining moment. Whether it’s Jacob Fatu, Jimmy, Jey, or Solo, something is going to shift. I’m picking Solo, Royce Keys, and LA Knight to pick up the victory, creating another major crack in the latest chapter of The Bloodline saga.

WWE Intercontinental Championship

Penta vs. Chad Gable

Prediction – Chad Gable wins #AndNew

Hopefully this joins the long list of outstanding SummerSlam Intercontinental Championship matches. Penta has had a fun title reign, but after Chad Gable’s incredible AAA run, it feels like the perfect time to reward him with championship gold. Expect a banger and expect Gable to leave Minnesota as the new Intercontinental Champion.

Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match

Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Chelsea Green vs. TBD

Prediction – Tiffany Stratton wins #Tiffy2Belts #AndNew

With Rhea Ripley sidelined through injury, the Women’s Championship is up for grabs in what already looks like a loaded ladder match. The mystery entrant could shake things up, but unless it’s an absolute blockbuster surprise, I don’t see anyone stopping Tiffany Stratton. In front of her hometown crowd, Tiffany leaves SummerSlam with two championships.

Gunther vs. Nick Aldis

Prediction – Gunther wins

This may quietly end up being one of the best pure wrestling matches of the entire weekend. Nick Aldis finally returns to the ring against arguably the most dominant wrestler in WWE today. This should be a good old-fashioned wrestling match built around physicality rather than spectacle.

As much as I’d love to pick Aldis because it would be such a surprise, I’m sticking with The Ring General. Gunther wins by submission or simply forcing Aldis to pass out and continues his tour of destruction.

Dominik Mysterio vs. Danhausen

Prediction – Danhausen wins

If I’ve learned one thing over the past few months, it’s this: never underestimate the Danhausen curse. Think it’s fake? Ask Knicks fans. Dirty Dom and Liv Morgan may have pushed their luck a little too far. I think Liv loses her championship, Dom loses here, and Danhausen somehow keeps the legend of the curse alive.

No. 1 Contender’s Match

Sami Zayn vs. Finn Bálor

Prediction – Finn Bálor wins

This feels like a world championship match disguised as a No. 1 Contender’s Match. Sami Zayn and Finn Bálor are two of WWE’s most consistently outstanding performers, and they should deliver another excellent contest. If WWE is serious about rebuilding Finn Bálor as a main-event player, this is the perfect place to start. I’m taking Bálor to punch his ticket back into the Undisputed WWE Championship picture.

Six-Woman Tag Team Match

The Bella Twins & Paige vs. Fatal Influence

Prediction – Paige & The Bella Twins

This one feels like the nostalgia match of the weekend, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be entertaining. The Bellas and Paige should get the feel good victory while giving fans another memorable SummerSlam moment.

United States Championship

Trick Williams vs. Baron Corbin

Prediction – Trick Williams retains

Baron Corbin’s surprise return instantly made this match more interesting. A fresh start can do wonders for a wrestler, and Corbin has all the tools to remind fans just how good he can be. That said, Trick Williams has too much momentum to lose the championship this soon. Expect a bruising, physical contest with Corbin pushing the champion to his limit before Trick survives another hard-fought title defense and continues his impressive run as United States Champion.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this year’s SummerSlam has the potential to be one of WWE’s strongest PLEs this year. The card is loaded with compelling championship matches, intriguing returns, dream matchups, and opportunities to create new stars. Whether it’s Roman and Rollins adding another chapter to their legendary rivalry, Punk and Cody potentially reigniting another unforgettable feud, or Oba Femi taking the next step toward superstardom, there should be no shortage of memorable moments.

Now all that’s left is to sit back, enjoy the ride, and see just how wrong or right these predictions turn out to be.

Bonus Predictions

⭐ Match of the Weekend: CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes

🔥 Show Stealer: Gunther vs. Nick Aldis

😲 Biggest Surprise: Drew McIntyre returns

👑 SummerSlam MVP: Oba Femi