Update On WWE SummerSlam Lineup, Backstage Creative Details & Planned Main Event
A new report provides updates on WWE’s plans for SummerSlam, including details on why certain creative decisions are being made on TV.
With SummerSlam in Detroit, MI fast approaching, plans for the second-biggest PLE of the year are beginning to take shape. Cody Rhodes has already issued a challenge to Brock Lesnar for a third match, and multiple other matches are being made.
According to a report from Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE has nine matches in the works for the blockbuster event, including a World Championship match between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor that has yet to be announced. Meltzer notes that as this is a rematch from Money in the Bank, it’s likely a stipulation will be added to the bout. He also notes that this build is the reason Balor has pinfall victories over both Sami Zayn and Carmelo Hayes in the past week.
Meltzer also reports that the match between Rollins and Balor will also serve to continue the story between Balor and fellow Judgment Day member Damian Priest, as tension between the two parties has been building for weeks on television, especially since Priest won the Money in the Bank briefcase. The story has progressed as each man blames the other for costing them matches against Rollins in recent weeks.
According to the report, the planned main event for SummerSlam will see Jey Uso take on Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Other matches being built include:
- Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes
- Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez for the Women’s World Championship
- Asuka vs Charlotte Flair vs. Bianca Belair for the WWE Women’s Championship
- Gunther vs. Drew McIntyre for the Intercontinental Championship
- Trish Stratus vs. BEcky Lynch
- Ronda Rousey vs. Shayna Baszler
- Logan Paul vs. Ricochet
Meltzer notes that the card could be complete as is, but speculates that WWE has options to add another match between Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio for the Undisputed Tag Team Championship if desired.