SummerSlam in Cleveland
WWE SummerSlam is one of the biggest annual events in professional wrestling, typically held in August. It features high-profile matches and major storylines culminating in dramatic bouts. SummerSlam often includes championship matches, grudge matches, and special appearances from legends and celebrities.
For this year's SummerSlam, some key matches and storylines to watch out for include:
Undisputed WWE Championship
Cody Rhodes (C) (2-2) vs. Solo Sikoa (0-0)
Rhodes has been on the losing end each week on Smackdown. The tables can turn in the main event.
Prediction: Cody retains as champion.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Damian Priest (C) vs. Gunther
Priest (1-1) will defend his title against Gunther (1-0). Priest defended his title against Jey Uso, Kofi Kingston, Drew McIntyre, and Seth Rollins. Although the victories were unassisted and in favor of Priest, the "Punisher" successfully defeated Braun Strowman in a non-title match.
On the other side, Gunther became the number one contender for SummerSlam by winning the King of the Ring tournament. The Ring General broke records as the longest reigning and prestigious Intercontinental Champion.
Prediction: Damian Priest retains the World Heavyweight Championship
WWE Women's Championship
Bayley (C) vs. Nia Jax
Bayley (2-0) will defend her world championship against Nia Jax (0-0). Bayley has defended the title twice since WrestleMania 40 (won the title over IYO SKY). Nia Jax became the number one contender for SummerSlam by winning the Queen of the Ring tournament.
However, regardless who wins this match, Tiffany Stratton holds the Money in the Bank contract and can cash-in anytime before 1 July 2025.
Prediction: Nia Jax becomes the new WWE Women's Champion.
WWE Women's World Championship
Liv Morgan (C) vs. Rhea Ripley
Liv Morgan (1-0) accepted the challenge from Rhea Ripley (0-1) to defend the title at SummerSlam. Morgan began her revenge tour by taking out Ripley. Mami returns from a 3-month absence to take back what she never lost. Also, Ripley is getting things in order with the Judgment Day. There are so many issues caused by Morgan. How will this match conclude?
Prediction: Liv Morgan retains the title.
United States Championship
Logan Paul (C) (2-0) vs. LA Knight (1-0)
Paul rarely makes an appearance on television. The United States Champion is more of a television title in which superstars invites anyone from backstage to compete. In this sense, it is common sense to crown the most electric superstar and the superstar with the greatest amount of impact in merchandise sales.
Prediction: LA Knight will be the new United States Champion
Intercontinental Championship
Sami Zayn (C) (0-0) vs. Bron Breakker (0-0)
This will be part 2 of Zayn & Breakker. Breakker should have figure things out by now. The first match was his error that cost him a victory. I expect Breakker to dominate and defeat Zayn. The match can look like a Brock Lesnar's Suplex City on John Cena.
Prediction: Bron Breakker is the new Intercontinental Champion.
CM Punk (4-4) vs. Drew McIntyre (2-1) with special guest referee Seth Rollins (7-2)
The first time CM Punk matched in Summerslam, he lost to the ECW Champion, John Morrison. In 8 appearances, Punk wrestled in 6 championship matches. He defeated Jeff Hardy for the World Heavyweight Championship (2009) and became the undisputed champion over John Cena (2011). However, Punk lost it during a MITB cash in by Alberto Del Rio.
On the other hand, Drew McIntyre defeated Randy Orton (2020), Jinder Mahal (2021) but lost to Gunther (2023). There is so much at stake between Drew and Punk. But there is another formula to the equation. Seth Rollins is the special guest referee. Will Rollins call the shots straight and narrow?
The match could formulate bad blood within the trio that will lead into the premium event into WWE Bash in Berlin.
Prediction: Drew McIntyre wins.