Three significant matches have been confirmed for the event:

• World Heavyweight
• Brock Lesnar
• World Championship

The Undisputed WWE Championship picture for SummerSlam 2026 will be shaped by Sami Zayn's defense against Cody Rhodes on the July 6th Raw. Anticipation is building for CM Punk's expected return on the July 6th Raw in Chicago, which is likely leading to a major SummerSlam bout. Punk’s last on-air appearance teased a program with Cody Rhodes in Chicago.

Friday's episode of SmackDown will feature Sami Zayn's first on-screen action since winning the WWE title. The fallout from Gunther and Nick Aldis' backstage altercation is likely to be seen on Friday's SmackDown. Monday's Raw, taking place in Chicago, will host Sami Zayn defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes, with the result shaping the top of the SummerSlam card.

A Saturday Night’s Main Event from Madison Square Garden is scheduled for July 18. WWE has three weeks of television to fill out both nights of SummerSlam after the July 18 event.

Chad Gable is currently in the midst of a massive push, and a feud could be coming between him and Austin Theory. Trick Williams is also expected to get placement on the SummerSlam card. Stephanie Vaquer was mentioned on Monday's episode of Raw, suggesting she is on her way back to action.

Several prominent names are expected to play a role in the lead-up to or at SummerSlam 2026:

• Roman Reigns
• Seth Rollins
• Brock Lesnar
• Austin Theory
• Trick Williams
• Stephanie Vaquer

Featured names

• And Everything
• Roman Reigns
• World Heavyweight
• Seth Rollins
• Brock Lesnar
• World Championship
• The Undisputed
• What Matches
• Are Confirmed
• United States
• Matches Could
• Austin Theory
• Trick Williams
• Stephanie Vaquer
• That Chicago
• Saturday Night
• Madison Square