Add as a preferred source on Google AJ Styles says WWE has reached a “happy medium” with SummerSlam taking place over two nights.
Speaking on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles discussed why he believes the format gives fans a better experience and allows WWE more time to tell stories going into its biggest matches.
“We’re one week out, that means we’ve got two more shows that we can fit in and tell that story a little bit better as we approach some of the big matches. We’re talking about two days, so is that 10 matches in two days or 12 matches in two days? I’m not sure. But that’s one of the things I like about [SummerSlam being a two-day event]. When we had SummerSlam sometimes it was just like WrestleMania. Too many matches on the show people get tired easily. The fact that you got two days to fit in, let’s just say six matches, I think is a good thing. Sometimes too much is too much. But then again, I’d love to tell you how big of a fan I am about two days, but I’m not. I think we’ve reached a happy medium, though. Okay, fine. You don’t like all these wrestling matches in one day. We’ll do two days. Okay. But, we’re not going to have all these matches. So, I get it. It works. Maybe you can’t afford both days, you get to pick the one you want to see the most.”
Addressing Styles’ question, WWE subsequently confirmed that the event will feature 12 matches, following the same structure as the 2025 edition.
Styles said he is still not a big fan of two-day events, but believes the smaller cards make the format work. He also noted that fans who cannot attend both nights can choose the card they most want to see.