Add as a preferred source on Google This year’s WWE SummerSlam continues to undergo major changes behind the scenes, mainly because of Rhea Ripley’s injury.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE already had much of the card planned before the physical issue involving the current WWE Women’s Champion. The event is scheduled for August 1 and 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Ripley’s match appears to be the main point affected. Before the injury, the idea was for her to defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss or Jacy Jayne. Jayne had already been discussed internally as an option, especially after Fatal Influence debuted on SmackDown.
Meltzer also noted that Ripley has not been stripped of the title, which indicates that WWE does not yet view the situation as something that would necessarily require a lengthy absence or surgery.
The rest of the planned card included Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship, Liv Morgan vs. IYO SKY for the Women’s World Championship, and Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar inside Hell in a Cell.
The planned WWE SummerSlam card before Rhea Ripley's injury was:
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) July 3, 2026
– Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk – WWE Championship
– Rhea Ripley vs. Alexa Bliss or Jacy Jayne – WWE Women's Championship
– Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins – World Heavyweight Championship
– Liv Morgan vs. IYO SKY -… pic.twitter.com/d1ZbrQ0p3n
WWE has already officially confirmed Reigns vs. Rollins, Morgan vs. SKY, and Lesnar vs. Femi for the event. SKY earned her opportunity after defeating Morgan in the Queen of the Ring final at Night of Champions. Femi and Lesnar, meanwhile, are set to face off after months of attacks and rematches dating back to WrestleMania 42.
Other planned matches were Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill, Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship, Gunther vs. Royce Keys, and Paige & Brie Bella defending the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid.