Add as a preferred source on Google This Friday’s WWE SmackDown all but confirmed the first match for SummerSlam 2026: Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair for the WWE Women’s Championship.
The segment took place after WWE announced that Ripley would address her next steps following her title defense against Jade Cargill at Clash in Italy. The champion still appeared to be limping, admitted that her knee is still injured, but made it clear that Cargill failed in her attempt to take her out of action.
Charlotte Flair interrupted and said she did not help Ripley out of necessity, but out of respect. However, the “Queen” also made it clear that, with the Queen of the Ring tournament underway, her competitive side has started to take over again.
The biggest moment of the segment came when Flair mentioned SummerSlam. The 14-time champion said teaming with Ripley was fun, but beating her at the Biggest Event of the Summer would be even better, because Rhea has something she wants.
So far, WWE has not officially announced Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair, especially since Flair is currently trying to earn that match through Queen of the Ring.
Even so, her comments made it clear that the company has already started planting the seeds for a possible title defense at SummerSlam, which will take place on August 1 and 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.