Backstage Rumors Suggest Big Names Will Be Cut From This Year's WWE SummerSlam Card
Elijah King
Published Mar 28, 2026
SummerSlam, one of WWE's premier events, is fast approaching, and the anticipation is building for a loaded show. However, as reported by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there is intense competition among top stars, not just vying for a spot on the SummerSlam lineup, but for being on the show at all. Based on the matches already written in pencil, there could be notable wrestlers and matches being moved to the Raw and SmackDown shows before and after the event. Some talents who deserve to be a part of the festivities may wind up being left off of the premium live event.
No matches have been officially confirmed, but several matchups are expected. Among the potential main events are Roman Reigns vs Jey Uso or Cody Rhodes vs Brock Lesnar III. Logan Paul and Ricochet, Trish Stratus and Becky Lynch, Asuka, Bianca Belair, and Charlotte Flair in a triple threat, Gunther and Drew McIntyre for the Intercontinental Championship, and Ronda Rousey against Shayna Baszler are also matches fans should expect or WWE is likely considering.
That leaves names like Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Austin Theory, and Edge without opponents, even though there is buzz all will be on the card.
The question becomes, what does this mean for stars like the members of Judgment Day, LA Knight, Damage CTRL, AJ Styles, and others who may find themselves on the outside looking in? The competition is fierce, and the pressure is on for performers to secure their place on the grand stage of SummerSlam. One has to assume they won't love being left off of the card.
RELATED: 5 Times SummerSlam Was WWE's Best Show Of The Year (& 5 Times It Was The Worst)
Wrestlers Want To Be A Part Of SummerSlam
SummerSlam is often considered the second-biggest event of the year, trailing only WrestleMania. Being on the marquee means you're an important part of the roster and an integral piece that is used to draw in the massive crowds that SummerSlam often attracts. Not being on the card could lead to feelings and insecurities about one's place in WWE.
As SummerSlam approaches, the competition among WWE's top stars to secure a spot on the card is heating up. The intense battles for placement highlight the significance of the event and the desire of performers to be part of this marquee show. Who gets on? Who doesn't? And for those who don't, what does it mean?
