Early WWE SummerSlam 2026 Match Card Predictions After Backlash

WWE has reversed its perception with wrestling fans after a successful edition of Backlash on Saturday, but the company will need to continue building enjoyable storylines heading into SummerSlam to remain in the good graces of the WWE Universe.

The match card for the two-night SummerSlam on August 1-2 in Minneapolis is sure to feature the biggest names in WWE, but booking them in the right situations will be the difference between getting a reaction similar to Backlash or one as negative as WrestleMania 42.

With Triple H and WWE creative looking to stay on track, here are some of the biggest matches to expect at SummerSlam 2026.

Gunther vs. Brock Lesnar

The most obvious match for SummerSlam would be Gunther cashing in his favor with Paul Heyman to force Brock Lesnar into one final retirement match and ensure he makes The Ring General a star on the way out.

Gunther has been booked as an unstoppable force in WWE for years, forcing several of the biggest names in the sport to retire. Adding The Beast Incarnate to his list would be an incredible, career-defining moment.

On the other hand, Lesnar would be able to help create a new superstar, get the final sendoff he deserves after a triumphant career, and do it all in front of family in his home state.

Gunther and Lesnar look to be on a collision course that culminates at SummerSlam, and even without a championship on the line, this deserves to be the main event of the weekend.

Penta vs. Rey Fenix

As the intercontinental champion, Penta has been on fire, creating iconic moments and unforgettable matches. For the company to continue building him as a cornerstone piece of the future, he needs a career-defining singles match in WWE.

That's where his brother, Rey Fenix, fits the bill.

From their time on the independent scene in Mexico to their wild array of tag-team success with Ring of Honor and AEW, the two brothers have incredible chemistry, and putting them against each other in a feud would be explosive.

SummerSlam is a two-day event, which means the company needs to build out two cards worthy of being called the company's second-biggest PLE of the year. No matter where it ends up on day one or day two, a championship match between Penta and Fenix would steal the show.

Triple H and WWE creative should spend the next several months positioning Fenix as a legitimate contender and giving the WWE Universe a reason to care about him before his epic matchup with his brother.

Oba Femi vs. CM Punk

While there is a vocal minority of fans who do not enjoy Oba Femi's open challenges, the bouts are doing their job by getting casual fans to believe The Ruler is a viable monster on the main roster.

Eventually, though, he will need to prove he can carry the load in a longer singles match.

Instead of forcing him to carry another Superstar in a drawn-out battle, the company would be wise to put him against a wily veteran, someone who can help him along the way, but also doesn't mind ensuring one of the company's future cornerstones looks like he deserves to be there.

WWE has a long list of older superstars who could fit the bill, but none have the same level of respect from the WWE Universe as CM Punk does.

Instead of chasing another championship, Triple H should use Punk's clout with hardcore and casual fans to elevate Femi in the ring and on the mic.

Nikki Bella vs. Paige

One of the biggest changes heading into WrestleMania 42 was Nikki Bella's injury and the return of her replacement, Paige.

The Women's Tag Team Championship win created a memorable moment, but it should be the start of a bigger storyline.

Nikki Bella should eventually turn heel on Paige and start a feud that culminates in a singles match between the two veterans at SummerSlam.

Paige has been well-received by the WWE Universe since her return, and Nikki Bella can become jealous of her friend getting the reactions she believes she deserves. The jealousy over the tag team titles should only make matters worse.

Neither Paige nor Nikki Bella will ever be known as elite in-ring workers, but with so much built-in history between the two performers and the current storyline animosity around Paige taking Bella's spot at WrestleMania, this is a marquee addition to the SummerSlam card.

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