As WWE SummerSlam 2024 approaches, the excitement builds with fans eagerly anticipating the event’s line-up. In his latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer provided an inside look at the matches expected for the grand event. With eight matches either confirmed or anticipated, the weekend promises to be a spectacle.
Confirmed Matches
The King & Queen of the Ring tournament in May set the stage for some key match-ups:
- GUNTHER vs. Damian Priest: GUNTHER, after winning the men’s tournament, earned a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Priest, holding the title, is set to defend it against the Austrian powerhouse.
- Nia Jax vs. Bayley: Nia Jax’s victory in the women’s tournament has led her to a championship match against Bayley, who currently holds the WWE Women’s Championship.
- Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa: This match for the Undisputed WWE title was reported by Meltzer before being officially confirmed on “WWE SmackDown.” Rhodes, a fan favorite, will face Sikoa, one of the New Bloodline’s rising stars.
- Logan Paul vs. LA Knight: After signing the contract on the July 12 “SmackDown,” Logan Paul will defend the United States Championship against LA Knight, who has been gaining momentum.
- Bron Breakker vs. Sami Zayn: A rematch for the Intercontinental Championship, this bout follows Breakker’s loss to Zayn at Money in the Bank. Despite the involvement of Ilja Dragunov in their storyline, Meltzer notes that this match remains a one-on-one encounter.
Expected Matches
Beyond the confirmed bouts, several other matches are expected to fill the card:
- Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan: Ripley, returning from injury, is set to challenge Liv Morgan for the WWE Women’s World Championship. Morgan currently holds the title Ripley never lost. This match is highly anticipated, contingent on Ripley’s clearance for the event.
- CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre: Meltzer speculates that SummerSlam could see the long-awaited showdown between Punk and McIntyre. However, Punk’s participation depends on his return timeline, adding a layer of uncertainty.
- Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: There’s talk of a possible Women’s Tag Team Championship match, which could feature Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn defending against challengers like Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, or Damage CTRL. Whether this match falls within the Premium Live Event (PLE) remains to be seen.
The Road to SummerSlam
With the card shaping up, WWE SummerSlam 2024 is poised to deliver high-octane action and drama. Each match brings its own story and excitement:
- GUNTHER vs. Damian Priest promises a clash of titans, with GUNTHER’s relentless power challenging Priest’s agility and ring smarts.
- Nia Jax vs. Bayley sees Jax’s brute strength against Bayley’s cunning and experience.
- Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa pits Rhodes’ legacy and resilience against Sikoa’s raw potential and New Bloodline backing.
- Logan Paul vs. LA Knight offers an intriguing battle between Paul’s celebrity and Knight’s grit.
- Bron Breakker vs. Sami Zayn continues a rivalry that has fans eagerly anticipating every twist and turn.
The potential return of Rhea Ripley adds a layer of excitement, as her match with Liv Morgan could be a show-stealer. Meanwhile, the prospect of CM Punk facing Drew McIntyre has the wrestling world buzzing. Punk’s return has been one of the most talked-about topics, and his clash with McIntyre could be legendary.
Lastly, the Women’s Tag Team Championship match brings a multitude of possibilities, with multiple teams vying for the spotlight. Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn will have their hands full against formidable opponents, adding yet another layer of excitement to the event.
Stephen’s Insight
As we approach WWE SummerSlam 2024, the anticipation is palpable. With a mix of confirmed and expected matches, this year’s event promises to be one of the most memorable. The blend of veteran talent, rising stars, and returning icons ensures that every bout will have fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned as more details unfold and the final card takes shape. SummerSlam is set to deliver the kind of high-stakes drama and electrifying action that only WWE can provide.