Tag: SummerSlam

WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night 2 Results, Kevin Owens Returns

Night 2 of WWE SummerSlam 2026 featured championship changes, a surprise return from Kevin Owens, and a hard-fought main event between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Here’s a full recap of the action from Minneapolis.

Kevin Owens Returns To Become No. 1 Contender

SummerSlam Night 2 opened with a surprise announcement from SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, who first added GUNTHER and then a returning Kevin Owens to the scheduled No. 1 Contender’s Match.

The four-way contest saw Owens, Sami Zayn, Finn Balor, and GUNTHER battle for an opportunity at CM Punk’s WWE Undisputed Championship. After a chaotic match filled with near falls and signature offense from all four competitors, Owens countered a Helluva Kick attempt from Zayn and connected with a Stunner for the victory.

Winner: Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn, Finn Balor, and GUNTHER to become No. 1 contender to the WWE Undisputed Championship.

Baron Corbin Captures United States Championship

Trick Williams entered SummerSlam looking to retain the WWE United States Championship against Baron Corbin.

Despite an energetic start from Williams, Corbin weathered the storm and took control as the match progressed. Interference from Lil Yachty backfired when Williams accidentally sent his ally through a table. Moments later, Corbin struck Williams with the championship belt while the referee was distracted before finishing him off with End of Days.

Winner: Baron Corbin defeated Trick Williams to win the WWE United States Championship.

Chelsea Green Wins Interim WWE Women’s Championship

Five women competed in a chaotic ladder match for the Interim WWE Women’s Championship as Charlotte Flair, Chelsea Green, Jade Cargill, Lash Legend, and Tiffany Stratton all looked to leave SummerSlam with gold.

The match featured multiple ladder crashes and several competitors coming within inches of victory. In the closing moments, Chelsea Green capitalized after the other competitors neutralized one another, climbing the ladder and retrieving the championship.

Winner: Chelsea Green won the Interim WWE Women’s Championship.

Danhausen Claims Victory In Human Monies On A Pole Match

One of the night’s most unusual matches saw Danhausen take on Dominik Mysterio in a Human Monies On A Pole Match.

The bout featured interference from JD McDonagh, the arrival of several Minihausens, and even an appearance from Joe Hendry. The finish came when Dominik attempted to retrieve the bag from the pole but was seemingly struck by a curse that sent sparks flying from the ring post. Danhausen then grabbed the prize to secure the victory.

Winner: Danhausen

Chad Gable Wins Intercontinental Championship

Penta entered SummerSlam as WWE Intercontinental Champion but faced a determined challenger in Minnesota native Chad Gable.

The two competitors delivered one of the most technically sound matches of the weekend, trading submission holds, suplexes, and dramatic near falls. After surviving multiple Penta Driver attempts, Gable trapped the champion in the ankle lock and forced the submission.

Following the match, Penta showed respect by placing the championship around Gable’s waist and raising his hand in victory.

Winner: Chad Gable defeated Penta to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Roman Reigns Retains WWE World Championship Against Seth Rollins

The Night 2 main event saw Roman Reigns defend the WWE World Championship against longtime rival Seth Rollins in another chapter of one of WWE’s most storied rivalries.

The match featured numerous callbacks to their history together, including Shield references, multiple announce table spots, and several finishers that failed to keep either man down. Rollins survived Superman Punches, Spears, and even a Blackout delivered by Reigns, while the challenger repeatedly pushed the champion to his limits.

After an accidental collision took out referee Shaun Bennett, Rollins briefly considered using a weapon but ultimately continued the fight. Reigns eventually overwhelmed his challenger with a series of devastating Spears to score the pinfall victory.

Following the match, the two rivals shared a respectful Shield-style fist bump before Rollins exited and allowed Reigns to celebrate with the crowd.

Winner: Roman Reigns defeated Seth Rollins to retain the WWE World Championship.

WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night 2 Results

  • Kevin Owens def. Sami Zayn, Finn Balor, and GUNTHER to become No. 1 contender to the WWE Undisputed Championship
  • Baron Corbin def. Trick Williams to win the WWE United States Championship
  • Chelsea Green won the Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match
  • Danhausen def. Dominik Mysterio in a Human Monies On A Pole Match
  • Chad Gable def. Penta to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship
  • Roman Reigns def. Seth Rollins to retain the WWE World Championship

SummerSlam 2026 closed with Roman Reigns still standing atop WWE, while Kevin Owens earned a future championship opportunity and Baron Corbin, Chelsea Green and Chad Gable left Minneapolis with newly won gold.

Triple H Confirms Brie Bella Injury At SummerSlam

WWE Hall of Famer Brie Bella may have suffered a significant shoulder injury during SummerSlam 2026 Night 1, according to comments made by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque following the event.

Bella competed alongside her sister Nikki Bella and Paige in a six-woman tag team match against Fatal Influence at SummerSlam inside Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium. While the match ended in defeat for the veteran trio, attention quickly shifted to Brie’s condition after fans noticed her favoring her right shoulder during the post-match angle.

Following Fatal Influence’s victory, Nikki Bella shocked the WWE Universe by attacking Paige. As the assault unfolded, Brie was seen on the outside clutching her shoulder, leading to speculation that she may have been injured during the match.

Triple H Provides Update On Brie Bella’s Condition

Speaking during the SummerSlam post-show press conference, Triple H confirmed that Brie had indeed suffered an injury and had been taken for further medical evaluation.

“Yeah, she’s injured,” Levesque said. “I don’t have an update yet. We’ve taken her. She was here, got some treatment done here, has been taken to the hospital to get some scans done. Don’t have a clean answer on it yet. I know she hurt her shoulder. It seems pretty bad, but I don’t have an answer yet. Hopefully we will soon. Hopefully, it won’t be as bad as we thought it was, but that’s the nature of the game.”

As of this writing, WWE has not released an official diagnosis or timetable regarding Bella’s recovery.

When Did The Injury Happen?

While the exact moment of the injury has not been confirmed, some fans have pointed to a spot involving Jacy Jayne and the steel ring steps during the match. However, there has been no official confirmation that the sequence was responsible for Bella’s shoulder issue.

Bella Twins Recently Returned To Full-Time WWE Action

The injury comes during a major comeback run for the Bella Twins.

Nikki Bella returned to WWE on a full-time basis in 2025, while Brie Bella made her in-ring return earlier this year during the Royal Rumble. Alongside Paige, Brie captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships for the first time in her career at WrestleMania 42.

The trio held the titles until last month’s Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden, where Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid defeated them to become the new champions.

Nikki herself only recently returned from an ankle injury that sidelined her following an incident in late March. SummerSlam marked her first match back in the ring.

With WWE still awaiting scan results, fans will be watching closely for further updates on Brie’s condition and whether the injury could impact the Bella Twins’ ongoing storyline following Nikki’s shocking betrayal of Paige.

WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night 1 Results

WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night 1 took place Saturday night and featured several major title matches, the return of Randy Orton, and a career-defining victory for Oba Femi inside Hell in a Cell.

Liv Morgan Retains WWE Women’s World Championship

The show opened with Liv Morgan defending the WWE Women’s World Championship against IYO SKY in a fast-paced battle. SKY appeared close to capturing the title on several occasions, even surviving interference from Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez.

After a series of dramatic near falls, Morgan capitalized on an opening and connected with Oblivion to score the pinfall victory and retain her championship.

Winner: Liv Morgan (retains WWE Women’s World Championship)

LA Knight, Royce Keys & Solo Sikoa Defeat The Bloodline

Six-man tag team action saw LA Knight, Royce Keys and Solo Sikoa square off against Jacob Fatu, Jey Uso and Big Jim Uso.

The match featured nonstop action with Royce Keys delivering several impressive power moves and Jacob Fatu bringing his usual intensity. The finish came after Solo neutralized Big Jim with a Samoan Spike, allowing Knight to hit the BFT on Jey Uso for the victory.

Winners: LA Knight, Royce Keys & Solo Sikoa

GUNTHER Submits Nick Aldis

Former SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis stepped into the ring against GUNTHER in one of the night’s most physical contests.

Aldis pushed the Ring General to his limit and nearly scored an upset after locking in the King’s Lynn Cloverleaf. However, GUNTHER weathered the storm and eventually trapped Aldis in the Gojira Clutch, forcing the submission.

Following the match, Aldis received a standing ovation from the crowd as Mickie James and their son joined him in the ring.

Winner: GUNTHER

Fatal Influence Defeat The Bella Twins & Paige

The returning Bella Twins teamed with Paige to take on Fatal Influence’s Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne and Lainey Reid.

The veteran trio battled back from an extended assault on Brie Bella, but Fatal Influence ultimately stole the win when Jacy Jayne connected with a rolling elbow on Paige.

After the match, the Bella Twins shocked the audience by turning on Paige. Nikki Bella led the attack and ended the assault with Rack Attack 2.0.

Winners: Fatal Influence

CM Punk Retains WWE Undisputed Championship Against Cody Rhodes

One of the most anticipated matches of the evening saw CM Punk defend the WWE Undisputed Championship against Cody Rhodes.

The two stars engaged in a lengthy back-and-forth battle filled with submission counters, near falls and dramatic momentum swings. Rhodes came within inches of victory multiple times, while Punk repeatedly targeted Cody with the Go To Sleep.

The match reached its climax when referee Charles Robinson was accidentally taken out. Moments later, Randy Orton made his surprise return and delivered an RKO to Rhodes before disappearing. Punk capitalized on the opening, hitting the Go To Sleep and scoring the pinfall once Robinson recovered.

Winner: CM Punk (retains WWE Undisputed Championship)

Oba Femi Defeats Brock Lesnar Inside Hell in a Cell

The main event featured Brock Lesnar facing Oba Femi inside Hell in a Cell.

The match quickly turned into a brutal war as both men used weapons and punished each other with devastating power moves. Lesnar delivered multiple F-5s and even exposed the wooden boards beneath the ring canvas before planting Femi with a Tombstone Piledriver.

Despite the punishment, Femi refused to stay down. The rising star battled back, knocked a chair from Lesnar’s hands and connected with Fall From Grace to secure the biggest victory of his career.

After the match, Lesnar returned to the ring with Paul Heyman and showed respect to Femi. Lesnar embraced him, declared Femi the future of WWE, and raised his hand before leaving the ring.

Winner: Oba Femi

WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night 1 Results

  • Liv Morgan def. IYO SKY to retain the WWE Women’s World Championship
  • LA Knight, Royce Keys & Solo Sikoa def. Jacob Fatu, Jey Uso & Big Jim Uso
  • GUNTHER def. Nick Aldis via submission
  • Fatal Influence def. The Bella Twins & Paige
  • CM Punk def. Cody Rhodes to retain the WWE Undisputed Championship
  • Oba Femi def. Brock Lesnar in a Hell in a Cell Match

SummerSlam Night 1 closed with Oba Femi standing tall after the biggest win of his WWE career, while CM Punk remained Undisputed Champion thanks in part to the shocking return of Randy Orton.

WWE SummerSlam 8/1/2026 and 8/2/2026 (Card)

WWE SummerSlam – Saturday August 1 and Sunday August 2 – US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota 

SummerSlam Night 1 Card

  • Undisputed WWE Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
  • Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Iyo Sky
  • Hell in a Cell: Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
  • Gunther vs. Nick Aldis
  • The Usos, Jacob Fatu vs. Royce Keys, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa
  • Fatal Influence vs. The Bella Twins & Paige

SummerSlam Night 2 Card

  • World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Seth Rollins
  • Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match: Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Lash Legend
  • Undisputed WWE No. 1 Contender’s Match: Finn Bálor vs. Sami Zayn
  • United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Baron Corbin
  • Intercontinental Championship: Penta (c) vs. Chad Gable
  • Human Monies on a Pole Match: Danhausen vs. Dominik Mysterio — $100,000 on the line

Nikki Bella Returns On WWE SmackDown, SummerSlam Six-Woman Tag Match Made

Nikki Bella is back in WWE.

The WWE Hall of Famer made a surprise return during Friday night’s SmackDown, coming to the rescue of Brie Bella and Paige after a post-match assault from Fatal Influence. The appearance marked Nikki’s first major WWE television appearance in months and immediately set the stage for a blockbuster match at SummerSlam.

Nikki Bella Saves Brie And Paige

The chaos unfolded after Brie Bella scored a victory over Lainey Reid, one-half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.

Following the match, Reid’s Fatal Influence allies Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley stormed the ring and launched an attack on Brie and Paige. With the numbers advantage in their favor, the champions appeared poised to leave their challengers laid out.

That changed when Nikki Bella’s music hit.

The WWE Hall of Famer rushed to the ring and quickly turned the tide, helping clear out Fatal Influence and giving Brie and Paige the chance to recover. Nikki capped off the return by planting Jayne with the Rack Attack 2.0 before standing over her fallen opponent.

As the crowd erupted, Nikki made her intentions clear, shouting that she was back before confronting Jayne face-to-face.

SummerSlam Match Confirmed

After Fatal Influence regrouped on the outside, Nikki grabbed a microphone and addressed the trio directly.

Bella accused the group of believing they could arrive from NXT, capture championship gold, and avoid consequences. She reminded them that veterans like herself, Brie, and Paige helped pave the way for the current generation of WWE women’s wrestlers.

She then issued a challenge that immediately became official.

Nikki announced that she, Brie Bella, and Paige will team up to face Fatal Influence in a six-woman tag team match at SummerSlam 2026.

The announcement adds another high-profile attraction to WWE’s biggest event of the summer and marks a rare in-ring reunion for the Bella Twins.

Legends Versus The New Generation

The matchup presents an intriguing clash between WWE legends and one of the company’s fastest-rising groups.

Fatal Influence has made a major impact since arriving on the main roster, capturing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships and establishing themselves as one of the division’s most dominant factions. Their success has often come at the expense of veteran stars, including Paige and Brie.

Now, with Nikki Bella entering the picture, the rivalry has escalated significantly.

For Nikki, the match will provide an opportunity to prove she can still compete at a high level while standing alongside two of the most influential figures in WWE women’s wrestling history.

For Fatal Influence, defeating three Hall of Fame-caliber names on one of WWE’s biggest stages would further cement their status as a force in the division.

SummerSlam Continues To Take Shape

With the six-woman tag match now official, SummerSlam continues to add major attractions ahead of the two-night event.

The return of Nikki Bella brings additional star power to the card and creates one of the most anticipated women’s matches of the weekend. Whether the veterans can roll back the clock or Fatal Influence can continue their rise remains to be seen, but Friday’s surprise return ensured that the rivalry just became one of the hottest stories heading into SummerSlam.

Nikki Bella’s comeback appearance received one of the loudest reactions of the night, and her reunion with Brie and Paige gives SummerSlam a marquee showdown between WWE legends and one of the company’s most controversial rising factions.

Rhea Ripley Ruled Out Of WWE SummerSlam, Interim Women’s Champion To Be Determined In A Ladder Match At SummerSlam

WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley will not be competing at SummerSlam, forcing WWE to make a major change to the championship picture heading into one of the company’s biggest events of the year.

Ahead of Friday night’s SmackDown, WWE announced that Ripley remains sidelined as she continues recovering from a torn meniscus. As a result, an interim WWE Women’s Champion will be crowned at SummerSlam in a high-stakes ladder match.

The announcement was made by WWE official Adam Pearce in a video shared on social media. While Pearce noted that Ripley has been making significant progress and is working closely with WWE’s medical team, he explained that the nature of the injury has prevented her from being medically cleared in time for the premium live event.

According to Pearce, Ripley’s return timetable remains uncertain, leading WWE to establish an interim champion until the reigning titleholder is able to return to competition.

To determine who will compete for the interim championship, WWE will hold a series of qualifying matches beginning on SmackDown and continuing over the next two weeks. Five women will earn spots in the SummerSlam ladder match, where they will battle for the right to carry the interim championship.

Pearce also confirmed that the situation will eventually be resolved when Ripley is cleared to return. At that point, the interim champion and Ripley will meet to determine the undisputed WWE Women’s Champion.

Ripley’s absence is a significant setback for WWE, as she has remained one of the company’s most prominent stars and a centerpiece of the women’s division. Despite the injury, Pearce emphasized that the champion has been working hard behind the scenes and appears to be nearing a return.

For now, though, the focus shifts to the upcoming qualifying matches and the ladder match at SummerSlam, where a new champion will be crowned while Ripley continues her recovery.

With one of WWE’s top titles now up for grabs, the race to become interim Women’s Champion is set to become one of the biggest storylines heading into SummerSlam.

Tiffany Stratton And Jade Cargill Advance To Interim Women’s Title Ladder Match At SummerSlam

Two spots in WWE’s upcoming Interim Women’s Championship Ladder Match at SummerSlam have officially been filled.

During Friday night’s SmackDown, Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill secured victories in qualifying matches to earn their places in the high-profile bout that will determine an interim champion while Rhea Ripley remains sidelined with injury.

Tiffany Stratton Overcomes Chaos To Qualify

Stratton’s path to SummerSlam wasn’t without obstacles.

Before her match against Jacy Jayne even got underway, members of Fatal Influence attempted to gain an advantage by attacking Stratton. However, the situation quickly escalated when Paige and Brie Bella rushed to ringside and went after Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley, leading to a wild brawl that spilled away from the ring.

Once the match officially began, Stratton quickly established control. She punished Jayne with a series of strikes and showcased her athleticism throughout the contest. After connecting with an Alabama Slam, Stratton maintained momentum despite a brief comeback from Jayne, who landed a swinging neckbreaker.

Jayne attempted to finish the match with her Rolling Encore, but Stratton countered the move and followed up with a rolling senton before delivering her signature Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the victory.

The win officially punched Stratton’s ticket to the SummerSlam ladder match.

Jade Cargill Advances Following Charlotte Flair Interference

The second qualifier of the night featured Jade Cargill taking on Nia Jax, with plenty of drama unfolding both inside and outside the ring.

Cargill entered the match accompanied by Michin and B-Fab, but outside interference ultimately played a major role in the outcome. After an evenly contested battle that saw Jax connect with a Samoan Drop and Cargill answer with a powerful spinebuster, Charlotte Flair became involved.

Flair attacked Michin at ringside before entering the ring and striking Cargill with a dropkick. The interference immediately brought the match to an end, resulting in Cargill being awarded the victory via disqualification.

Flair’s involvement didn’t stop there. Following the bell, she grabbed a steel chair and appeared ready to continue the assault, but Michin and B-Fab stepped in to even the odds. Moments later, Nia Jax attacked Flair before leaving the ring, creating another twist in the ongoing rivalry.

With Flair laid out, Cargill capitalized by planting her with Jaded and standing tall to close the segment.

Another Qualifier Set For Next Week

Following the match, WWE official Adam Pearce addressed the situation and announced that Nia Jax will receive another opportunity to qualify for the SummerSlam ladder match. Next week, Jax will face Charlotte Flair in a new qualifying bout, with the winner advancing to the championship contest.

With Stratton and Cargill now officially qualified, the field for the Interim Women’s Championship Ladder Match is beginning to take shape. Additional qualifying matches are expected over the coming weeks as WWE builds toward SummerSlam and the crowning of a temporary titleholder during Rhea Ripley’s absence.

Rhea Ripley Reveals Knee Injury, SummerSlam Status Remains Uncertain

WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley has confirmed that she is currently recovering from a knee injury that has kept her out of in-ring action for more than a month.

Speaking with Nina Drama during the July 10 Power Slap event, Ripley disclosed that she suffered a slight meniscus tear and is still working through the recovery process. While she noted that her knee has improved since the injury occurred, she admitted that it continues to limit her mobility.

According to Ripley, the injury has made it difficult to fully bend her knee, and certain movements still cause discomfort. She explained that the tear occurred in an unusual area, making it difficult to predict exactly how long recovery will take.

The reigning WWE Women’s Champion said she has been sidelined for approximately six weeks and is gradually regaining strength, though lingering pain and stiffness remain concerns. Ripley also noted that crouching, bending down, and moving laterally can still be challenging due to the injury.

Ripley’s most recent match took place at a WWE live event in Portugal on June 3. During that bout, she teamed with Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton in a victory over Fatal Influence. Footage from the event showed Ripley competing while wearing a knee sleeve, the same protective gear fans recently noticed during her appearance on SmackDown.

Despite not wrestling in recent weeks, Ripley has remained a prominent figure on WWE programming. Her latest appearance saw her confront several potential challengers, signaling that the women’s championship scene continues to revolve around her even while she recovers.

With SummerSlam now just weeks away, Ripley’s condition has become a major topic of discussion. Previous reports suggested WWE had already begun considering creative alternatives in case the champion’s recovery timeline extends longer than expected.

At this stage, WWE has not officially announced whether Ripley will be cleared to compete at the two-night premium live event. For now, fans will have to wait and see whether “Mami” can return to action in time for one of WWE’s biggest shows of the year.

As Ripley continues her rehabilitation, the status of the WWE Women’s Championship picture heading into SummerSlam remains one of the company’s biggest question marks.

Backstage Update On CM Punk’s WWE Title Win, SummerSlam Plans Revealed

CM Punk’s shocking Undisputed WWE Championship victory on Monday’s episode of Raw was reportedly about much more than giving the Chicago crowd a memorable hometown moment.

Punk returned to WWE television for the first time since WrestleMania 42 and stepped into the main event after Cody Rhodes was ruled unable to compete. Earlier in the night, Rhodes was attacked by GUNTHER and later deemed medically unfit to challenge champion Sami Zayn. That opened the door for Punk, who capitalized on the opportunity and defeated Zayn to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship.

While the title change came as a surprise to many fans, a new report from PWInsider Elite indicates that WWE’s creative team has been building toward a major summer program involving Punk for quite some time.

According to the report, the expectation backstage following Raw was that Punk will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Rhodes at SummerSlam. The match is said to have been part of WWE’s long-term plans, with the company reportedly considering the showdown for months.

The seeds for the rivalry were planted shortly after WrestleMania 42 when Punk and Rhodes shared a tense face-to-face confrontation on the first episode of Raw following the event. At one point, there were reportedly discussions about saving the match for WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, WWE ultimately shifted direction and is now expected to present the highly anticipated clash at SummerSlam instead.

Punk’s championship victory also brings a quick end to Sami Zayn’s first world title reign in WWE. Zayn captured the championship just nine days earlier at Night of Champions, achieving one of the biggest milestones of his career before dropping the title to Punk in Chicago.

As SummerSlam approaches, several major matches appear to be taking shape. Along with the expected Punk vs. Rhodes championship bout, Roman Reigns is reportedly set to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins. Meanwhile, GUNTHER is rumored to be heading into a feud with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis.

With the WWE title picture rapidly changing, questions now turn to what’s next for Zayn after his brief reign came to an end and whether he’ll be able to work his way back into championship contention heading into one of WWE’s biggest events of the year.

Backstage News on Brock Lesnar’s WWE Return at SummerSlam 2025

Brock Lesnar made headlines with his shocking return at SummerSlam 2025, appearing moments after Cody Rhodes dethroned John Cena to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. “The Beast Incarnate” marched down to the ring and laid out Cena with a brutal F5, instantly igniting what appears to be the final chapter in their long-running rivalry. But behind the scenes, Lesnar’s comeback wasn’t just a creative decision—it was a legally calculated move that’s been in the works for weeks.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, Lesnar was quietly cleared by WWE’s legal team roughly four weeks before his return. The delay in bringing him back reportedly stemmed from concerns surrounding the ongoing Janel Grant lawsuit, in which Lesnar’s name was indirectly tied to allegations against Vince McMahon. While WWE had previously stayed silent on Lesnar’s future, it appears they were simply waiting for the legal green light.

“It wasn’t a moral decision to keep him off TV,” Meltzer explained. “It was purely legal. The moment the lawyers said yes, he was back in the fold.”

Interestingly, Meltzer also revealed that WWE chose not to hold its usual post-SummerSlam press conference this year specifically to avoid media questions about Lesnar’s return and the legal situation surrounding it. Despite the controversy, Lesnar was never suspended or released during his absence. He remained under contract the entire time—and continued receiving his regular pay.

“They never fired Brock. He was always under contract. He was always getting paid,” Meltzer added.

While Lesnar’s return has received a mixed reaction from fans and critics alike, there’s no denying the buzz it’s generated heading into the fall. With Cena now locked into a farewell feud with his longtime rival, WWE is betting big on nostalgia and star power to carry the story forward—controversy and all.

WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 2 Results, Brock Lesnar Returns

Night 2 of WWE SummerSlam 2025 delivered the fireworks fans hoped for—and then some. Triple H opened the show with a passionate speech, declaring this the biggest SummerSlam in history. With the crowd fired up, the action kicked off with a stacked Women’s World Title triple threat and never let up. Let’s run down the biggest moments from an absolutely wild night in Cleveland.

Naomi made special ring entrance with her father playing guitar.

Naomi Retains in High-Octane Triple Threat

WWE Women’s World Championship
Naomi (c) def. Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY

The three-way bout between Naomi, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY was nonstop chaos from bell to bell. Naomi fought off both challengers with creativity and resilience, using everything from a split-legged moonsault to a crafty low enzuigiri to stay alive.

A mid-match Asai moonsault by SKY leveled both opponents on the floor, and a massive Avalanche Riptide from Ripley nearly sealed it—until Naomi snuck in with a schoolboy roll-up on Rhea, grabbing a handful of tights to keep her title in dramatic fashion.

TLC legends the Hardy Boyz and Dudley Boyz were in the crowd.

Wyatt 6 Survives Absolute Mayhem to Retain the Tag Titles

TLC Match – WWE Tag Team Championship
Wyatt 6 (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) (c) def. #DIY, Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns, Andrade & Rey Fenix, Fraxiom

The 25th anniversary of TLC got the tribute it deserved—and then some. In a wild six-team brawl featuring ladders, chairs, and more broken tables than a Dudley Boyz reunion, chaos reigned supreme. From Candice LeRae, B-Fab and Nikki Cross got involved. Candice taking a horrific ladder bump off a ladder in the ring through a ladder on the outside, to Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy fending off high-flying challengers at every turn, this was a match filled with carnage. Erick Rowan also got involved.

After Uncle Howdy interfered to wipe out DIY, the path was cleared for Lumis and Gacy to reclaim their place atop the tag division, retrieving the titles to remain champions.

Becky Lynch Survives a War Against Lyra Valkyria

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship – No DQ Match
Becky Lynch (c) def. Lyra Valkyria

This No Disqualification showdown got violent fast. Crowbars, toolboxes, steel chairs, and even fire extinguishers came into play as both women went to war. Valkyria showed incredible heart, fighting back even after being zip-tied, slammed into exposed steel, and blasted with a wrench.

Bayley made a shocking run-in late in the match, refusing to help Lynch but accidentally taking out Lyra instead. That allowed Becky to hit the Manhandle Slam and score the win, ending Valkyria’s hopes of another title shot while Lynch holds the gold.

Solo Sikoa Escapes Jacob Fatu in Brutal Cage Match

WWE United States Championship – Steel Cage Match
Solo Sikoa (c) def. Jacob Fatu

Two of WWE’s most dangerous heavy-hitters collided inside the steel, and the result was every bit as brutal as fans expected. Jacob Fatu seemed poised for victory, surviving interference from The Bloodline and breaking free from handcuffs at one point. But when Talla Tonga smashed the door into both men, it gave Solo just enough of an edge to crawl out and retain his United States Title.

Post-match, Fatu got a measure of revenge by moonsaulting off the cage onto the pile of Bloodline members below.

Dominik Mysterio Steals One From AJ Styles

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Dominik Mysterio (c) def. AJ Styles

AJ Styles came close to dethroning Dominik multiple times, but in true Mysterio fashion, Dom escaped with the title intact thanks to underhanded tactics. A loaded boot and a distracted ref helped him survive a grueling contest filled with classic reversals, near-falls, and a failed Eddie Guerrero chair trick.

Styles had the Calf Killer locked in multiple times, but Mysterio’s slipperiness (literally slipping out of his boot at one point) saved him once again. A frog splash sealed the deal after a ref bump, keeping the gold around Dirty Dom’s waist.

Stephanie McMahon in the ring to announce tonight’s attendance at 60,561 and the combined attendance of 113,722 for both nights of SummerSlam

Cody Rhodes Ends John Cena’s SummerSlam Legacy in a Street Fight Epic

WWE Undisputed Championship – Street Fight
Cody Rhodes def. John Cena (c)

In what may have been John Cena’s final SummerSlam match, he and Cody Rhodes tore the house down in a violent, emotionally charged street fight. Cena brought out steel steps, slammed Cody through announce tables, and even delivered an Avalanche AA through a table. But Cody refused to stay down.

Late in the match, Rhodes used a detached turnbuckle rod to pummel Cena, then survived two more Attitude Adjustments before finally landing an Avalanche Cody Cutter through a table and a series of Cross Rhodes to capture the WWE Undisputed Championship.

Post-match, Cena handed Rhodes the title and raised his hand before taking in one last ovation—until Brock Lesnar suddenly hit the ring and delivered a shocking F-5 to Cena, sending a disturbing message on the final note of the show.

Other Notables:

  • Celebrities like Jelly Roll, Michelle McCool, Tyrese Haliburton, Mr. Iguana, Psycho Clown and other stars were shown in the audience.
  • AAA’s Triplemania XXXIII got a plug for August 16