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div>SummerSlam is usually dubbed as the “Biggest Party of the Summer,” and the 2024 edition appears to be gearing up for an intense showdown. The feuds on the card have escalated, with some simmering tensions reaching boiling points after brewing for most of 2024.
CM Punk and Rhea Ripley make their return, Gunther and Nia Jax earn world title matches after winning the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments. Cody Rhodes continues his rivalry with The Bloodline as he faces Solo Sikoa for the Undisputed WWE title. Bron Breakker vies for the Intercontinental championship against Sami Zayn. Meanwhile, Logan Paul is set to host the event in Cleveland, raising questions about LA Knight’s potential victory as the United States champion.
With six titles at stake, SummerSlam could mark a transformative night in recent WWE history. As tensions run high throughout the card, let’s delve into the ranking of the matches at SummerSlam, beginning with the most anticipated showdown of the night.
1. Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk with Seth Rollins as special guest referee
If injuries hadn’t sidelined them back in January, Drew McIntyre might not have faced CM Punk at SummerSlam.
Originally, it could have been a rematch between Punk and Rollins for the World Heavyweight title after their showdown at WrestleMania in Philadelphia last April. Fate played its hand, leading to McIntyre clashing with Punk, likely to determine the 2024 Hater of the Year.
Since the Royal Rumble, Punk and McIntyre have been at odds, with McIntyre hoping for Punk’s downfall while Punk sets out to prevent his rival from becoming the World Heavyweight champion. With Rollins, who respects McIntyre but detests Punk, as the guest referee, the match has ascended to almost WrestleMania levels.
Months of rivalry have featured intense brawls, controversial referees, social media spats, and compelling promos. Fans can anticipate another summer classic to unfold.
2. Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley explains why being authentic has helped her and other WWE superstars resonate with the audience.
The other focal point on Raw following WrestleMania was the rise of Liv Morgan. Ripley’s injury post-WrestleMania put her on the sidelines, allowing Liv to seize the opportunity by defeating Becky Lynch for the Women’s World title at King and Queen of the Ring. Liv gradually inserted herself into Ripley’s Judgment Day faction, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown. The feud’s essence lies in Morgan’s character development and the involvement of Ripley’s partner, Dominik Mysterio, who could sway the championship fight.
Morgan aims to reclaim everything Ripley took from her, stemming from an injury in July 2023. The former tag team partners have been on a collision course, with Morgan shadowing Ripley at every turn, waiting for her moment to strike.
As the smaller champion, Morgan has employed psychological tactics to disrupt Judgment Day and win over Mysterio, despite his apparent dismissal on a recent Raw episode. The culmination of their rivalry awaits at SummerSlam, where a new chapter in the champion-challenger dynamic could unfold.
3. Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Solo Sikoa
The Rhodes vs. Sikoa feud has evolved through various stages since Jey and Jimmy Uso’s younger brother debuted on the main roster in 2022. Sikoa initially challenged the reigning WWE champion, Rhodes, as he prepared for Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. Their conflict intensified leading up to WrestleMania 40. Now, Sikoa stands as his own man, heading his own Bloodline and seeking redemption for past losses.
“The American Nightmare,” Cody Rhodes, may step into the ring against Solo Sikoa alone, yet the sense lingers that he has more support than meets the eye. Speculation hints at Reigns’ return to WWE after a four-month hiatus at the “Biggest Party of the Summer,” setting the stage for an intense battle at SummerSlam.
The Universal champion may transform Cleveland Browns Stadium into a scene reminiscent of a Super Bowl victory with a game-winning touchdown drive at the last second.
Reigns’ return could potentially overshadow the match between Rhodes and Sikoa. It might lead to either a trilogy match between Rhodes and Reigns or the start of a Bloodline Civil War as two factions within the family vie for control.
In the World Heavyweight Championship bout, Damian Priest will defend his title against Gunther at SummerSlam. Priest has proven himself as a formidable champion, facing challenges head-on despite interference from adversaries like Judgment Day and CM Punk. Gunther, the longest-reigning Intercontinental champion, poses a significant threat, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
The WWE Women’s Championship match will feature Bayley defending her title against Nia Jax in a classic David versus Goliath scenario. While Bayley has excelled as the Women’s champion, Jax’s return and alliance with Ms. Money in the Bank, Tiffany Stratton, present a formidable challenge that Bayley may struggle to overcome.
Sami Zayn will defend his WWE Intercontinental Championship against Bron Breakker, a rising star in the WWE. Zayn, known for his underdog persona, faces a fierce competitor in Breakker, setting the stage for an exciting clash at SummerSlam.
Logan Paul’s reign as the WWE United States champion will be put to the test as he faces LA Knight, who is determined to secure his first singles title. The rivalry between Paul and Knight promises to deliver a compelling showdown, with both competitors aiming for victory at SummerSlam.
Overall, the upcoming matches at SummerSlam are set to provide fans with thrilling entertainment and high-stakes competition.
