With WWE preparing for its first-ever two-night SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium, the main events for the massive show have reportedly been determined. According to a new report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the company has slated two major world championship matches to close out each night of the August event.
The main event for Night 1 is expected to be the World Heavyweight Championship clash between Gunther and CM Punk. This generational showdown comes after Punk won a grueling No. 1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match to earn the title shot. He now faces a dominant champion in Gunther, who is coming off a career-defining victory where he retired Goldberg at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
For Night 2, the Undisputed WWE Championship match between John Cena and Cody Rhodes is planned for the final slot. The report notes there has been internal discussion about adding a stipulation, though nothing is confirmed. This high-stakes WrestleMania 41 rematch was set after Rhodes won the 2025 King of the Ring tournament. The contest is a critical moment in Cena’s ongoing retirement tour, which is scheduled to conclude in late 2025, and marks what is expected to be his final appearance at SummerSlam.
These two headline bouts anchor a card filled with other high-profile encounters. A celebrity tag team match will see Randy Orton team with country music star Jelly Roll to take on Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul. The card also features several other significant championship matches, including Rhea Ripley challenging for the Women’s World Title against Naomi and IYO SKY, and Becky Lynch defending her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Lyra Valkyria.