WWE SummerSlam 2026 Special

[00:01] Then... (audience cheering)

[00:15] (dramatic theme music) (dramatic theme music) Together.

[00:32] Minneapolis will be home to SummerSlam. the biggest championship matches all streaming live This year's SummerSlam goes even further

[00:46] It'll be Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar, Hell in a Cell. (haunting music)

[01:00] (choir vocalizing) in the history of WWE.

[01:15] One of the most cruel structures ever devised. This merciless steel prison.

[01:28] 20 feet tall. The dangerous, perilous, hazardous structure.

[01:40] The cell will break bones. It will shred flesh. You can't escape this nightmare.

[01:55] in a Cell. (haunting music)

[02:11] and welcome to the SummerSlam special. and the former WWE Champion, Big E.

[02:23] What makes SummerSlam so special for you every year? This is the WrestleMania of the summer it's just the fact that you have WrestleMania,

[02:37] And then you get late in the summer. It's setting the table for the fall. Let's tell you everything you need to know.

[02:51] It's streaming on the ESPN app Cody Rhodes and CM Punk are going at it The past couple of weeks,

[03:06] they've gone from friends to tension and paranoia. Plus, the Women's Championship. They met up at Queen of the Ring.

[03:23] Liv Morgan found out quickly IYO SKY wants back at her That should be an epic. It's the biggest.

[03:35] And as we have said, the most unforgiving. and unforgiving competitors in combat sports, Oba and Brock, Hell in a Cell.

[03:48] and show you the full day of action you're in store for on Saturday, August 1st from U.S. Bank Stadium Streaming on ESPN, day one of SummerSlam.

[04:01] Big E, what is getting your attention on this card? We've seen Royce Keys, this powerhouse on SmackDown. But man, that Solo Sikoa.

[04:16] we talked about it earlier. I'm expecting a big showing from him at SummerSlam. But for me, this is like the,

[04:31] wrestling fans' answer. That to me, I can't believe we're getting it. ever since we saw Nick Aldis walk in as a GM,

[04:45] This is a guy who can still go Relinquishing his duties as GM because Gunther has pushed a man too far

[05:00] But then take a look at what you need to know than the World Heavyweight Championship. The rivalry spanning the run in The Shield,

[05:16] and now this stage of their career Plus, Rhea Ripley is injured so we will have an interim Women's World Championship

[05:31] decided by way of a ladder match. what happens with these five competitors who have championships, who have Hall of Fame resumes.

[05:45] Yes, Danhausen! and The Judgment Day. in a Human-Money-on-a-Pole match.

[06:01] Only Danhausen could come up with that stipulation. So, Sunday, August 2nd, Big E, what's got you excited?

[06:13] I knew you'd say that. Look man, the run that Gable had in AAA, Truly one of the best in-ring technicians

[06:25] Man, I think bell to bell, if you love professional wrestling, this is your match. For me, that ladder match, any time you go into a match,

[06:37] knowing you are getting a new champion crowned, And also, with some of the women we have in that matchup, Jade Cargill and Charlotte, they have been at odds lately,

[06:50] Still to come on our SummerSlam special, Hell in a Cell has really helped define careers. But as Oba and Brock get ready to clash, we wonder,

[07:07] The list is revealed, and there's plenty of gold on hold. We'll discuss Punk defending against Cody,

[07:19] of his career rival Seth Rollins. who most recently had the Undisputed Championship. on the biggest party of the summer.

[07:35] Don't go anywhere. the Undisputed WWE Championship.

[07:47] CM Punk and Cody Rhodes against his longtime friend and brother, Cody Rhodes.

[08:02] CM Punk, CM Punk! that the Undisputed WWE Champion needed a challenger.

[08:14] CM Punk catches them. as the new WWE Champion!

[08:29] come and get it. ("Kingdom" by Downstait) Championship opportunities that fall out of the sky.

[08:47] and then there's championship matches that have been building for years. I assume you're talking about CM Punk and Cody Rhodes.

[09:01] because me and you are friends But I don't think you and I can run away When I was champion, I think what I said to you was,

[09:16] And I don't know if that's the situation now When? (dramatic theme music)

[09:30] Two of the biggest names in history collide CM Punk defends against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam.

[09:45] And then much more has been said the past couple weeks. in the face at Fanatics Fest. that friendship no longer matters.

[10:01] Here's CM Punk with our Cathy Kelley. that this is a combat sport.

[10:15] And at the highest level, we are both ultra competitive. I was hoping it didn't come to this. Feels like maybe he is.

[10:28] The night of SummerSlam, the main event. You mentioned that you guys are brothers Do you think that this match could potentially change

[10:40] I was hoping it wouldn't, it seems impossible to avoid that. we have yet to see.

[10:54] But it is my intention, when the bell rings, If he has to have a chip on his shoulder that's what he needs to do to rise to the occasion,

[11:09] See you in Minneapolis and good luck. Thank you. how quickly that trust has eroded away

[11:22] Look, I don't want to make this about me, to be at the top. and everyone is jockeying for that top position.

[11:35] This feud right here, this is not about personal hatred. This is about who wants to be the very best, who wants to be the face of the company.

[11:47] He is putting friendship aside to say, of this company. These four guys are all four who believe we are the guys.

[12:04] We are the people that everything should be built around. And I'm not saying that Punk and Cody don't have But if you expect, at least me,

[12:20] about their friendship as they do that championship and success in WWE, sorry, color me dubious, the guy.

[12:34] from Minnesota this weekend. It has been named a number one contender's match Finn Bálor against Sami Zayn.

[12:49] Hey, let's welcome in the recent Undisputed WWE Champion, Sami, we recently heard you demanding that you would be part of the Cody-Punk Championship match

[13:01] "Should be" part, right. Instead, you land in this number one contender's match. understanding the match you're in,

[13:16] how accepting are you of this match with Finn Bálor? would not be thrilled, and I'm not thrilled, obviously.

[13:29] I pinned Cody Rhodes in the middle of the ring, And, you know, I just think it's crazy that somehow...

[13:43] Punk was put into the position that he was put into You know, whatever. But the fact that I don't get a rematch,

[13:59] that Cody, who I just beat, is perfectly lined up The way that both of these guys got their championship It was extremely easy for them.

[14:14] I'm put in a position where I have to earn it. as if I haven't been doing that already for the last,

[14:26] Sure. I'm used to it. because what else can I do?

[14:40] I am a big Justice for Sami guy. has not been right. to sort of follow up on Joe's question more specifically,

[14:52] how do you put everything that's happened behind you to focus on a former world champion and a true great It's just muscle memory.

[15:05] for a very, very long time. catch a raw deal every now and again, you know, erase your memory real quick,

[15:21] And like you said, Finn Bálor, look, I... Unbelievable, I can't say enough good things about him

[15:33] And, you know, he has his own journey, too. It's not actually terribly dissimilar for me He won it, held it for a day because of an injury,

[15:46] and get back to that for 10 years. it felt like something and I just had to keep beating my head against the wall

[16:01] So I think we're in some ways kind of in similar situations. but again, I just don't feel like... I just held the championship about, what, 20 days ago.

[16:15] This time, three weeks ago, I was the champion. and already be put back in this position, But, you know, look, I'm good at this.

[16:30] and swallowing the injustice, You know, swallowing it and just taking it on the chin and getting ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

[16:43] Sami, you and Finn, a lot of people would argue, are really pioneers in establishing this style Do you think about your history and your importance

[16:56] going into this match, or is all that out the window? In really what you and Finn did 15, 20 years ago

[17:08] Is that something that you think about grinding Do you think about that history I think about it, but not in the healthiest way.

[17:22] you know, and I don't want it like this Like, there's a lot to it. One part is obviously just the way my championship reign

[17:35] went down and how I've been put on the outs immediately. But, you know, the other part of it is just this sort of... Let's try to just narrow it down to career-long feeling

[17:49] And I appreciate you saying that, E, because you were there. when these changes were happening. You saw how it kind of changed the style.

[18:04] over the 15 years or 10 years since then. The credit always goes elsewhere. So it actually means a lot for me to hear you say that.

[18:18] So sometimes I do think about that, About like, look what I did and nobody notices it. and the style wouldn't even be this way

[18:33] I don't think it's the healthiest thing in the world, Just more rage. what you get is if you win on Sunday,

[18:47] And we look forward to seeing that at SummerSlam. you know, and I'm sure Finn is too. I agree.

[19:01] Both of us are very hungry for this championship. and I'm not taking it lightly. Best of luck, Sami.

[19:14] Sami Zayn and Finn Bálor from Minneapolis. E, let me ask you this about Sami Zayn. He's talking about the past, the recent past title.

[19:29] can lock in in the present, in the now with this? when he is this frazzled, gotten-to version of himself.

[19:41] To have been in WWE for this long, And to feel like someone who has been on the shelf take that opportunity, and now get to the back of the line,

[19:56] You're sounding like a Justice for Sami guy also. Hey, still to come, gold hangs above the ring It'll explode at SummerSlam.

[20:11] to tell us what she thinks of her chances. The WWE World Heavyweight Championship is on the line But up next, Chapter 3 of Oba and Brock

[20:28] One of the most famous Hell in a Cell matches That's next.

[20:44] So SummerSlam, you're sure, 100% sure? and I will be the one to put an end to it!

[20:57] your 2026 King of the Ring, Oba Femi! she's not finished with me.

[21:13] A choice has to be made. (audience cheering) King of the Ring.

[21:25] I have not watched the show. I gotta rely on Mr. Heyman over here. Paul tells me that you're really good at calling me names.

[21:39] Like, when I'm not here, you call Brock Lesnar When I'm not here, you call Brock Lesnar a You've got a pretty big decision to make.

[21:53] You know what they say... Get hit.

[22:05] (audience cheering) And you said I called you names behind your back.

[22:20] You're in front of me and you're still a Me and you, one on one. Oba Femi versus Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.

[22:34] But here's one condition. in a Cell. No more games!

[22:49] Oba Femi against Brock Lesnar, The Beast. Hell in a Cell after what we saw at WrestleMania 42. After what we saw in Turin and Clash in Italy.

[23:01] Brock Lesnar homecoming for Hell in a Cell. ♪ We got a lot of baggage ♪

[23:13] Well, Oba, I think it's safe to say there's Brock Lesnar and then there's Brock Lesnar inside Hell in a Cell. What is it about this type of match

[23:25] that makes it such a daunting challenge for anyone? is the fact that he spent over a decade fighting

[23:37] which is why people might give the upper hand to Brock. But then again, I'd never been to WrestleMania. And I still made it happen.

[23:52] and how people say this is his match. I think it's high time we start thinking about how Oba Femi puts away Brock Lesnar for good.

[24:05] Okay, well, with that being said, what can fans expect A collision of seismic proportion. That is what you should expect.

[24:22] 14,000 pounds of steel and chain link reinforce that framing Anything goes, of course, an extreme match.

[24:37] And the cell itself becomes a weapon of sorts. Well, first of all, everyone just gets so excited That may be my only regret so far.

[24:49] I kind of wish it was Oba who yelled, Hell in a Cell. Here's the thing E, I think is being overlooked. We tend to always think that everything sort of chaotic

[25:03] Brock doesn't have a ton of cell experience. And we know how dangerous he is. that this structure benefits Brock Lesnar?

[25:18] And I think too often the discourse too is But I think also the level of risk that wrestlers... and knowing the legacy of matches that have come before you.

[25:35] you want to have the most exciting match. take that level of risk, Yes, the matches that have come before.

[25:49] So we figured, you know what? Hell in a Cell! Anytime you're in this sadistic structure, it's a problem.

[26:03] But at Armageddon 2000, the only thing more sadistic And as you see, Hall of Famer after Hall of Famer, E. Austin, Triple H, Rikishi, Taker, Kurt Angle.

[26:17] Let's go to 2005. These two really put it all on the line. You see the sledgehammer.

[26:31] as your World Heavyweight Champion. Recent 2021, but do not sleep on Bayley and Bianca. you have to raise the level because you're in the cell.

[26:48] At number 7, we go to No Mercy 2002. Imagine your debut year being in a Hell in a Cell match

[27:01] Holding your own and beating The Deadman. And now you see two guys, the best of friends, And where do the worst of enemies go to settle things?

[27:15] Triple H and Shawn Michaels at Bad Blood. This is my first year in the company watching these two. So sadistic and moving like a snake,

[27:31] Beats John Cena to win the WWE Championship. but this time with The Deadman, But don't sleep, HBK never scared to go head-to-head

[27:47] But when Undertaker's brother Kane showed up, seeing Cody take that jacket off, seeing the torn pec. but to put on a classic.

[28:03] Beautiful, beautiful match. And this is not recency bias. Bad Blood in 2024, a classic.

[28:16] CM Punk and Drew McIntyre had absolutely had enough. his family, his dog disrespected. And last, but certainly not least,

[28:29] as a member of WWE. seeing the drama, the absolute drama. There he is.

[28:43] this was over right there. That's like the most classic Tombstone kick out But in the end, it's that moment

[28:55] The faces of a generation after their Hell in a Cell match. Oba and Brock coming up at SummerSlam. And coming up next on our SummerSlam special on ESPN.

[29:10] Once brothers in The Shield, enemies ever since. WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the line. to the WWE Interim Women's World Championship Ladder Match.

[29:27] to talk about her chances at SummerSlam. ♪ Small ones know where to find ♪ The Never Seen 17 Collection.

[29:43] During my farewell tour, I didn't have the opportunity That's why the Never Seen 17 Collection was created. A full line of products customized for 17 iconic cities.

[29:56] that meant the most to me in my time. Available exclusively in the Club WWE Members Shop.

[30:10] as WWE Radio is up and live, off and running. All the WWE podcasts now there as well as live audio

[30:23] That means this weekend's SummerSlam will be the first major live coverage 24/7. And you know they're going to be talking

[30:35] about the World Heavyweight Championship. with Seth Rollins. There are just some things in life that are certain.

[30:50] and Seth Rollins beats Roman Reigns time.

[31:02] is the Tribal Chief's number one hater. but that's the only thing he's number one at.

[31:14] I'll show you what number one looks like. I thank you so much for keeping my title warm for me. I will take this from you at SummerSlam.

[31:27] I'll see you next time you want to show up for work. What if you do win? and get hurt again?

[31:42] and the pressure and the burden of being the top guy around here. Because after all these years,

[31:57] to become champion. I'm number one, always gonna be number one.

[32:09] (audience cheering) That all you can come up with? I am Seth Freakin' Rollins.

[32:25] that I am not you. Where's your bloodline now?

[32:41] I know who I am! (dramatic theme music) Rollins with the microphone.

[32:55] (dramatic theme music)

[33:11] The depth of the foundation dug to build this World Heavyweight Championship is incomparable. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins meeting up now at SummerSlam.

[33:25] Most people don't get to the top making some tough decisions. the, maybe

[33:38] while condemning some of the things that Roman has had to do You know, I don't actually make a ton of apologies OK!

[33:52] Because look, there are some people, he was born into the right family. There are some guys who are gonna be like, hey,

[34:06] the Larry O'Brien Trophy. There are some guys penciled in That's Roman Reigns.

[34:19] to fly to the Hamptons and go to the White Party. And for me, I was chasing that for a long time. You're playing a different hand than he was.

[34:34] in that sense. the things that he was, you know? And he's done the things he needs to do to keep that spot.

[34:46] too many apologies for the way we've gone about things. We're running two different races, It took me a really long time to go, okay,

[35:00] And actually, I don't want to be Roman Reigns. and I think that's the important part. I can talk to my daughter about my career,

[35:16] and sharing that with them. but in talking about this match this week,

[35:28] and the immediate future of who is going to shape and control things on this landscape of WWE because if you didn't really think about it much,

[35:43] I think the average person default goes, oh, Like, that's what they're used to seeing. what's his win percentage over the last six years?

[35:55] But when you really think about if Seth were what that says about the future of the business, what that says about this second incarnation going

[36:09] it really, it changes the story. And what I find really fascinating hearing Seth talk about him and Roman is, and he's mentioned this on TV,

[36:23] is he feels like, it feels like he's in a position now where he has accepted, I'm not going to be Roman Reigns. I think he is now making peace with his career,

[36:36] does losing that little bit of fire, does that make him a lesser performer? with that confidence knowing, I am who I am,

[36:52] That's the big championship match come Sunday. because Rhea Ripley is injured. But the interim Women's World Championship will be decided

[37:08] The rivals of Jade Cargill and Charlotte Flair are in it. back home in Minnesota. And also in the ladder match, Chelsea Green.

[37:23] who will be taking part Chelsea Green joins our special. I think back to 2024 at Money in the Bank

[37:37] The next thing you know you're falling all the way down How do you prepare for something like this? Because look, one thing about me is that

[37:50] I'm flying by the seat of my pants. that I may need to get over my fear of heights We've got 24 hours off and I will be setting up a ladder

[38:07] And that's as far as it goes. We have seen so much about your life on Unreal. We know how much you winning gold means to you.

[38:25] What would it mean to win the big one at SummerSlam? Can you even sort of put your mind around So I was thinking about this last night.

[38:38] you know, it's really a win-win for me. Because if I go into this nobody expected me to win.

[38:52] and I beat Charlotte, Jade, the chosen one. And the baddest B or whatever.

[39:06] Tiffany, who's now a multi-time champion within the company. If I beat them, Because an underdog beat them.

[39:21] the WWE Women's Championship beat them. So really, it's all good for me. with a lot of former world champions.

[39:36] With some major players in the WWE. we don't see enough of you in these PLE matches. you have going into an opportunity

[39:49] At this point now, I've been wrestling since 2014. I, my whole career has been wanting to be in these PLEs.

[40:04] Wanting to be surrounded by 30, 40, 50,000 people. And I feel like I haven't got that chance. I think it's a little bit more than the rest of the girls

[40:20] who get these opportunities every second month. of course, was Money in the Bank. That was a long time ago.

[40:34] So I have got so much in me that I'm willing to give when I do get in front of the WWE Universe at this capacity. It's the Interim WWE Women's World Championship

[40:48] Best of luck, Chelsea Green. Thank you. when it comes to this ladder match,

[41:00] have been at odds with each other. after Jade injured Alexa Bliss. and two big stars in this match

[41:15] that it could create opportunities and openings And that's the thing with a match like this, is if you get too locked in on someone

[41:31] But I think this match is really going to be physical. they're working with chips on their shoulders. a perennial world champion,

[41:46] And I still think there's so much gas left in the tank. who are really out to prove to both of you guys.

[42:00] Chelsea Green or Tiffany Stratton? Which may mean there's something to prove. Yeah, that's a great question.

[42:13] Speaking of other big moments we could have That is Liv Morgan against IYO SKY. Remember, she defeated Liv Morgan.

[42:26] So usually the champion goes into a match like this But it's the challenger, IYO SKY, who just beat Liv Morgan. We talked about her not getting that opportunity

[42:41] We talk so often about her being the best in-ring performer, She hasn't had the same opportunities So I think she is going to go into this match

[42:54] And I also wonder, is Liv too distracted with Danhausen, It's a fascinating matchup because I think and look at sort of the obvious skill sets,

[43:10] if you were to go survey the locker room, in either locker room. But that doesn't account for heart.

[43:24] And that doesn't account for championship mettle. When we come back, the SummerSlam questions

[43:36] Who will be the breakout star, the superstar that we are And how many title changes do our experts think We're closing in on one of the great

[43:49] And it's streaming on ESPN this entire weekend. (hip-hop music)

[44:02] Roman, Seth. Brock, Oba.

[44:14] Yeah, it's about to be wild. And it is coming your way from U.S. Bank Stadium.

[44:27] at 3:00 PM Eastern on ESPN before 6:00 PM What's getting your attention beyond CM Punk

[44:39] getting my stretches right, coming this weekend. it is going to be absolute chaos.

[44:52] So those are the matches on Saturday for SummerSlam. into this on Sunday, Peter. obviously all eyes are on Seth Rollins,

[45:05] Roman Reigns, the future of the industry is on the line. Scott Van Pelt, Danhausen, the faces of ESPN.

[45:18] Danhausen and Dominik Mysterio, Human-Monies-on-a-Pole, I mean, only in the world of Danhausen But it is coming your way, SummerSlam Sunday.

[45:32] about the championship matches but it always seems there's a talked-about superstar who is an X Factor or somebody who we didn't expect.

[45:46] I think someone we're sleeping on a little bit right now what she's done with Fatal Influence. but she's someone who in NXT has really proven

[46:02] she'll really show out at SummerSlam. By the way, Nikki Bella back with Brie and Paige, I think she'll have something to prove as well.

[46:14] And it's funny, you bring up Jacy, the other day, and there is something about her And everyone's asking, you know, who is this Jacy Jayne?

[46:27] For me, though, I'm very excited to see He debuted at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh. He's starting to find his legs.

[46:41] the power that this man is. When he delivers that, it is something-he's with LA Knight, Solo Sikoa against The Bloodline, The Usos, and Jacob Fatu.

[46:55] Okay, we have many championships that are on the line. Remember, one's a cheat. So that's one is happening.

[47:07] I think in addition to that, I think we get two more Is there anything you want to call? I like Seth Rollins.

[47:20] And that is gonna get a lot of the OTC fans upset. I like where his head's at right now. I can't stand the heat, I'm staying out of the kitchen.

[47:37] a few titles change hands. and go, can you believe we have two days And a reminder, it comes to you Saturday starting

[47:53] at 3:00 PM Eastern with the countdown to SummerSlam. on the ESPN app at 6:00 PM Eastern. It's here.