SummerSlam, one of World Wrestling Entertainment’s biggest events of the year, is upon us amid the shadow of Vince McMahon’s sudden retirement from the company.
Roman Reigns defends his undisputed WWE universal championship against longtime adversary Brock Lesnar. But could Theory, who owns the Money in the Bank contract, end the night with the titles held high?
Here’s a look at what to watch at SummerSlam.
How to watch
Date: Saturday, July 30
Time: Preshow at 5 p.m. MT, main card at 6 p.m.
Place: Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.
TV: Peacock
Colorado connections
WWE United States champion Bobby Lashley lives in Parker.
Key questions
What’s going on with Vince McMahon?
The 76-year-old McMahon, who was the CEO and chairman of the WWE, on July 22 announced his retirement amid an investigation into alleged misconduct. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, he had paid more than $12 million over the last 16 years in order to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity. Federal investigations into the matter, according to WSJ, sped up his retirement.
Who’s in charge now?
The company’s board of directors on July 25 announced that Nick Khan and Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon’s daughter, will serve as co-CEOs of the company. Stephanie McMahon will also take on the role of chairwoman of the board.
The card
The Mysterios (Dominik and Rey Mysterio) vs. The Judgment Day (Damian Priest and Finn Balor)
No disqualification tag team match
Who should win: Judgment Day.
The Mysterios have been feuding with The Judgment Day since the latter turned on the group’s leader and founder, Edge. The Judgment Day feels like they have the advantage, especially with the return of Rhea Ripley to the fold. And if it’s time for the group to adopt Dominik into their fold, this could be it.
Who will win: Judgment Day.
Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Theory
WWE United States championship
Singles match
Who should win: Lashley
Theory is getting a shot at reclaiming his belt after Lashley defeated the 24 year old at Money in the Bank on July 2. But he also won the Money in the Bank ladder match that night. Look for Lashley to win and retain his title. Theory? He’s been teasing that he might cash for a world title shot in later in the night after the Reigns-Lesnar match.
Who will win: Lashley
Pat McAfee vs. Happy Corbin
Singles match
Who should win: McAfee
Corbin was offended by the SmackDown commentator’s comments over the past few months and confronted him on June 17. Since then, they’ve traded barbs and attacks, which will culminate with the former Colts teammates squaring off in the ring. McAfee. 35, has been impressive — and wildly popular — in his three (well four, if you include his bout with Vince McMahon at ‘Mania) matches with the company. A win would be a nice feel-good moment.
Who will win: McAfee.
Liv Morgan (c) vs. Ronda Rousey
WWE SmackDown women’s champion
Singles match
Who should win: Morgan.
The plucky underdog Morgan won the title after cashing in her Money in the Bank contract hours after winning the briefcase earlier this month. Her run as champion has barely started — let her have a least one feud under her belt before she loses the title. Rousey, meanwhile, has been somewhat lackluster since returning at the Royal Rumble in January. It’s a little difficult to see her lose in a straight one-on-one match with Morgan, but a possible returning wrestler or two could affect the outcome and give both women better feuds in the coming months.
Who will win: Morgan
Logan Paul vs. The Miz
Singles match
Who should win: Paul.
Paul, the YouTube star turned moonlighting pro boxer, was impressive in his wrestling debut at WrestleMania this year. He signed a multi-event deal with the WWE earlier this year, according to ESPN, and a loss here would seemingly take momentum out of his sails. Looks for Paul to defeat The Miz. And hopefully by nefarious means — he comes off way better as a bad guy. Embrace the dark side, Logan.
Who will win: Paul.
Bianca Belair (c) vs. Becky Lynch
WWE Raw women’s championship
Singles match
Who should win: Belair.
It’s been fascinating watching Lynch slowly descend into madness after losing her title to Belair. Let’s hope these two put on as good of a match as the gem had at WrestleMania.
Who will win: Belair.
The Usos (c) vs. The Street Profits
Undisputed WWE tag team championship
Tag team match
Guest referee: Jeff Jarrett
Who should win: The Street Profits.
As visually appealing as it is to see the Bloodline (The Usos and their cousin Roman Reigns) hold on to all those titles, the tag belts feel like they would be better off used in another feud. Jarrett — the WWE Hall of Famer who is also wrestling in Ric Flair’s final pro wrestling match on Sunday’s pay-per-view for Jim Crockett Promotions — is a wild card in this match.
Who will win: The Street Profits.
Roman Reigns (c) vs. Brock Lesnar
Undisputed WWE universal championship
Last man standing match
Who should win: Reigns.
For what seems like the umpteenth time, these two are facing off against one another. There’s little reason for Lesnar to emerge victorious. He returned in June and immediately went back for a feud with Reigns, who had won their winner-takes-all match at WrestleMania in April. Reigns shouldn’t lose here. His reign as universal champion is nearly 700 days and a tenure that long shouldn’t stop outside of WrestleMania.
Who will win: Reigns.
