WWE SummerSlam 2025 Pre-Show Breakdown (August 2): Full Matchcard, Storylines and What's at Stake
The pageantry opening of WWE SummerSlam 2025 has begun at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It's the first-ever two-night SummerSlam in history and marks history for night one.
Night 1, August 2, will feature action, rivalries and moments to remember in front of thousands of fans in the arena. Before we get into the headline-making main card action, let's take a look at how the pre-show set the stage with expert breakdown, hot teases and intrigue for the stories coming home to roost.
Gunther vs. CM Punk headlines night 1 with world title implications
As far as matchups go, one of the highlights of the night would have to be the World Heavyweight Championship match featuring Gunther vs CM Punk.
Dominant and technical, Gunther has established himself as one of WWE's most dangerous champions. CM Punk, in contrast, is a man on the mission, for redemption and glory, hungry for the first taste of gold he's experienced in over 10 years.
Countdown to SummerSlam Saturday: August 2, 2025
The longstanding rivalry between these two wrestling powerhouses is months in the making and should close out Night 1. Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill: WWE Women's Championship (Women's Division).
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It will be a battle of two star prospects, as Cargill brings all the charisma and power of a fresh off a dominating Queen of the Ring victory.
Tag team drama and celebrity match add excitement and star power
In what is only going to further the fire, Roman Reigns & Jey Uso face off against powerhouses Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. A tag team match might have been the final clue that this was not just a match, but rather a battle of legacy vs. evolution, including a wild card known as Paul Heyman's influence.
But the gimmick excitement enters a whole new level with the celebrity tag team match, where Randy Orton teams up with country music star Jelly Roll to take on Drew McIntyre and social media figure Logan Paul. Not only is this a crossover plate miracle, but Orton also returns to make his 17th SummerSlam appearance—an all-time WWE record.
Looking ahead to night 2: John Cena's final SummerSlam and more high-stakes battles
Night 2, as the pre-show panel hinted at some of what was to come, features one of the most emotional, tension-filled bouts we've seen in some time, as John Cena faces Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight for the Unified WWE Championship. Now, this is also Cena's last 'SummerSlam', and so the fans are already speculating about Cena passing the torch to Walker.
Also Read:
WWE SummerSlam 2025: Is Cody Rhodes turning Heel against John Cena? Possibilities Explored
Night 2 also has a triple threat for the Women's World Championship with Naomi, Rhea Ripley, and Iyo Sky, plus Intercontinental and Women's Tag Title matches to up the anticipation.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
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