31-07-2025
WWE SummerSlam 2025 Most Glaring Omissions And Biggest Snubs
WWE SummerSlam will take place across two nights for the first time ever, but even then, there isn't enough space on the card for everyone.
As has been the new norm in Triple H's era, less is deemed more. The typical Triple H-booked WWE pay-per-view has featured just five matches, which has often allowed for longer, typically better, bouts. On the flip side, critics have pointed out how that has excluded a plethora of top stars from even some of its biggest events, which can be detrimental both to show quality and fan experience.
This year's blockbuster SummerSlam event is expanding its card slightly, with six announced matches for each night thus far. But even with an additional pair of three-hour pre-shows, a significant portion of WWE's deep and talented roster will be watching SummerSlam from the sidelines.
Here are the biggest snubs and most glaring omissions from the 2025 WWE SummerSlam card.
Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black will take place during WWE SummerSlam weekend. Just not at SummerSlam itself.
The bout between two of SmackDown's most prominent upper midcarders will instead happen on the pre-SummerSlam edition of SmackDown. Of course, that gives the blue brand a marquee match on its go-home show, but it also leaves Priest, one of its top stars, and Black, the recently returning hard-hitter, off of SummerSlam altogether.
Particularly after Priest earned the praises of WWE officials by working through injuries and performing at an incredibly high level over the past few years, it's shocking that the former world champion isn't going to be on SummerSlam at all. Ditto for Black, who just made his triumphant return to WWE a few months ago and is a potential main eventer with the right booking.
A memorable SmackDown bout could do the trick for Black and Priest, but it's not quite the same spotlight as performing in front of 40,000-plus fans at MetLife Stadium.
Stephanie Vaquer
Stephanie Vaquer got her breakthrough moment at last month's WWE Evolution, where she won a battle royal for a Women's World Championship match at Clash in Paris on Aug. 31.
But when it comes to WWE Summerslam, it simply isn't in the cards for 'La Primera.' Over the past couple of weeks, Vaquer has been loosely feuding with her expected Clash in Paris opponent, Naomi, but with that event less than a month away, WWE hasn't been able to give her anything truly compelling to do.
As Naomi is set to battle Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky at WWE SummerSlam, Vaquer is stuck playing the waiting game even though she's one of the hottest acts in all of WWE.
Rusev vs. Sheamus
As is the case with Priest vs. Black, Rusev vs. Sheamus is an upper midcard rivalry that has produced some solid TV content but is losing out on a SummerSlam spot in favor of other bigger priorities.
Sheamus, however, ranks among WWE's most beloved legends while Rusev hasn't really gotten out of the gate since his recent return to WWE. The only thing of note Rusev has done is feud with Sheamus, and it's clear that the two have great chemistry and could produce a high-quality pay-per-view match if given the opportunity.
In fact, Rusev and Sheamus have already delivered two very good bouts on Raw, and Sheamus, of course, is known for producing hard-hitting 'bangers' on PPV whenever he's given the chance. As of right now, however, neither Sheamus nor Rusev is operating outside of the tiny bubble that is their feud.
It may take Sheamus and/or Rusev feuding with someone else on Raw to avoid being consistently left off pay-per-view cards as they will be at WWE Summerslam. The good news is that Raw's Netflix viewership has been strong, so they will still be performing in front of a large worldwide audience. Plus, there's an off chance that they face off yet again at Clash in Paris, an ideal event for their smash-mouth style of wrestling.
Bayley
Bayley has been venting about her absence from WWE SummerSlam 2025, so much so that it's blatantly obvious that it's all part of a storyline.
The likely character direction for 'The Role Model' is a blockbuster heel turn, and the likely location for that is at SummerSlam. More specifically, Bayley is almost assuredly going to interfere in the 'No DQs, No Countouts Last Chance" Intercontinental Championship match between Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria, costing Valkyria the match in the process.
Still, Bayley has been doing some tremendous character work and delivering plenty of stellar in-ring performances. What's unfortunate is that she is the odd woman out at WWE SummerSlam, and it doesn't appear as if she'll ever get that marquee pay-per-view singles match against Lynch.
LA Knight
LA Knight is an unlucky victim of the circumstances surrounding Seth Rollins and plans for the WWE Money in the Bank briefcase.
At last month's edition of WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, Knight shockingly beat Rollins due to a knee injury suffered mid-match by Rollins. Original plans had Rollins winning that match and then Knight getting his win back at WWE SummerSlam, a victory that would have been one of the biggest of Knight's career.
Instead, Rollins' injury caused Knight to win abruptly in a very flat finish, and Rollins may still be pencilled in for a successful Money in the Bank cash-in after Saturday's main event between CM Punk and Gunther. So, where has that left Knight? Well, off the SummerSlam card and essentially out of the loop altogether.
Chalk Knight's expected WWE SummerSlam absence as another hiccup standing in the way of 'The Megastar' after repeated missed opportunities by the creative team.
