Quick Read
- WWE SummerSlam 2025 is the first-ever two-night format event, held on August 2 and 3 at MetLife Stadium.
- Night 1 features CM Punk vs. Gunther for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and a celebrity match with Jelly Roll.
- Night 2 is headlined by John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
- The event includes tributes to the late Hulk Hogan and record-breaking site fees paid by New Jersey.
- Streaming is available on Peacock and Netflix, with start times at 6 p.m. ET for both nights.
WWE’s annual SummerSlam event has reached new heights in 2025, expanding into a two-night wrestling spectacle hosted at the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on August 2 and 3. Dubbed the “Biggest Party of the Summer,” this year’s event is poised to deliver unforgettable moments with a star-studded lineup, historic matches, and significant tributes.
The Historic Two-Night Format
For the first time in SummerSlam history, WWE has adopted a two-night format, following the successful precedent set by WrestleMania in 2020. This decision not only doubles the action but also provides fans with an unparalleled experience, whether attending in person or streaming live on Peacock and Netflix. Matches kick off with a pre-show at 3 p.m. ET, followed by the main events at 6 p.m. ET on both nights.
According to Wrestlenomics, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority paid a record-breaking $7.1 million site fee to host the event, surpassing WWE’s previous record of $5.2 million for WrestleMania 38 in 2022. This underscores the growing significance of WWE’s global events and their economic impact on host cities.
Night 1: High-Stakes Matches and Celebrity Showdowns
The opening night of SummerSlam 2025 features a mix of championship bouts and high-profile matches. Headlining Night 1 is the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between reigning champion Gunther and CM Punk. This marks Punk’s first major title opportunity since his return to WWE in 2023, making it one of the most anticipated clashes of the weekend.
Other notable matches include Tiffany Stratton defending her WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill, and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship bout where Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss challenge Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez of The Judgment Day. In a celebrity-studded tag team match, music sensation Jelly Roll teams up with Randy Orton to face Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre. Jelly Roll’s participation marks his first official in-ring appearance, adding a unique entertainment element to the lineup.
Night 2: A Legendary Farewell and Fierce Rivalries
Night 2 of SummerSlam 2025 will be headlined by a Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship between John Cena and Cody Rhodes. This match holds particular significance as it marks Cena’s final SummerSlam appearance before his planned retirement at the end of the year. Fans are eagerly awaiting this rematch, hoping for a climactic conclusion to their intense rivalry.
The women’s division takes center stage with a Triple Threat match for the Women’s World Championship. Naomi, who recently cashed in her Money in the Bank contract, defends her title against Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Additionally, Becky Lynch faces Lyra Valkyria in a No Disqualification match for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, while Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu battle inside a steel cage for the United States Championship.
The night also includes a chaotic six-pack Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match for the WWE Tag Team Championships, featuring six teams, including #DIY, The Wyatt Sicks, and Motor City Machine Guns. This promises to be one of the most thrilling matches of the weekend.
Tributes and Legacy
This year’s SummerSlam is tinged with nostalgia and emotion as WWE pays tribute to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away just weeks before the event. Special segments and dedications are expected throughout the weekend to honor Hogan’s immense contributions to the sport.
SummerSlam 2025 also highlights WWE’s continued efforts to innovate and grow its brand globally. The event sets the stage for future high-profile shows, including the upcoming WWE Clash in Paris, where new rivalries and storylines are expected to unfold.
As the weekend unfolds, WWE SummerSlam 2025 promises to be a historic chapter in professional wrestling, showcasing the best of athleticism, storytelling, and entertainment.