Gaming WWE SummerSlam Card Update: 3 Matches Added After SmackDown July 24 By Brian Mazique ,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011. Follow Author Jul 24, 2026, 11:24pm EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary WWE SummerSlam 2026, a two-night event in Minneapolis on August 1-2, significantly bolstered its card after the July 24 SmackDown. A major addition is the No. 1 Contender's Match between Finn Balor and Sami Zayn, with the winner challenging for the Undisputed WWE Championship; Balor earned his spot via a Fatal 4-Way. The Women's Tag Team Titles will be defended by Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid), following a challenge involving the Bella Twins and Paige. Baron Corbin has also entered the United States Title picture, targeting Trick Williams, with a potential three-way match including Carmelo Hayes. Finally, Chelsea Green joined the Interim Women's Title Ladder Match, alongside Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Charlotte Flair, to crown a temporary champion during Rhea Ripley's absence, with one spot still open. These new matchups promise a much healthier and exciting SummerSlam lineup.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JULY 24: Cody Rhodes and CM Punk face off during SmackDown at Oakland Arena on July 24, 2026 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/WWE via Getty Images) WWE via Getty Images WWE added three matches to SummerSlam in Minnesota and I love them all. After an eventful episode on July 24, the card across the two-night event looks a lot healthier than it did early this evening. Let's talk wrestling.
Normally, we wouldn't see a No. 1 Contender's Match at a PLE — unless it was Saturday Night's Main Event. We're getting one at SummerSlam and it could steal the show. Balor vs. Zayn has epic potential and I'd venture to say the winner has a good chance of winning the WWE title. That's probably why it'll be Balor. Even still, it's a great idea.
Balor earned the spot by winning a Fatal 4-Way over Damian Priest, Royce Keys and Trick Williams, with the winner of the SummerSlam bout moving on to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The women's tag-team title match positions Fatal Influence to continue their rise. All three women in this faction have the goods to become strong solo acts, but they are killing it as a group — despite the rough reception during their debut.
Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid captured the belts at the July 18 Saturday Night's Main Event , and the return of Nikki Bella tonight, alongside Brie Bella and Paige, framed the challenge.
Baron Corbin was brought back for one reason, and it was to play pseudo foil to a major babyface. He's the perfect man to antagonize Trick Williams on his way to becoming a main-card title contender. The sneak attacks might have needed a little more time to cook, but I'll take it.
Corbin's comeback has him chasing Williams' United States Championship, with reporting pointing toward a three-way that also folds in Carmelo Hayes.
Lastly, the women’s ladder match build is strong. Chelsea Green was a good addition to the field and now there is legitimate anticipation around which woman will fill the final spot.
According to early reports from Fightful, the final qualifier…