OPINION - Is this the worst WWE SummerSlam build in recent times?

The two-night spectacle will emanate from Minneapolis.

WWE’s ‘Biggest Party of the Summer ‘, SummerSlam, is right around the corner. The 39th edition will air as a two-night spectacle on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

WWE has announced multiple matches, including title matches, tag team matches, ladder matches, and a major Hell in a Cell showdown.

The Undisputed title showdown between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes is anticipated to headline Night 1 of the PLE, while the World Heavyweight title clash between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins will likely headline Night 2.

However, with only a few days left before one of WWE’s biggest PLEs, let us analyze if the promotion has succeeded in building hype for the event and making fans care about the matches and the stars involved.

A stacked lineup doesn’t guarantee a compelling build

WWE in recent times has continued to rely on massive names to sell tickets for events and not focus on the rest of the card. This is also true in relation to SummerSlam, where multiple matches have zero to no actual build and are just announced hastily as WWE‘s packed schedule gives very little time to build up feuds.

WWE has grown accustomed to relying heavily on sneak attacks, confrontation, and backstage segments to set up feuds; this predictability has made many storylines stale.

On the other hand, there are no clear heels and babyfaces in the two World title showdowns, even in the six-man tag team match involving the Bloodline on one side and LA Knight, Solo Sikoa & Royce Keys on the other. This makes it harder for fans to pick who they want to cheer for.

While there are matches on the card that might steal the show, WWE still needs fans to tune in to watch the PLE, and a lackluster build is going to turn fans away from the product.

Conclusion

SummerSlam is one of WWE’s big four PLEs, and part of the criticism stems from the event’s own reputation. Calling SummerSlam 2026’s build the worst in recent memory may be an overstatement, but many fans feel it has fallen short of WWE’s usual standards.

Hosting Saturday Night’s Main Event two weeks before the PLE has also divided time that WWE could instead spend on building feuds for the PLE.

Ultimately, the quality of any PLE is judged by more than the quality of feuds. If SummerSlam produces memorable matches and major storyline developments, the criticism surrounding its buildup may die down as fans will tune in to see what WWE has planned for the rest of 2026.

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