Randy Orton & Drew McIntyre's WWE return update; Charlotte Flair vs Jade Cargill pitched for SummerSlam 2026 - Report
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Randy Orton & Drew McIntyre’s last WWE appearance came in Las Vegas.
‘The Viper’ Randy Orton, since losing to Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed title at WrestleMania 42, has been absent from programming, despite debunking reports of a back injury via his X handle.
On the other hand, Drew McIntyre, who lost to Jacob Fatu in an unsanctioned match at Mania, has also not made any appearance, despite being advertised for the recent European Tour. McIntyre was even scheduled to face Fatu in a street fight during a live event in early June.
Amid the absence of Orton and McIntyre, a new report from WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select has now provided an update on their return status as WWE prepares for summer’s biggest party, SummerSlam.
According to the report, an internal WWE document circulated earlier this month listed both Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre in relation to SummerSlam this August.
The report added that while no specific information about their potential returns was included, their presence in the document indicates they are at least being factored into plans as the event approaches.
Speaking of SummerSlam, a separate report from the outlet has also revealed a major match that has been internally pitched for the PLE.
Charlotte Flair vs Jade Cargill at SummerSlam
According to WrestleVotes, WWE’s Creative has internally pitched the idea of booking Charlotte Flair vs Jade Cargill at SummerSlam. The match was considered for the two-night event, with it having been tentatively listed on the card at one stage.
WWE has been teasing the match since Cargill’s arrival; however, recently, the two have been involved in a storyline as Flair and Bliss teamed up with Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley to take on Jade, Michin, and B-Fab. Even in Bliss’ absence, Flair aided Ripley to help her retain the title at Clash in Italy against Jade.
The promotion might use this storyline to build a head-to-head clash between the two powerhouses at the biggest party of the summer.
The 39th annual edition of SummerSlam is set to take place as a two-night spectacle on August 1 and 2, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
What is the latest update on Randy Orton & Drew McIntyre’s return?
Per WrestleVotes on Fightful, an internal document circulated earlier this month listed both Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre in relation to SummerSlam this August.
Is WWE planning to book Charlotte Flair vs Jade Cargill?
Yes, per WrestleVotes, the match has been internally pitched to take place at SummerSlam.
When and where will SummerSlam 2026 take place?
SummerSlam 2026 is scheduled for two nights on August 1 and 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.