WWE SummerSlam 2025 is scheduled to be a two-night event for the first time ever. Night 1 is set to close with Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk for the World Title, whilst Night 2 is set to close with John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Title. This PLE is usually advertised as the biggest party of the summer, but the WWE Universe knows that it would only be the biggest party if beach balls are involved. All jokes aside, the following will pontificate predictions for Night 1 of SummerSlam.
Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul [Tag Match]
If someone were making a list of the worst SummerSlam matches ever booked in the history of the WWE, this match would make the list. From a business standpoint, it is understandable that WWE books celebrity matches for global appeal to casual fans and media markets. However, from a pro wrestling standpoint, putting high-caliber superstars like Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre in this mess is not only insulting to their integrity as performers but also insulting to the intelligence of the fans. Nonetheless, Orton and Jelly Roll will win here merely because it is Jelly Roll's first match.
Prediction: Randy Orton & Jelly Roll
Stephanie Vaquer & Bella Twins vs. Chelsea Green & Secret Her-Vice [6-Women Tag]
Since Stephanie Vaquer earned a title shot at Clash in Paris, WWE has to find something for her to do at SummerSlam to keep her momentum going. It seems that Vaquer is feuding with Chelsea Green, Piper Niven, and Alba Fyre with the help of Nikki Bella. However, they are outnumbered and need a tag partner to equalize the playing field. Brie Bella makes the most sense here in what would be a Bella Twins reunion. There is no question that the babyfaces will win as Bellas need their first PPV win since coming back, and Vaquer should not lose on her road to her first title shot on the main roster.
Prediction: Stephanie Vaquer & Bella Twins
Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu [U.S. Title: Steel Cage]
Although it would be nice for Jacob Fatu to get his revenge on Solo Sikoa for betraying him and screwing him out of the U.S. Title, it would be counterproductive for Sikoa to drop the title back to the same person he dethroned. There are a plethora of babyface mid-carders on the SmackDown roster who could step to Sikoa in the future and dethrone him instead. The fact that this is a steel cage match allows Sikoa to sneak a win via escaping the cage without hurting Fatu's momentum in defeat. Fatu should move on to bigger and better things whilst Sikoa continues his reign of terror.
Prediction: Solo Sikoa
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria [IC Title]
It is quite indefensible that Bayley was left off both the Mania and SummerSlam cards. She had a good story to be the one to dethrone Becky Lynch, considering that she lost her spot at Mania because of Becky's heinous backstage attacks. Granted, both Becky and Lyra have impeccable chemistry in the ring, and their feud has been top-tier. However, WWE went with a match that has probably occurred just as many times as John Cena vs. Randy Orton. Nonetheless, it would be eminently counterproductive for Becky to drop the title back to the same person she dethroned.
Prediction: Becky Lynch
Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross [Personal Rivalry]
When Sami Zayn defeated Karrion Kross at Night of Champions, it seemed that the feud was going to end there, as Kross' contract was expiring. However, he is still continuing his feud with Zayn in a potential trilogy. Although these two got thrown to the undercard, they have a really compelling story that will elevate both of them in the long run. Kross is giving Zayn wake-up calls to make him realize that he is wrongfully putting everyone else's interests before his own. A victory by Kross will solidify his motives and lead to a heel turn and future world title opportunity for Zayn in 2026.
Prediction: Karrion Kross
Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill [WWE Title]
Both superstars are quite green, to say the least. While it would have been more advisable to put a veteran in this match to lead the charge, it is eye-opening to see fresh faces in the main event scene. Tiffany Stratton is a great talent in the ring, but she needed more time to develop her character and connection with the audience before winning the world title. WWE pulled the trigger too soon with her, and her title reign ran stale as a result. As for Jade Cargill, the injury hindered her momentum, but the storyline with Naomi made up for it, and she will win here to solidify her QOTR victory.
Prediction: Queen Jade Cargill
Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk [World Title]
CM Punk has put over so many superstars on PPV since returning to in-ring action. He lost to Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam. He lost the Royal Rumble to Jey Uso. He lost the Elimination Chamber to John Cena. He lost his first WrestleMania Main Event to Seth Rollins. He lost a tag match to Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker alongside Sami Zayn on SNME III. He lost to John Cena in his first WWE Championship match at Night of Champions. After all the compelling storytelling he has done lately, especially that iconic rap battle, the time is now for him to be truly rewarded for his work.
It is understandable that Gunther is the rising talent who can benefit off a victory over the veteran CM Punk. However, whether it was IC or World, Gunther had a championship in his grasp for 1000+ days. On top of that, he retired a legend in Goldberg recently on SNME IV. He will not be hurt in a loss to CM Punk, who can elevate that championship to the next level and put over another rising talent down the line, such as Bron Breakker, Sami Zayn, or Aleister Black. Ironically, CM Punk needs the win more, and the roster will benefit more from his title reign at this point in time. The Summer of Punk is here.
Prediction: CM Punk
If you would like even more WWE Predictions from Mark Justice, check out more of his articles right here on Daily DDT and subscribe to his new YouTube channel by clicking HERE. Thank you.