3 Matches that should’ve happened at WWE SummerSlam 2026

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That said, while there is nothing wrong with the current card for the event, it would have been better if the company had booked these three high-profile matches on the show.

#3. Becky Lynch vs. Jessika Carr

Becky Lynch has been blaming referee Jessika Carr for many of her biggest losses over the past year. Instead of accepting defeat gracefully, she has repeatedly accused Carr of being biased against her, even taking her complaints to social media as part of her current heel character.

The rivalry eventually became physical. At Saturday Night’s Main Event in May, Becky shoved Carr into Sol Ruca to intentionally cause a disqualification. She also continued targeting the referee during the weeks that followed, while Carr responded to Becky’s accusations on social media.

That is why a match between the two at SummerSlam could have worked. Carr has previous experience as a professional wrestler. She has competed on the independent circuit, trained under the Dudley Boyz, and also had a stint in NXT.

WWE could have given the rivalry between Lynch and Carr a proper conclusion at SummerSlam.

#2. Paige and Brie Bella vs. Fatal Influence – WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship

Paige and Brie Bella won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 42 in a massive Fatal Four-Way match. Their celebration did not last long, as Fatal Influence interrupted them during the trio’s main roster debut on SmackDown.

The rivalry has continued to grow in the months since. Fatal Influence has repeatedly targeted the champions, using the numbers advantage to attack them backstage and during shows. Lainey Reid also picked up a singles victory over Brie Bella earlier this month, giving the challengers even more momentum heading into a title match.

That is why this feud deserved a spot at SummerSlam. WWE has announced the championship match for Saturday Night’s Main Event XLV, but SummerSlam would have been a much bigger stage for the rivalry. It also would have given the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship a high-profile match at one of the company’s biggest shows.

Moreover, it could have helped establish Fatal Influence on the main roster. A SummerSlam match against two established names like Paige and Brie Bella would have been a major opportunity for the group, regardless of the result.

#1. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria were allies for over a year. However, everything changed after they failed to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship on RAW in London. Frustrated by the loss, Lyra attacked Bayley and claimed that her mentor had been holding her back.

WWE has already booked their first singles match for Saturday Night’s Main Event XLV. However, this feud deserved a bigger stage. Their first match should have taken place at SummerSlam instead of on a television special.

It also would have helped Lyra’s new heel character. A match against Bayley at one of the biggest shows would have made her character change feel even more important while giving the rivalry the spotlight it deserved.