5 SummerSlam 2026 matches cancelled by WWE

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Meanwhile, nine matches were cancelled by the sports entertainment juggernaut for the Biggest Party of the Summer, as per the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. In this article, we will take a quick look at five matches WWE canceled for SummerSlam 2026.

#5. Paige & Brie Bella vs. Fallon & Lainey

Paige and Brie Bella are set to defend their Women’s Tag Team titles against the Fatal Influence at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event. However, WON reported that this match was originally planned for SummerSlam 2026.

It seems that Triple H altered the plans and decided to host the match at the forthcoming Madison Square Garden event.

#4. Gunther vs. Royce Keys

Currently, Gunther is absent from WWE television. The Stamford-based promotion has sent The Ring General and Nick Aldis home after their heated altercation at Night of Champions 2026.

With this development, it appears the company is planning a potential Gunther vs. Nick Aldis match at SummerSlam this year. As per original plans, as reported by WON, the former Imperium leader was set to lock horns with Royce Keys, but this no longer seems to be the case.

#3. Rhea Ripley vs. Alexa Bliss/Jacy Jayne

Rhea Ripley is the present WWE Women’s Champion on SmackDown. However, the Eradicator is absent from television due to a real-life injury. As per WON, the company was planning for a match between the former Judgment Day member and Alexa Bliss or Jacy Jayne at SummerSlam.

As of now, the direction seems different for the blue brand. It’s unlikely that Ripley will compete at SummerSlam. Jacy is helping her faction member against Brie Bella and Paige for the tag team titles.

Additionally, the Goddess feud is being teased with Charlotte Flair soon. This indicates that the match is seemingly cancelled now for WWE SummerSlam.

#2. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton

After Randy Orton attacked Cody Rhodes post-WrestleMania match, it is clear that their feud is far from over. The Apex Predator hasn’t appeared in the company, making his SummerSlam match with the American Nightmare doubtful.

Currently, Rhodes vs. CM Punk is likely to be the direction for the Biggest Party of the Summer. If this holds, then Orton vs. Rhodes is indeed another canceled match for this year’s SummerSlam.

#1. Oba Femi vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE World title

Oba Femi defeated Jey Uso in the final of the WWE 2026 King of the Ring tournament. This earned him a World Heavyweight Championship shot at SummerSlam this year. Meanwhile, on RAW after Night of Champions, the Ruler got attacked by Brock Lesnar, setting the stage for a rubber match between them.

As a result, Femi put his World title match on hold and will utilize this opportunity later. WON reported that Oba vs. Roman was the original plan for WWE SummerSlam 2026.

However, with Brock and Femi facing off in a Hell in a Cell match, the Nigerian’s blockbuster match against the Tribal Chief is canceled now.