A massive betrayal, getting the band back together & more - 5 WWE stars who could crash SummerSlam this weekend
With only seven matches booked for SummerSlam 2024, several top WWE stars have been left off the card in Cleveland. Top names including Jey Uso, IYO SKY, Finn Balor, AJ Styles, Bianca Belair, Kevin Owens, and Randy Orton aren't booked for the show.
Not using some stars allows for surprises and big moments in title matches up and down the card. Bayley, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns have made shocking returns to WWE at past SummerSlam events.
Many anticipate the return of Roman Reigns or another big name. However, several full-time stars who appear weekly on RAW or SmackDown could make an impact. The next five WWE stars could crash SummerSlam this weekend.
#5. Damage CTRL returned to RAW this week
After a few years of terrorizing the women's division on both RAW and SmackDown, Damage CTRL recently got a taste of its own medicine. Sonya Deville recruited Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler to her side to usurp the top spot.
The new group now claims to rule RAW, shifting Dakota Kai, IYO SKY, and Kairi Sane into the role of faces. The original trio could return to their roots with nothing to do at SummerSlam.
Bayley created the group two years ago at SummerSlam and the faction won many titles. As The Role Model deals with Nia Jax and possibly Tiffany Stratton, Damage CTRL could make amends with the WWE Women's Champion by helping her fend off Jax and Ms. Money in the Bank.
#4. A huge debut match is left off the SummerSlam card
Uncle Howdy brought the Wyatt Sicks to the masses following WrestleMania 40. The group has foundations as a spiritual tribute to the late Bray Wyatt. It consists of forgotten stars like Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan, and Nikki Cross.
Chad Gable has been the first target of the new faction due to his treatment of Alpha Academy members Maxine Dupri, Otis, and Akira Tozawa. Instead of booking the Wyatt Sicks for their debut at SummerSlam, they'll face Gable and The Creed Brother on next week's RAW.
If Master Gable appears in a backstage segment or in the ring, Uncle Howdy could unleash the dogs to attack Gable in Cleveland. It would give the intriguing new faction a presence at the event.
#3. Ilja Dragunov comes to the aid of Sami Zayn
Bron Breakker has been relentless in his pursuit of Sami Zayn and the Intercontinental Championship. He lost cleanly at Money in the Bank but has only ramped up his attempts to dethrone Zayn.
Ilja Dragunov has tried to temper the former two-time NXT Champion as he's continued to assault Zayn and others. The two battled for a shot at the Intercontinental Title with Breakker winning via stoppage.
Breakker could still brutalize the former Bloodline member if he wins or loses. He wants to make a statement and win the title. The Mad Dragon could run out to end a needless assault and save Zayn from further damage.
#2. Jey Uso doesn't have a role in Cleveland
WWE has only seven matches booked for SummerSlam, so Jey Uso has unfortunately been left without a role over the weekend. Uso and Zayn might challenge Finn Balor and JD McDonagh for the World Tag Team Titles on next week's RAW.
Some fans are disappointed that The Yeet Master isn't booked but he could crash the show in a few ways. One could be to help Zayn fend off Bron Breakker. Breakker could snap if he loses to the champ for a second time.
Another possibility could be to help Cody Rhodes against Solo Sikoa and the new Bloodline. Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa will certainly be present for the Undisputed WWE Title match, so Jey could come to the aid of his friend.
#1. Finn Balor could influence two huge title matches at SummerSlam
Finn Balor fought Gunther in the main event of the final RAW before SummerSlam but lost due to referee stoppage. The Ring General continued to choke Balor after the bell, bringing out Damian Priest to save his friend.
The Prince could be salty after what Gunther did to him. He could try to assault the Austrian star or betray Priest for a few reasons. Balor is mad that he lost to the former Intercontinental Champion and couldn't win the World Heavyweight Title.
Priest was able to win the title, so Balor could make an impact by crashing that championship match. He could also factor into Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan's bout over the Women's World Championship.
Balor has benefitted from Morgan's meddling and could feel some loyalty to her. If Dominik doesn't betray Mami, Balor's betrayal could sting just as much.