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SummerSlam Debuts Two-Night Format With Cena vs. Rhodes and Punk vs. Gunther Headliners

MetLife Stadium will host 12 matches across two nights, marking WWE’s expansion of its second-biggest premium live event.

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Cody Rhodes John Cena WWE Summerslam
Trailer screenshot of Cody Rhodes winning the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 40 in WWE 2K25.
John Cena uses the STF submission on Cody Rhodes during the Undisputed WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 41 Sunday at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Overview

  • Night 1 on August 2 is topped by World Heavyweight Champion Gunther defending against CM Punk in the main event.
  • Night 2 on August 3 features a Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship as John Cena takes on Cody Rhodes.
  • Nine of the 12 scheduled matches are title bouts, including a women’s triple-threat World Championship and a six-team TLC match for the Tag Team Championship.
  • Peacock holds exclusive U.S. streaming rights while Netflix will carry the live broadcast in international markets.
  • The shift to a two-night SummerSlam mirrors WrestleMania’s format and aligns with John Cena’s farewell tour and WWE’s long-term storytelling focus.