Even with two notable World Title bouts, SummerSlam's biggest match may be CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre. Tension between the two was evident the moment Punk returned at Survivor Series, and has only grown since McIntyre injured Punk at the Royal Rumble and mocked him for it, followed by Punk screwing McIntyre out of the World Heavyweight Title not once, not twice, but three times. The SummerSlam match was made once Punk was cleared to compete, although in unideal conditions for both men, as Seth Rollins, a rival to both, has been inserted as special guest referee, making him the ultimate wild card.

Just as heated as Punk vs. McIntyre is the Women's World Title match between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan. Things began when Ripley injured Morgan last summer and reached new heights when Morgan, after returning at the Royal Rumble, injured Ripley in April, forcing her to vacate the title. When Ripley returned in July, she found that Morgan was now Women's World Champion and had infiltrated Judgment Day, particularly by attempting to seduce Dominik Mysterio. At least heading into the match, Mysterio has chosen Ripley, sending Morgan into an emotional free fall.

The rest of SummerSlam is rounded up by three separate, yet equally important title matches. Bron Breakker will have another shot at defeating Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn, following a loss to Zayn at Money in the Bank. Nia Jax will finally take advantage of her Queen of the Ring victory, challenging Bayley for the WWE Women's Title as Money in the Bank winner Tiffany Stratton lurks in the background. Finally, Cleveland native Logan Paul will defend his WWE US Title against the popular LA Knight, who seeks his first WWE title win.