Drew McIntyre WWE SummerSlam replacement rumors have stirred excitement ahead of WWE SummerSlam 2025, as Drew McIntyre is set to team with Logan Paul against Randy Orton and Jelly Roll this weekend in New Jersey. However, a surprising development suggests that McIntyre might be replaced by a rising 28-year-old megastar, potentially altering the highly anticipated matchup.
Ongoing Rivalry Between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton Intensifies
Since returning to WWE on the July 4 SmackDown episode, Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton have maintained a heated rivalry. Their latest encounter at Saturday Night’s Main Event XL ended with Orton claiming victory over McIntyre. Following that loss, McIntyre retaliated by delivering a Claymore Kick to Jelly Roll, who had accompanied Orton to the ring while Logan Paul supported McIntyre. This incident has set the stage for a tag team showdown at SummerSlam, where McIntyre and Logan Paul will face Orton and Jelly Roll.
Possible Emergence of Jake Paul as a New Contender
In a surprising twist on SmackDown, speculation increased around Jake Paul, Logan Paul’s younger brother, possibly making a WWE return. If Jake rejoins WWE, he could partner with Logan Paul this weekend instead of McIntyre, effectively replacing the Scottish Warrior in the SummerSlam match. This scenario includes a potential storyline where McIntyre is betrayed by Logan Paul, with Jake stepping up for the high-profile bout. While this angle remains unconfirmed, WWE fans are eager to see how it will unfold tonight on SmackDown.
Potential Reformation of Pretty Deadly to Meet Los Garza’s Challenge
As WWE SmackDown gears up for its go-home show ahead of SummerSlam, another noteworthy development revolves around Los Garza, the current AAA World Tag Team Champions, who have issued an open challenge. Angel and Berto, collectively known as Los Garza, invite any team to test their reign this week.
Pretty Deadly, a team consisting of Elton Prince and Kit Wilson, might seize this opportunity to reunite and answer the challenge. Their last appearance together was back in May when Prince was sidelined due to injury in a tag match against Fraxiom. With a history of holding the NXT and NXT UK Tag Team Titles, Pretty Deadly could prove a formidable threat to Los Garza’s championship status if they return as a duo.
As with the Drew McIntyre situation, the return of Pretty Deadly remains speculative as of now, leaving fans anticipating how events will progress during SmackDown tonight.
What These Developments Could Mean for SummerSlam and WWE’s Future
The possibility of Drew McIntyre being replaced by Jake Paul at SummerSlam would represent a significant shift in WWE’s storytelling, merging established wrestling talent with emerging stars from outside traditional WWE circles. This blend could drive fresh interest and viewership for the event, which already promises explosive matches. Meanwhile, the reformation of Pretty Deadly to challenge Los Garza may energize WWE’s tag team division with renewed competition.
Ultimately, tonight’s SmackDown is expected to provide clarity on these storylines, shaping the final card for SummerSlam 2025 and potentially setting the course for future rivalries and partnerships within WWE.
