Rhea Ripley, a prominent figure in the Women’s World Title division, will not headline SummerSlam 2025 as many fans had hoped, despite her ongoing presence in the title scene. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the event’s two nights will be topped by the men’s World Title matches instead, pushing Ripley’s anticipated triple threat bout with Naomi and Iyo Sky off the main event spotlight. This decision marks a notable deviation from expectations surrounding the Rhea Ripley SummerSlam 2025 event.
The first night of SummerSlam is expected to feature Gunther defending the World Heavyweight Title against CM Punk, while the second night will highlight John Cena defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight. Despite Ripley’s role in the title picture and the potential for a memorable match alongside her allies and rivals Naomi and Iyo Sky, the women’s match will reportedly serve as a key undercard rather than the main attraction.
Anticipated Men’s Title Matches to Close Both Nights
The focus on the men’s championship bouts underscores WWE’s current push to prioritize high-profile World Title rivalries at SummerSlam. Gunther’s clash with CM Punk is slated to headline the opener, presenting a battle between two major stars. The second night is reserved for the much-anticipated showdown between John Cena and Cody Rhodes, which carries the added intensity of a Street Fight stipulation for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
While some fans may feel disappointed by the absence of a women’s match as a main event, there is strong potential for Ripley and Iyo Sky to deliver a standout performance as they attempt to remove Naomi quickly from the title picture. Previous WWE events, such as WrestleMania 41, have shown that female wrestlers can outshine expectations in major multi-person matches.
The Rock’s SummerSlam 2025 Involvement Remains Unlikely
Speculation about The Rock’s return to WWE, particularly his involvement in the Cody Rhodes versus John Cena feud, continues to be quelled. Following his absence at WrestleMania 41 and the criticism that followed, reports indicate no plans exist for The Rock to appear during SummerSlam 2025. According to BodySlam.net, WWE has not signaled any internal movement pointing to his participation in this upcoming event.
Additionally, WWE has made no efforts to tease the involvement of The Rock or Travis Scott, reducing expectations for any surprise returns or cross-promotional appearances. This lack of buildup suggests WWE is focusing its storytelling on current talent without relying on last-minute celebrity involvement.
Unique Offer Extended to Former AEW Wrestler Leyla Hirsch
WWE recently extended an unconventional offer to Leyla Hirsch, a 28-year-old former AEW and ROH star whose contract with AEW was not renewed, making her a free agent. Unlike typical contracts for in-ring performers, her offer would place her in the role of a referee, a rare path for someone with her background. This proposal was reported by Fightful Select, highlighting WWE’s interest in diversifying their officiating roster.
It remains unknown whether Hirsch has accepted this offer. If she joins as a referee, she would become part of a limited number of female referees within WWE, an uncommon but strategically unique position for a former wrestler. This move contrasts with the more common trajectory of wrestlers transitioning to backstage or production roles rather than officiating.
Stephanie Vaquer’s Rising Profile in WWE
Stephanie Vaquer has rapidly ascended through WWE’s ranks since choosing the promotion over AEW. After a swift but impactful run in NXT, where she simultaneously held both the NXT Women’s Championship and the North American Championship, Vaquer has now transitioned to the main roster on RAW. She currently stands as the number one contender for the Women’s World Championship and is set for a title match at Clash in Paris.
Insider reports from WrestleVotes Radio reveal that WWE has substantial plans to elevate Vaquer’s presence this fall, including a promotional push and subtle updates to her look. Despite these changes, her signature horns—which have become a defining feature—are expected to remain part of her character’s presentation. The company’s sustained investment signals that 2025 could be a breakthrough year for Vaquer in the RAW Women’s division.
Implications and Expectations for WWE’s Upcoming Events
The decision to exclude Rhea Ripley from the SummerSlam 2025 headline spot underscores WWE’s strategy to emphasize high-profile men’s World Title matches as centerpieces for the event. While this may disappoint some fans eager to see Ripley in the top spot, the intense World Heavyweight and Undisputed WWE Championship bouts promise to draw significant attention.
Similarly, the absence of The Rock continues to indicate that WWE prefers to focus on its current roster’s storytelling arcs, potentially providing more consistent development opportunities for its wrestlers. The introduction of Leyla Hirsch as a possible referee could add fresh dynamics backstage and hint at WWE’s intent to innovate with unique talent roles.
Finally, WWE’s clear commitment to advancing Stephanie Vaquer’s career suggests the company is nurturing future main event talent within the women’s division. How these developments will shape the wrestling landscape throughout the remainder of 2025 and into 2026 remains to be seen, but WWE fans can anticipate dynamic shifts, fresh rivalries, and evolving characters as the year progresses.
