After significant WWE pay-per-views like SummerSlam, it is common for several WWE stars to disappear from television for various strategic reasons. These absences often result from creative decisions where officials remove performers from storylines through decisive match finishes or storyline attacks, giving them time off before their next return.
SummerSlam serves as a critical point where many performers either go on break to recover from injuries, heal nagging issues, or focus on external projects. This pattern is especially notable with part-time stars or those transitioning between major storylines.
Why Part-Time Competitors Like Logan Paul Remain Limited on TV
Logan Paul has built his WWE presence around a part-time schedule, typically appearing only at major events such as SummerSlam, WrestleMania, and the Royal Rumble. Although he recently teamed up with John Cena on Saturday Night’s Main Event, Paul’s focus remains on these marquee occasions rather than weekly shows.
At SummerSlam, Paul is expected to partner with Drew McIntyre against Randy Orton and musician Jelly Roll. Given both Paul and McIntyre’s wrestling experience, they seem poised to win; however, with Jelly Roll’s involvement, some speculate that Triple H might book an upset victory. Should Paul lose, it could pave the way for him to step away from the ring for a period following the event.
Sami Zayn’s Recurring Absences Stem from Storyline Injuries
Sami Zayn frequently vanishes from programming after suffering brutal storyline attacks, often due to his relentless defiance against adversaries. His latest injury, a rib problem sustained during a loss to Karrion Kross on RAW, sets the stage for potentially one more confrontation between the two.
A decisive match, possibly at SummerSlam with high stakes, could see Kross claim victory in a dramatic fashion, providing a narrative exit point for Zayn from television storylines after the two-night event.
Nikki Bella’s Uncertain Future Amidst Injury-Related Delays
Nikki Bella recently returned to in-ring action with plans to feud against Liv Morgan. However, Morgan’s unfortunate injury has sidelined those developments, leaving Bella without a clear direction. She took part in the Evolution Battle Royal but was eliminated by Lash Legend.
Bella is likely to join forces with Stephanie Vaquer and another partner at SummerSlam to face Chelsea Green and the Secret Service. Since Vaquer has a title opportunity at Clash in Paris, Bella is expected to win in New Jersey but then potentially enter a hiatus, missing the France event and further television appearances.
Cody Rhodes Balances WWE Commitments and Filming Projects
Cody Rhodes, following his recent title loss to John Cena, is anticipated to take a break after SummerSlam. His emerging role as Guile in the upcoming Street Fighter movie will require him to begin filming at the end of August, prompting a necessary hiatus from WWE programming.
If Rhodes fails to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship, the hiatus might extend irrespective of his filming schedule, particularly if something significant unfolds in his SummerSlam title match to warrant a storyline pause.
Karrion Kross’s WWE Future Hangs in the Balance
Karrion Kross’s role in WWE has evolved from minimal exposure to gaining enthusiastic audience support, especially through his rivalry with Sami Zayn. His recent victory on RAW, marked by a covert weapon strike, suggests the feud’s intensity continues to escalate.
With Kross’s contract reportedly expiring in August, SummerSlam could be his final appearance if a renewal is not secured. A possible “Loser Leaves WWE” stipulation against Zayn might provide a conclusive exit, removing Kross from TV if negotiations fall through.
Roman Reigns’s Pattern of Seasonal Absences Likely to Continue
Roman Reigns has long followed a routine of appearing at major WWE pay-per-views before retreating from television for several months. This practice is well known among wrestling fans and often referenced in promos by his rivals.
Following his recent setback due to a spear and stomp incident in April that sidelined him for three months, it is anticipated that Reigns might once again vanish after SummerSlam. A dramatic segment involving his tag partner Jey Uso, possibly featuring impactful moves like Tsunamis and spears, could effectively write him off TV until the buildup to the next significant event.
Why These Absences Matter for WWE’s Storytelling and Business
The disappearance of these six WWE stars post-SummerSlam reflects the company’s broader approach to managing talent availability, storyline pacing, and injury recovery. For part-time performers and those pursuing outside ventures, strategic absences maintain their aura while allowing for creative reinvention.
Meanwhile, ongoing rivalries and episodic injuries provide logical explanations within storylines to temporarily remove featured competitors, preserving suspense and building anticipation for future returns. Fans can expect some of the highlighted stars to step back after SummerSlam, leaving room for fresh narratives and emerging talents in WWE programming.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is WrestleMania or SummerSlam bigger?
A. SummerSlam is a yearly professional wrestling event produced by WWE, the world’s largest wrestling promotion. Known as “The Biggest Party of the Summer,” it is seen as WWE’s second most important event after WrestleMania.
Q. Is SummerSlam 2025 2 nights?
A. Los Angeles, CA – July 21, 2025 – WWE, known worldwide for sports entertainment, and Fandango, a top online movie ticket seller, made an announcement today. The first-ever two-night SummerSlam will happen at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It will be shown live in certain Regal Cinemas across the United States on Saturday, August…
Q. Is SummerSlam 2 nights in 2025?
A. Famous WWE Champion John Cena faces Cody Rhodes again in a WrestleMania rematch. The first-ever two-night SummerSlam will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on August 2 and 3, 2025.
Q. Will John Cena be in SummerSlam 2025?
A. This will be the fourth time SummerSlam is held in East Rutherford, following events in 1989, 1997, and 2007.
Additionally, it will mark John Cena’s final SummerSlam as a competitor before he retires from wrestling at the end of 2025.
