As WWE gears up for its annual post-SummerSlam lull, a handful of superstars are blazing a trail that promises to keep fans engaged even during this traditionally quieter period. The Biggest Party of the Summer is set to take place on August 4th at the Cleveland Browns Stadium, and the event is already shaping up to be a blockbuster affair. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his crown against Solo Sikoa, the man who forcibly inherited the Bloodline during Roman Reigns’ post-WrestleMania absence.
But that isn’t the only clash to get excited about. Damien Priest will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against 2024 King of the Ring Gunther, while Drew McIntyre looks to be on a collision course with CM Punk, with a certain Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins waiting in the wings. But following the Oho showpiece, WWE will embark upon its resident quiet period. When the NFL returns to screens in September, WWE tends to have a somewhat of a quiet period, with several B-Tier events taking place up until the Royal Rumble in January.
So, with that being said, which five stars have put the company on their back, and will continue to do so as we see out the summer and head into the fall?
Rhea Ripley
Australian sensation Rhea Ripley claimed the Women’s World Champions at WrestleMania 39 last April and proceeded to run roughshod over the women’s division for the year that followed. She successfully defended her title in front of 52,590 raucous Aussies in Perth against Nia Jaxx in the main event of the Elimination Chamber show back in February. That performance solidified her status as one of the most famous Australian female athletes on the planet, alongside the likes of footballer Sam Kerr and tennis Grand Slam winner Ash Barty.
However, before she knew it, her title reign came to an abrupt end following an injury coming in the night after WrestleMania 40. In her place, Liv Morgan has assumed Ripley’s title, as well as setting her sights on her love interest Dominik Mysterio. However, on the 8th July episode of Monday Night Raw, Mami returned, and she immediately set her sights on both Morgan and Mysterio. The ovation received from the WWE Universe solidified Ripley’s position as a genuine main event star, and she’s set to carry that momentum into SummerSlam and beyond.
At the biggest event of the summer, Ripley will face off against Morgan for the gold but don’t expect her to emerge victorious right away. Expect her formerly loyal man Mysterio to betray her once and for all at the biggest party of the summer, allowing Morgan and Ripley to feud throughout the rest of 2024.
Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE has been nothing short of sensational. After an epic comeback at WrestleMania 38 and an emotional trifecta of victories over Seth Rollins, the American Nightmare has become a fan favorite and the company’s top star, at least when it comes to full-time performers. He met Roman Reigns in the main events of both WrestleMania 39 and 40, losing the first but finally finishing his story a year later.
No, Rhodes is finally champion, but there can be no denying his star has waned a little post-Mania. He beat AJ Styles and back-to-back matches at Backlash and Clash at the Castle, and while both matches were stellar, the storylines surrounding them fell somewhat flat. Now, he is embroiled in a story with Solo Sikoa, Reigns’ former Bloodline enforcer who has gone on to inherit the title of “Tribal Chief.”
The two are set to face off at SummerSlam, a match that promises to be a physical and emotional battle. The stakes are high, as Rhodes looks to prove that he’s not just a flash in the pan but a legitimate top draw, while Sikoa looks to solidify himself as aaa genuine contender. His quest for the WWE Championship continues to be one of the most compelling narratives in wrestling today, but expect Rhodes to retain after a thriller, and perhaps a return of Roman Reigns after three months away.
Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre’s journey in WWE has been a rollercoaster ride, with the Scottish Warrior experiencing both incredible highs and frustrating lows. After a brief hiatus, the Ayr-born star has returned with a renewed focus and intensity. His recent feud with CM Punk is arguably the hottest in all of WWE right now, and it has been the proud Scotsman that has put the work in.
He won the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania in April, only for Punk to beat him down and allow Damen Priest to cash in his Money in the Bank Contract and steal the title.
Mcintyre got the chance to secure the gold again, in Glasgow, Scotland no less, but once again the Second City Saint was there to cost him. At Money in the Bank in Toronto, last month came the final straw, with Mintyre winning the coveted ladder match, cashing in his contract only for Punk to cost him a third time. Now, the Scottish Warrior has finally snapped.
He has beaten down WWE officials, referees, and managers in recent weeks, resulting in a suspension. That is expected to be overturned and a first mouthwatering clash with Punk looms large on the horizon. Regardless of that result, expect those two to continue feuding, before ultimately settling their differences inside Hell in a Cell later in the year.