WWE SummerSlam 2025 was historic for many reasons. Not only did it take place at MetLife Stadium near New York, but it also became the first-ever two-night SummerSlam in WWE history — a format usually reserved for WrestleMania. The card delivered unforgettable moments, including Seth Rollins’ shocking cash-in, CM Punk vs. Gunther, and Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena.
But according to the new season of WWE: Unreal on Netflix, what we saw at SummerSlam 2025 wasn’t the original plan. In fact, WWE had seven major matches lined up that never happened — due to injuries, storyline changes, and backstage decisions.
What Actually Happened at SummerSlam 2025?
Here’s a quick look at the final, official match card over the two-night SummerSlam event:
- Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed
- Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. The Judgment Day – WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships
- Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
- Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill – WWE Women’s Championship
- Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul vs. Randy Orton & Jelly Roll
- CM Punk vs. Gunther – WWE World Heavyweight Championship
- Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Iyo Sky – WWE Women’s World Championship
- Six-Pack Ladder Match – WWE Tag Team Championships
- Becky Lynch vs. Lyra Valkyria – WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship
- Solo Sikoa vs. Jacob Fatu – WWE United States Championship
- Dominik Mysterio vs. AJ Styles – WWE Intercontinental Championship
- Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena – Undisputed WWE Championship (Street Fight)
- Seth Rollins cashes in MITB on CM Punk to end Night One
The Matches That Were Originally Planned — But Got Cancelled
WWE: Unreal Season 2 revealed a behind-the-scenes list of matches that were initially part of the plan but had to be scrapped before showtime. Here they are:
- Roman Reigns vs. Bron Breakker
- Seth Rollins vs. Sami Zayn
- Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka
- Jey Uso vs. Rusev
- Demon Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio
- Bayley vs. Becky Lynch – WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship
- The Bella Twins vs. The Judgment Day
Let’s break down why some of these were cut or changed:
Roman Reigns vs. Bron Breakker
This was set to be one of the biggest matches of the weekend. Reigns and Breakker had feuded throughout 2025, with Breakker attacking Reigns on multiple occasions. Fans expected a one-on-one showdown. However, the plan shifted to a tag match with Jey Uso added, likely to continue the Bloodline and Vision storylines.
Seth Rollins vs. Sami Zayn
Instead of wrestling, Rollins pulled off one of the most shocking moments of the year. After faking an injury for weeks, he cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on CM Punk and became World Heavyweight Champion, ending Night One with a surprise victory.
Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka
This potential dream match was likely scrapped to include Iyo Sky and Naomi in a triple threat with Ripley instead — a match that added more star power to the women’s division and led to a standout moment for Naomi.
Bayley vs. Becky Lynch
Plans for Bayley to face Becky were reworked, and Becky instead faced Lyra Valkyria in a one-on-one match for the Women’s Intercontinental Title. Bayley was left off the final card due to creative changes.
Demon Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio
This match could have featured Finn’s return as “The Demon”, but instead, Dominik faced AJ Styles in a more grounded contest for the Intercontinental Title. Balor wasn’t used in a major match, possibly due to scheduling or injury.
Jey Uso vs. Rusev
Rusev’s status with WWE was in flux throughout 2025, and this match was dropped entirely with no replacement. Jey Uso instead took part in the tag match alongside Reigns.
The Bella Twins vs. The Judgment Day
The Bellas were reportedly set for a huge return, facing Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez (The Judgment Day’s women’s duo). However, Liv suffered a shoulder injury, and the match was pulled.
