5 WWE stars who could return for SummerSlam 2026 & their potential opponents

WWE SummerSlam 2026 is set to take place on August 1 and 2 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the third of the Big Four premium live events on WWE’s calendar, and is set to be a two-night event like WrestleMania 42.

While most of the current roster is likely to be featured on the card, some others will return in time for the show and could have a major feud heading in. With that in mind, here are five WWE Superstars who could return in time for SummerSlam 2026 and their potential opponents at the premium live event.

#5. Sheamus could battle Ilja Dragunov

Sheamus is closing in on a return to action after being injured last year in November. He had to withdraw from the Last Time is Now Tournament, and hasn’t featured on television since. There is hope that the former WWE Champion will return in time for SummerSlam and potentially compete at the event.

If so, he could face Ilja Dragunov, someone who has not been featured on television despite not being injured. The last time fans saw The Mad Dragon was during the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale, where he was eliminated quite early. Both of them bring an intensity that is rare inside the ring, and could have the match of the night if they choose to have a feud.

#4. Drew McIntyre could face Trick Williams

Drew McIntyre is expected to return in the coming weeks, now that he is done filming Highlander. The Scottish Warrior was last seen at WrestleMania 42, where he lost an Unsanctioned Match against Jacob Fatu.

He took time off to film Highlander in the aftermath, and a return could be around the corner since he is not injured. Once he is back, he could start a feud with Trick Williams, someone who has had a firm grip on the United States Championship over the past few months. Williams radiates star power like few others on the roster, and could have a great program with McIntyre, considering how good they both are on the mic.

#3. CM Punk could have a storyline with Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn is set to be the special guest referee in Cody Rhodes and Gunther’s rematch for the Undisputed WWE Championship next week. The former United States Champion is having an identity crisis and is leaning towards being a heel despite his gimmick as the ‘last real good guy.’

Zayn will likely have a meltdown of increasing proportions in the coming weeks, as the creative team explores his character further. On the other hand, CM Punk is expected to move to SmackDown upon his return to WWE, and he could help Zayn battle his demons and eventually facilitate a heel turn, leading to a match between the two at the Biggest Party of the Summer.

#2. Randy Orton could feud with Cody Rhodes

The last time fans saw Randy Orton in WWE was at WrestleMania 42, where he hit Cody Rhodes with a Punt Kick after losing his Undisputed WWE Championship match. The Viper has not been seen on television since April, but could be back in time for the next of the big four shows of the year.

His story with Cody Rhodes is clearly not over, and he could restart his pursuit of a 15th world championship by challenging the American Nightmare. Perhaps Orton could return as soon as next week if Rhodes retains his title against Gunther despite walking in as the underdog. With no Pat McAfee or Jelly Roll to distract from the feud, Rhodes and Orton could even do battle without the championship involved and make things more personal.

However, considering Orton’s fixation on a 15th world title, it seems almost certain that Rhodes will be the champion if he restarts his storyline with The Viper.

#1. Brock Lesnar will likely battle Oba Femi

Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi are 1-1 after The Beast Incarnate defeated The Ruler at Clash in Italy. However, it was not easy by any means and Lesnar had to hit the former NXT Champion with seven F5s to keep him down for the three count.

Oba Femi effectively sent Lesnar into retirement at WrestleMania 42 by defeating him in under five minutes. It was an absolute shocker when The Beast Incarnate returned last month and challenged Oba to a rematch. However, the Nigerian clearly isn’t dealing with the loss very well and has his eyes set on The Beast Incarnate once again.

Lesnar could return to cost Oba Femi the King of the Ring final and could set up a third and final match at SummerSlam 2026. He might even put his career on the line in his hometown, only to retire for good by putting over Oba in a rubber match.