WWE SummerSlam: A New Women’s Champion Will Be Crowned!

Why Is There a New Champion?

Rhea Ripley got hurt, so she can’t defend her WWE Women’s Championship right now. Because of that, WWE is going to name a temporary (or “interim”) champion at a big event called SummerSlam. This new champion will be decided in a special Five-Woman Ladder Match (more on that below).

Important Point: An “interim champion” is like a fill-in winner who holds the title until the real champion (Rhea) is healthy again.

What Is a Five-Woman Ladder Match?

Imagine five wrestlers in the ring, and a championship belt hanging above them on a rope. To win, a wrestler must climb a ladder and grab the belt. It’s risky and exciting! Five women will fight in this match to become the interim champ.

Who Has Already Qualified?

Two wrestlers have already earned their spots in the match:

• Tiffany Stratton: On the July 17 episode of SmackDown, she beat Jacy Jayne to become the very first superstar to qualify.
• Jade Cargill: On that same night, she faced Nia Jax. Charlotte Flair jumped in and caused trouble, which got Jade a win by disqualification (meaning Nia broke the rules, so Jade won). That qualified Jade too.

Who Else Is In?

Right now, we only know Tiffany and Jade are in. The big question is: Who will join Stratton and Cargill in the Ladder Match? Three more women still need to qualify!

How to Watch SummerSlam

SummerSlam is a special two-night event. Here’s how and when to watch:

1. Dates: Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2.
2. Time: 6 ET / 3 PT (that’s Eastern and Pacific time in the U.S.).
3. In the United States: Stream it live on the ESPN App if you have an ESPN Unlimited plan.
4. Outside the United States: Watch it live on Netflix.

Summary

Because Rhea Ripley is injured, WWE will crown an interim Women’s Champion at SummerSlam in a Five-Woman Ladder Match. Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill have already qualified by winning their matches on July 17’s SmackDown. Three more women must earn their spots. SummerSlam happens Aug. 1–2 and streams on ESPN (U.S.) or Netflix (international).

FAQ

Q: What does “interim champion” mean?
A: It means a temporary champion who holds the title while the usual champion (Rhea Ripley) is hurt, until she can return.

Q: How do you win a Ladder Match?
A: You climb a ladder and grab the championship belt hanging above the ring.

Q: Why did Jade Cargill win by disqualification?
A: Because Charlotte Flair interfered (jumped in) during Jade’s match with Nia Jax, which broke the rules and gave Jade the win.

Q: Do I need cable to watch SummerSlam?
A: No! In the U.S., you can stream it on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan. Internationally, it’s on Netflix.