WWE SummerSlam 2026: 12 Things That NEED To Happen
6. Charlotte Flair Becomes Interim Champ
Rhea Ripley's injury troubles forced WWE to alter plans for SummerSlam. Originally, they had Rhea vs...someone, Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton vs. Blake Monroe (although that one is seemingly a late in the day addition) scheduled for the PLE. Instead, Rhea is on the bench, and at least 3 of the 4 others named there will be involved in a 5-woman ladder brawl to crown a new interim Women's Champ.
Ripley will gun for that woman once she's able to launch a comeback, so at least the writers know they'll have a big time match up their sleeves over the next few months. Looking at things fairly, this was probably the best way to go about things considering 'Mami' doesn't have a concrete timeline for recovery.
It'd be a huge shock if Green or Stratton won the interim status on Sunday. Chelsea is over but not taken seriously as a threat to the top title, and Tiffany already has her own prize by way of the Women's United States Title. Another qualifier on SmackDown will see Lash Legend or Giulia join the fold, and neither of those is as big of a star as Flair or Cargill.
This writer's guess? It'll be Charlotte. Then, she can defend against Jade on a follow up PLE before settling things once and for all with Rhea. Flair likely deserves a reward for her excellent work as a babyface since finally convincing WWE's fanbase to cheer for her. No piped-in fake noise needed.
15-time champ is on the way, people.