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The top stars of WWE are usually heavily featured on shows like SummerSlam and WrestleMania. Roman Reigns main evented what seemed every premium live event he competed at over the last four years.
With so many deserving stars on the roster, that should have been spread out more, even if Reigns appeared sporadically. One factor that can affect who appears at events other than top status is injuries.
Several big names have missed time this year, including Charlotte Flair, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins. Which names may miss out on a featured spot at SummerSlam? The next five WWE stars may not compete in Cleveland for various reasons.
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#5. Bobby Lashley is a former WWE Champion
The last time fans saw Bobby Lashley in all his glory was against the Final Testament at WrestleMania 40. He beat Karrion Kross and his allies with the help of the Street Profits.
The group was on SmackDown following the 2024 WWE Draft but has been wavering in and out of feuds in matches without their leader.
Since the reason behind his absence isn't completely known, the All Mighty will likely miss out on the second biggest show of the year.
#4. Plans for Jey Uso are up in the air
Jey has already challenged for both the Intercontinental and World Heavyweight Championship. Despite valiant efforts, he's come away empty-handed. Fan reaction hasn't wavered for The Yeet Master, as he still receives one of the loudest ovations on a nightly basis.
Despite his popularity and spot on RAW, the former multi-time tag team Champ doesn't have a clear path for SummerSlam. Sami Zayn will likely defend his title against Bron Breakker and possibly Sheamus and Ilja Dragunov.
If he isn't booked for SummerSlam, Jey will ultimately appear somehow. He's too popular to be kept off the second-biggest show of the year. He could easily cost Solo Sikoa against Cody Rhodes or deal with the Wyatt Sicks.
#3. Charlotte Flair could return from injury at SummerSlam
Charlotte Flair has been one of WWE's top stars throughout her career. She's won more singles titles than any other woman in the company and is always booked strongly.
The Queen has been a member of SmackDown over the last few years. Her husband, Andrade, is back on Friday nights after returning to WWE at the Royal Rumble. Despite a serious injury last December, Flair could return sooner than later.
The Queen is a workout warrior, and medicine has improved over the last decade. Flair could confront the winner of either title match or potentially prevent Tiffany Stratton from cashing in.
#2. Seth Rollins recently returned from injury
Rollins has no clear path to SummerSlam unless he's somehow added to a potential match. He could have faced CM Punk, but the latter is destined for a fight with Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam.
The former World Heavyweight Champion is understandably angry with Punk for his actions at Money in the Bank. If cleared, however, The Voice of the Voiceless will be tangling with The Scottish Warrior in Cleveland.
Rollins may interfere in the match if he can't find an opponent for SummerSlam. He's mad at Punk for costing him another shot at Damian Priest at Money in the Bank. Rollins gave McIntyre a nod of approval after the latter beat him at WrestleMania 40.
#1. Roman Reigns' return to WWE is on the horizon
All recent signs on SmackDown indicate a return from WWE's top star, Roman Reigns. The Tribal Chief has been gone from the company since losing the Undisputed WWE Title to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40.
Solo Sikoa attacked Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman after taking over the Bloodline. He's also run roughshod over the rest of the SmackDown roster. After pinning The American Nightmare at Money in the Bank, the new Tribal Chief will get his first shot at singles gold on the main roster.
Returning at SummerSlam would have the biggest impact, especially if he costs Solo against Cody Rhodes. He may also relay that he's back to challenge Sikoa for the title of Tribal Chief.
