After Sami Zayn, 3 Other WWE Superstars Who Could Lose Their Championship Before SummerSlam 2026

Sami Zayn‘s reign as the Undisputed WWE Champion came to an abrupt end, thus proving once again that no title is truly safe in the company. Although many fans expected the underdog to enjoy a longer run after his emotional victory at Night of Champions, Triple H shocked the fans by taking the championship off him well before SummerSlam.

With WWE’s biggest event of the summer rapidly approaching, creative could have more surprises in store. Whether due to storyline developments, mounting challengers or unfortunate injuries, several other champions may not make it to SummerSlam with their gold intact.

This article will look at three WWE Superstars who could lose their championships before SummerSlam 2026.

#3. Trick Williams — United States Champion

Trick Williams has enjoyed a memorable run as the United States Champion. Thus, proving that he belongs among WWE’s top stars. Ever since arriving on the main roster, the former NXT standout has continued building momentum, with the United States Championship serving as the biggest accomplishment of his career so far.

However, Williams’ reign may be approaching its biggest test. The U.S. Title picture has become increasingly competitive in recent weeks, with multiple superstars eyeing the prestigious title. Also, WWE has shown a willingness to use the championship as a launching pad for rising stars. Thus, Triple H could decide that it’s time for a fresh face to carry the gold into SummerSlam.

Timing also plays a role. If WWE wants to establish a blockbuster U.S. Title match for SummerSlam, changing the gold beforehand could immediately reshape the landscape. A surprise title switch on SmackDown or Saturday Night’s Main Event XLV would create buzz while giving the new champion momentum heading into the Biggest Party of the Summer.

That isn’t to say Trick Williams has failed as champion. On the contrary, he’s elevated the title through consistently entertaining performances. However, WWE often prioritizes unpredictability during the weeks leading up to SummerSlam. Thus, that could leave the United States Champion vulnerable.

#2. Sol Ruca — Women’s Intercontinental Champion

Sol Ruca has quickly become one of WWE’s brightest young stars. Her athleticism, unique offense and growing confidence have made her a standout performer. Thus, capturing the Women’s Intercontinental Championship cemented her status as one of the division’s rising talents.

Still, Ruca’s reign may not be guaranteed to last until SummerSlam. The Women’s IC Title continues to attract a growing list of challengers. Also, WWE has invested heavily in building depth across the women’s mid-card division. That means every title defense carries significant pressure.

Triple H could decide that a championship change is the best way to inject fresh life into the title picture before SummerSlam. Given this, a new champion would immediately create fresh rivalries and open the door for several stars who have been waiting for meaningful opportunities.

Also, there’s the possibility that the company wants Sol Ruca to move beyond the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. She has consistently demonstrated that she can compete with the biggest names in the division. Thus, losing the title wouldn’t necessarily hurt her momentum. Instead, it could free her to pursue a Women’s World Championship opportunity later in the year.

Sometimes, dropping a midcard championship is the first step toward something even bigger.

#1. Rhea Ripley — WWE Women’s Champion

Unlike the other champions on this list, Rhea Ripley‘s biggest threat isn’t another Superstar. It’s her injury.

Ripley is currently sidelined, thus leaving the future of the WWE Women’s Championship surrounded by uncertainty. With SummerSlam drawing closer, the company faces an increasingly difficult decision regarding one of its most prestigious titles.

If Ripley isn’t medically cleared in time, Triple H may have little choice but to ask her to vacate the championship. Although WWE has occasionally allowed injured champions to retain their titles during shorter absences, the company has also shown that it won’t leave a major championship inactive indefinitely, especially with one of the biggest PLEs of the year just around the corner.

Given this, keeping the title off television for too long would leave a significant gap in the SummerSlam card.

Vacating the championship would allow the company to crown a new champion before or at SummerSlam. Thus, ensuring the title remains central to the event. It would also create immediate opportunities for several top stars eager to step into the spotlight.

Of course, asking Mami to relinquish the title would be an unfortunate outcome rather than a reflection of her reign. She has consistently been presented as one of the most dominant competitors, and her absence is entirely beyond her control.

Should the creative team go in that direction, it’s almost certain that Ripley would return with a ready-made storyline centered on reclaiming the championship she never truly lost. In many ways, that could make her eventual comeback even more compelling.