What to Expect on SummerSlam Pre-Show & Raw Next Week

SummerSlam is looking to be a packed show with a ton of interesting matches on the card. As the show is already expected to run 4-5 hours this year, it makes sense that some matches would be relegated to the pre-show on this year’s show. Per a new report from PWInsider, as of right now, only two matches are expected to be moved to the kick-off show, and the show will feature a panel discussion with Renee Young, Peter Rosenberg, and WWE Hall of Famers Lita and Jerry Lawler. They will all be there to discuss the show beforehand. The WWE Network schedule suggests that the pre-show is beginning at 5pm ET this year, and it is expected to run for about two hours.
As far as the matches that will be on the pre-show, both of the ones being discussed at the moment are tag team matches. It appears as though the original plans were to have the rumored Revival vs. The Hardy Boyz match on the kickoff show. Due to Scott Dawson’s recent injury though, that match has been scrapped. The Hardys are now expected to be taking on Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson instead, but it is unclear whether or not they are still having the match on the pre-show. The other match could end up being the rumored Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose match, but it seems more likely that The Usos vs. The New Day match may end up getting that spot instead.
Before SummerSlam though, there will be one more episode of Raw to finalize their plans for the pay-per-view. During the latest broadcast of Smackdown, WWE advertised a few different matches that will be taking place on the show. Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns will be following their Last Man Standing match from Monday’s show with a Boston Street Fight. Another match advertised for the show was Dean Ambrose challenging The Miz for his Intercontinental Championship. We also know that Sasha Banks and Nia Jax will square off for a chance to face Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women’s Championship at the summer event on this week’s Raw. Raw takes place in Boston, Massachusetts next Monday night.