Gunther Vs. Royce Keys Originally Planned For WWE SummerSlam 2026

There has been plenty of talk over the last few weeks over plans for the upcoming SummerSlam 2026 card, with reports of matches such as Rhea Ripley vs. Jacy Jayne and Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk being amongst WWE’s original plans for the card. More has now been learned regarding other names on the WWE roster.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it has been revealed that WWE’s original card included matches such as Charlotte Flair vs. Jade Cargill, Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes, Brie Bella & Paige vs. Fatal Influence, and already announced matches such as Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi, and Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky. Interestingly, also listed is a match between Gunther and Royce Keys. 

In recent weeks, Gunther has been involved in the WWE Championship picture with Cody Rhodes & Sami Zayn, whereas Royce Keys has lingered on the periphery of The Bloodline storyline, refusing Solo Sikoa’s recruitment attempts. It isn’t clear whether or not WWE intends to begin this storyline on the road to SummerSlam, or whether these are cancelled original plans.