Seth Rollins may have a major role in the CM Punk-Seth Rollins saga. (Image credits: WWE.com)

SummerSlam 2024 is less than three weeks away, and WWE has already laid the foundation for the marquee matches in Cleaveland.

World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest will defend his title against 2024 King of The Ring Gunther. Cody Rhodes also granted Solo Sikoa a one-on-one opportunity for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Queen of The Ring Nia Jax will challenge Bayley for the WWE Women’s Championship. On RAW’s side, Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley will battle for the Women’s World Title in a grudge feud.

As the second-biggest event of the year draws close, the WWE Universe could expect a few unexpected twists to unfold on television as the company creates more excitement heading into Cleaveland.

On that note, let’s look at four possible twists ahead of SummerSlam 2024.

#4. An upset Kevin Owens walks out on Cody Rhodes

Although the babyfaces have been outmatched, Cody Rhodes has had two valuable allies, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens, against The Bloodline. Unfortunately, The American Nightmare had to witness Orton’s destruction on the last episode of SmackDown.

Orton was helped backstage, indicating that The Viper would be off television for some time. His absence deprives Rhodes of a key ally, but it could also have other implications.

The 14-time world champion is a close on-screen friend of KO: the two have developed quite the alliance in the last several months. Owens may take issue with the attack on Orton and withdraw his support.

He could blame Rhodes for not doing enough to prevent the assault on Orton and dragging his friend into Rhodes’ business. Losing both The Prizefighter and The Viper, The American Nightmare will presumably have to walk into SummerSlam 2024 alone.

#3. Jimmy Uso returns to help Cody Rhodes ahead of SummerSlam 2024

While Cody Rhodes may have lost Randy Orton and potentially Kevin Owens, Rhodes could also gain an unlikely ally in Jimmy Uso, who has not been seen since the April 12 edition of SmackDown.

Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga viciously assaulted Jimmy and put him on the sidelines. The 38-year-old Tag Team Specialist has been recovering from an undisclosed injury but could return for revenge.

During Rhodes’ program against Roman Reigns and the original Bloodline, Jimmy was a thorn in The American Nightmare’s path. However, both SmackDown stars now have a common enemy in Sikoa.

Acknowledging that neither man can take down The Bloodline alone, both men will combine forces to take down Sikoa and company.

#2. Rhea Ripley begins a romantic relationship with Main Event Jey Uso

The Rhea Ripley-Dominik Mysterio-Liv Morgan love triangle has convinced Jey Uso that Mami is single, which was also seemingly corroborated by Damian Priest. Uso quickly showed his interest in Ripley as he offered to take her to Waffle House.

Dom has maintained that he is loyal to Ripley, but his questionable actions and Morgan’s relentless pursuit suggest otherwise. However, Mami could add further intrigue to this arc by going out with Jey Uso, inciting some jealousy in Dom-Dom.

Jey could be a helpful ally in a mixed tag team feud with Dom and Morgan. An alliance with Ripley would allow him to grow out of his family’s shadow heading into SummerSlam 2024.

#1. Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins replaces CM Punk at SummerSlam for a match against Drew McIntyre

WWE has been building towards a blockbuster match between Drew McIntyre and CM Punk for months, with each rival trying to one-up the other. SummerSlam 2024 is the expected location for the blow-off, but much relies on Punk’s recovery status.

Fortunately, Triple H dropped a tease at Money in the Bank that could throw a major curveball in the Punk-McIntyre saga. The Straight Edge Superstar’s involvement in Seth Rollins’ title match against Damian Priest rubbed The Visionary in the wrong way.

Rollins would soon warn Punk of severe consequences after the latter sarcastically apologized. Although a Triple Threat is possible, it doesn’t appear to be the plan.

However, if Punk is still injured or WWE wants to extend the Punk-McIntyre saga till fall, Rollins could replace The Second City Saint at SummerSlam.