The 10 greatest SummerSlam matches you can relive in WWE 2K26

WWE SummerSlam arrives this weekend for a two-day extravaganza in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the U.S Bank Stadium, where over 66,000 of the WWE universe will be in attendance to witness some of the biggest names in professional wrestling.

In SummerSlam night one, some of the marquee matches include Oba Femi vs Brock Lesnar in Hell in a Cell, Liv Morgan vs Io Sky for the Women’s World Championship and CM Punk vs Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Night two brings Penta vs the hometown hero, Chad Gable, for the Intercontinental Championship, a five-way ladder match for the Women’s Championship and Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship.

All in all, WWE SummerSlam 2026 looks to be the biggest event of the summer, but what about all those historic moments that came before? Other than rewatching epic matches on Netflix, what other ways can we relive them? Well, this is where WWE 2K26 comes into play.

WWE 2K26 has the biggest roster ever in the series

One of the best features of WWE 2K26 is that it has the biggest roster, match-types, venues and PPVs in the entire series. Meaning that you can pretty much recreate any moment, and that includes some of the best matches in WWE SummerSlam history.

On top of that, you have the ever-vibrant community that creates alternative outfits for your favourite WWE Superstars, as well as adding new characters, including those outside of WWE, venues, PPVs, championships and more. That being said, let’s take a look at the most iconic SummerSlam matches we can relive in WWE 2K26.

READ MORE: WWE 2K26 All Active Locker Codes - July 2026

The 10 most historic SummerSlam matches you can relive in WWE 2K26.

WWE via Getty Images

John Cena vs AJ Styles - SummerSlam 2016

Considered to be the greatest match for the “greatest of all-time”, John Cena, and another pro wrestler considered to be one of the best of all time, the “Phenomenal” AJ Styles.

This legendary match was a pro wrestling clinic. We all knew that AJ Styles is one of the best in-ring performers ever, but this match absolutely solidified that John Cena can indeed wrestle. What made this match particularly unique from most is that once the bell rang, John Cena and AJ Styles never left the ring once. This was old-school pro wrestling at its best with AJ Styles claiming the win following a Phenomenal Forearm.

CM Punk vs Brock Lesnar - SummerSlam 2013

Taking place at the Staples Centre, Los Angeles. This was a classic David vs Goliath match, the “Voice of the Voiceless” vs “The Beast Incarnate”. This was a brutal match worthy of the No Disqualification stipulation that got very personal with the insertion of Brock’s advocate, and best friend of CM Punk, Paul Heyman. After several inferences by Mr Heyman, Lesnar won by landing the F-5 on CM Punk, on top of a steel chair.

The Undertaker vs Edge - SummerSlam 2008

This was the violent conclusion to a five-month feud between the “Phenom”, The Undertaker, and “The Rated-R Superstar” Edge in WWE’s most hellish structure, Hell in a Cell. Faces were scraped against the steel mesh, bodies were thrown through the cage, steel chairs, stairs were used, and an epic spot of Edge being thrown from the top of the cell down to the announce table. This match had it all.

The Undertaker would claim victory after delivering his devastating Tombstone Piledriver to Edge. This is considered to be one of the best Hell in a Cell matches ever, and it will be interesting to see if Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar can live up to its legacy this weekend. Just one caveat, Edge isn't officially in WWE 2K26, but you can download him from the community creations.

Shawn Michaels vs Triple H - SummerSlam 2002

This is one of the most personal matches in WWE history; it’s the classic case of loyal friends turned bitter enemies. Shawn Michaels made his triumphant in-ring return after four years recovering from a back injury that was thought to end his career.

On Michael’s return, he and Triple H reformed the legendary group, D'Generation X. However, with paranoid feelings of abandonment and a desire to prove that he was the better in-ring competitor, Triple H turned on his best friend. This non-sanctioned match was absolutely brutal, so much so that it looked like Michaels would be forced back into retirement. But when “The Heartbreak Kid” tuned up the band, it was game over for Triple H.

Edge & Christian vs The Hardy Boyz vs The Dudley Boyz - SummerSlam 2000

The Hardy Boyz in WWE 2K26, 2K

Technically, this was the first TLC (Tables, Ladders and Chairs) match in WWE, following the epic “Ladders” match between the trio of teams at WrestleMania 2000. There was certainly no love between Edge & Christian, The Hardy Boyz and The Dudley Boyz, only the love that the WWE Universe continues to have for this revolutionary match.

From the brutal use of all the weapons brought into the ring, the creative high spots and the pure brutality that each team brought, this match has ensured that it retains its legendary status until the end of time. If you weren't a fan of one of these teams before, by the time the match had finished, you would have been. This is not only the greatest TLC match ever, but it’s one of the greatest multi-tag team matches ever. While The Hardy Boyz and The Dudley Boyz are in WWE 2K26, Edge & Christian will have to be downloaded from the community creations.

READ MORE: WWE 2K26 Ringside Pass, Release Dates, Content and Prices

Triple H vs The Rock - SummerSlam 1998

Following in the footsteps of the ladder matches that came before, Triple H and The Rock aimed to put their own stamp on this match type, and boy, how they did. Rather than relying on athletic spots, this duo aimed to put on the best batch possible by beating the living crap out of each other.

Yet, rather than using steel chairs, stairs, kendo sticks and whatnot, the ladder was the primary weapon, and The Rock used it to bust Triple H wide open, resulting in blood pouring down his face. However, just as The Rock was about to claim victory and grab the hanging Intercontinental title, along came Chya to push him off the ladder, ensuring victory for Triple H.

Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon - SummerSlam 1995

This is actually the second ladder match between Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon, after the famous ladder match at WrestleMania X that very same year. Both competitors had amazing in-ring chemistry, and despite not being the best match between the two, it’s still considered to be one of the best SummerSlam matches ever.

Two contrasting styles, dangerous high spots (which were way ahead of their time), clever use of the ladder during the match, not only as a tool to grab the hanging Intercontinental title, but to help tell the story of war between the two. Shawn Michaels would eventually claim victory, and it went a long way to establishing him as one of WWE’s top rising stars.

Bret Hart vs Owen Hart - SummerSlam 1994

It doesn't get much more personal or emotional than a brother vs brother match with “The Hitman” Bret Hart vs “The King of Harts” Owen Hart. To say that this match was a technical masterclass is an understatement. This match was all about two brothers proving who is the best competitor in the squared circle.

If someone were to ever recommend a classic WWE match that showcases all the best ingredients to conjure an all-time classic with technical skills, in-ring psychology and emotional storytelling, Bret Hart vs Owen Hart would be at the top of that list. Unfortunately, the late great Owen Hart is no longer with us, and he’s not included in WWE 2K26 due to a long-running and tragic family dispute. While Bret Hart is included in the official roster, his younger brother Owen can also be downloaded from the community creations.

Bret Hart vs British Bulldog - SummerSlam 1992

This match is historic for more than being a great match. At the time of writing, it’s the only one of the four major PPVs of WWE (the others being Royal Rumble, WrestleMania and Survivor Series), to take place in England, and at the historic Wembley Stadium with 80,000 fans cheering on their favourite Superstars, none more so than England’s own, “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith.

This match was very personal, but unlike Shawn Michaels and Triple H at SummerSlam 2002, this was two baby-faces (good guys) competing to find out who is the best man. Sure, it was personal, but on a sportsmanship level, between two brothers-in-law. Granted, Bret Hart did most of the carrying during this match, but it still proved that a powerhouse like the British Bulldog had the technical skills to compete with one of the greatest. The hometown hero would claim victory in front of his adoring fans to become the Intercontinental champion for the first time in his career.

Bret Hart vs Mr Perfect - SummerSlam 1991

The “Excellence of Execution” is back on this list for a third time, this time, against one of his greatest adversaries, Mr Perfect. This match was a showcase of both competitors' technical in-ring skills, and much like Shawn Michaels four years later, this match helped to establish Bret Hart as a top singles star in the company.

From a pure pro wrestling perspective, this match is absolutely timeless, and if you wanted to show a new fan a prime example of technical excellence, this would be the one. They wouldn't even need to know the story between Bret Hart and Mr Perfect, because the showcase in the ring would be all the storytelling they would need. If you have never watched this match, you need to change that ASAP. It may even make you fall in love with pro wrestling all over again.

WWE 2K26 is out now on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2.

REVIEW: WWE 2K26 Is a Blast, This New Feature Makes It the GOAT