Chelsea Green qualified for the interim WWE Women’s Championship ladder match at SummerSlam 2026 after winning her qualifier match on Friday [1, 2].

The qualification follows a decision by WWE to create an interim title because the reigning Women’s Champion, Rhea Ripley, is currently sidelined with an injury [3]. This ensures the division remains active while the champion recovers.

Green earned her position during the July 24, 2026 [1, 2], episode of Friday Night SmackDown. She faced Kiana James in a high-stakes match where the winner was guaranteed a spot in the upcoming SummerSlam event [2].

Charlotte Flair also secured a place in the contest. "Chelsea Green and Charlotte Flair are headed to WWE SummerSlam after winning qualifier matches for the Interim Women’s Title ladder match," Fightful staff said [1].

The final match at SummerSlam 2026 [1] will feature four participants competing in a ladder match to determine who will hold the interim title [1]. This format requires wrestlers to climb a ladder and retrieve the championship belt to win.

WWE has not yet announced the specific venue for the August event [2]. The road to the title continues as the company determines the final two competitors to join Green and Flair in the four-person match [1].

“Chelsea Green and Charlotte Flair are headed to WWE SummerSlam”

The introduction of an interim title is a strategic move by WWE to maintain storytelling momentum and championship stakes during Rhea Ripley's absence. By utilizing a ladder match—a high-risk stipulation—the company is positioning the interim title as a prestigious prize, ensuring that the eventual clash between the interim winner and the returning champion carries significant narrative weight.