WWE will crown an interim Women’s Champion during a ladder match at SummerSlam 2026 held at U.S. Bank Stadium [1], [3].
The decision follows a significant injury to the current titleholder, Rhea Ripley, who is sidelined with a knee injury [7]. Because the champion cannot defend the title, the company is utilizing an interim championship to maintain the division's competitive momentum during her absence [7].
The event took place on Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 [1], with broadcasts starting at 6 ET / 3 PT [2]. The match serves as the focal point for the women's division at the Minneapolis venue [3].
There is a discrepancy regarding the number of participants in the match. Some reports describe the contest as a five-woman ladder match [4], while the official WWE hype video lists six competitors [5]. The athletes identified for the match include Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton, Chelsea Green, Giulia, Lash Legend, and Jade Cargill [1].
To determine the final field, WWE held a qualifying match on Friday Night SmackDown on July 31, 2026 [6]. This qualifying round ensured that the final spot was secured before the weekend's festivities began in Minnesota.
The use of a ladder match adds high-risk physical stakes to the interim title pursuit. Competitors must climb a ladder to retrieve the championship belt suspended above the ring, a format known for its volatility and athletic demand.
“WWE will crown an interim Women’s Champion during a ladder match at SummerSlam 2026”
The introduction of an interim title allows WWE to keep the Women's Championship central to its programming without stripping the injured Rhea Ripley of her status. By utilizing a ladder match, a high-impact stipulation, the company maximizes the spectacle of SummerSlam while creating a built-in rivalry for when the primary champion eventually returns to reclaim the title.
