WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLV is set for Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Madison Square Garden, just two weeks before the SummerSlam pay-per-view event. This gathering is pivotal for WWE as it aims to build excitement heading into SummerSlam, featuring headline matches including a tag team bout with WWE Champion CM Punk partnering with his title challenger Cody Rhodes against Gunther and Sami Zayn. The match carries an intriguing stipulation: if Punk and Rhodes lose, Gunther and Sami Zayn will be added to the WWE Championship match at SummerSlam, effectively turning it into a fatal four-way contest.

Another highlight is the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship defense, with titleholders Paige and Brie Bella facing the team Fatal Influence, composed of Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. The match carries speculation around a championship change and the anticipated return of Nikki Bella, Brie’s sister, who could alter the match's dynamics significantly. Paige and Brie’s reign is perceived by fans and insiders as a transitional period, with Fatal Influence considered strong contenders to claim the belts at this event.

The event also features matches with Danhausen taking on JD McDonagh, and Bayley going head-to-head with Lyra Valkyria. Danhausen enjoys strong support from the local New York crowd, bolstered by his unique persona and recent pop culture notoriety, making him a favored winner against a less prominent competitor. Bayley’s storyline with Valkyria focuses on establishing Valkyria’s new heel character, which suggests Valkyria is likely to secure a victory to boost her position on the roster.

Overall, WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLV serves as a key momentum builder for SummerSlam, showcasing both title defenses and rising stars. The event will be available for live streaming on Peacock in the U.S. and YouTube internationally, providing extensive access for wrestling fans. Predictions lean toward CM Punk and Cody Rhodes winning their tag match, Fatal Influence capturing the women’s tag titles, Danhausen scoring a significant victory, and Lyra Valkyria continuing her ascent with a win over Bayley.