WWE's latest Raw episode in Detroit, held on July 20, 2026, focused on building existing storylines for the upcoming two-night SummerSlam event on August 1 and 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. No new matches were added to the SummerSlam card, which is unusual given the proximity to the major show. Key developments included Chad Gable and Penta teaming up to showcase their upcoming Intercontinental Championship bout without either suffering a loss. Solo Sikoa made a bold move by offering to support Seth Rollins against Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, adding tension to the World Heavyweight Championship main event scenario.

The confirmed SummerSlam match card features high-profile title clashes, including Roman Reigns versus Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship and CM Punk against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Other highlighted matches are Brock Lesnar taking on Oba Femi inside Hell in a Cell, Liv Morgan defending the Women's World Championship against Iyo Sky, Gunther versus Nick Aldis, and the six-man tag team match with LA Knight, Solo Sikoa, and Royce Keys facing Jacob Fatu and The Usos. Additionally, country star Darius Rucker is set to perform the national anthem on August 2.

The teaming of Chad Gable and Penta was a strategic booking choice to elevate both competitors before their scheduled clash for the Intercontinental Championship. By pairing the challengers as partners against Ethan Page and Rusev without determining a winner, the storyline was boosted without jeopardizing either wrestler’s momentum. Notably, the tag match took place in Minneapolis, which is Gable's hometown, adding an emotional element to the buildup.

On Raw, Oba Femi’s victory over JD McDonagh served as a further buildup to his Hell in a Cell match against Brock Lesnar. Joe Hendry claimed a non-title win against Dominik Mysterio in a segment marked by multiple interferences, highlighting his current sporadic presence without a solid narrative direction. The episode also featured chaotic segments involving Solo Sikoa’s attempt to insert himself into the Reigns versus Rollins main event, involving run-ins from Jacob Fatu and members of The Bloodline, reinforcing the intensity leading into SummerSlam.