WWE Monday Night Raw Preview: July 20, 2026 in Detroit
The road to SummerSlam just hit a massive, chaotic turn. After Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden, the landscape of WWE for the Biggest Party of the Summer—and this Monday’s Raw in Detroit—looks drastically different.
With the dust settled in New York, we aren't just heading into Little Caesars Arena for a show; we are heading there for a reckoning.
*7/19 Updates
Official Announced
Show Opener: Seth Rollins is officially confirmed to open the broadcast.
Chad Gable: He is set to appear as he prepares for his Intercontinental Title challenge against Penta at SummerSlam.
Danhausen: Following his victory over JD McDonagh (with an assist from Karl-Anthony Towns) at Saturday Night’s Main Event, he is scheduled for an appearance.
Featured Match: Jacob Fatu vs. LA Knight is officially on the card.
The MSG Aftermath: The SummerSlam Main Event is Set
The biggest takeaway from MSG is the confirmation of a true, marquee singles match: CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
While Gunther and Sami Zayn fought tooth and nail to turn that bout into a Fatal 4-Way, it was a timely interference from SmackDown GM Nick Aldis that ensured the Ring General’s plans went up in smoke.
Aldis’s decision to clock Gunther with the title—retaliation for that blindside attack a week ago—has officially set the table for a high-stakes clash at SummerSlam.
Analysis: This wasn't just a tag match loss for Gunther; it was a total loss of leverage. By keeping the match one-on-one, WWE has doubled down on the individual star power of Punk and Rhodes.
Expect Gunther to be a man possessed in Detroit, likely looking to exert his frustration on the Raw locker room as he finds himself pushed out of the title picture.
The "OTC" and the Architect: A New Front Opens
Perhaps more shocking than the title picture was the closing segment of the night. World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, enjoying a victory lap in the Big Apple, was blindsided by Seth "Freakin" Rollins—with a helping hand from Tyrese Haliburton.
This adds a volatile layer to the build toward Reigns vs. Rollins. Is the champion actually safe, or has he been playing too much to the crowd while his greatest rival plotted his demise?
We expect Roman to arrive in Detroit on high alert, likely looking to make an example of someone to prove he’s still the "Only Tribal Chief."
Questions Entering Detroit
The Power Shift: With the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship changing hands to Fatal Influence, how does the division recalibrate? Paige and Brie Bella’s reign was defined by stability, but this new, aggressive version of the belts suggests we’re in for a grittier era for the women's tag scene.
Judgment Day’s Next Move: Danhausen’s win over JD McDonagh (thanks to an assist from NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns) is another embarrassing notch on the Judgment Day’s belt. How much longer can the group sustain these "outside interference" losses before they start cracking from within?
Lyra’s Dark Turn: Lyra Valkyria’s clinical destruction of Bayley at MSG was a statement. She’s no longer just a contender; she’s a threat. Does she set her sights on the Women's Championship picture in Detroit?
Raw Predictions
Seth Rollins tries to open the show only to be attacked by The Vision..
Liv Morgan defeats Becky Lynch to qualify for the Interim WWE Women's Championship at WWE SummerSlam 2026 Post-Match Liv Morgan and Becky Lynch have a major argument.
Danhausen celebrates with Mini Danhausens
Roman Reigns calls out Seth Rollins only to be Superkicked by Seth Rollins and then The Vision comes out to try to takeout Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, But Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns fights back and then both stand tall face-to-face.
Chad Gable appeared and then Penta turns on Gable.
LA Knight defeats Jacob Fatu with the help of Dominik Mysterio.
Dominik Mysterio defeats Danhausen while the Fake Danhausen helps Dom!
Main Event: Roxanne Perez defeats Ivy Nile to qualify for the Interim WWE Women's Championship at WWE SummerSlam 2026 Post-Match Lyra Valkyria joins The Judgment Day as a reveal.
