So, you're looking for what time is SummerSlam today? Honestly, if you've been a wrestling fan for a while, you probably have a mental clock set for Sunday nights. But things have changed. WWE doesn't really do the "Sunday only" thing for their big stadium shows anymore.
SummerSlam 2026 is a massive, two-night beast. It is taking over Minneapolis, Minnesota, at U.S. Bank Stadium. This isn't just a quick show; it's a weekend-long marathon.
The Actual Start Times
The main card for SummerSlam usually kicks off at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT).
Because we are in 2026, the streaming landscape has shifted. If you are in the United States, you aren't looking for Peacock anymore. WWE moved its Premium Live Events (PLEs) to ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service starting this year. International fans? You're likely firing up Netflix to catch the action.
If you're attending live in Minneapolis, the "doors open" time is usually a good two hours before the cameras roll. You'll want to be in your seat by 6:30 PM ET just to catch the pre-show vibes and any early matches they might throw on the "Countdown to SummerSlam" broadcast.
Why the Time Might Feel Different
WWE loves to experiment. Sometimes they start these stadium shows an hour early—like 6:00 PM ET—if they have a massive card that they think will run five hours.
Remember, this is a two-night event:
💡 You might also like: Why the 2004 Men's Olympic Basketball Disaster Changed the NBA Forever
- Night 1: Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Night 2: Sunday, August 2, 2026
Both nights generally follow the same 7:00 PM ET start time, but always check the local listing on your streaming app about an hour before just to be safe. There is nothing worse than tuning in and realizing you missed a surprise return in the opening match.
Where to Watch the Biggest Party of the Summer
The 2026 transition to ESPN was a huge deal in the wrestling world. It basically ended the "Peacock era" that defined the early 2020s. Now, you need the ESPN app (specifically their new standalone streaming platform) to watch SummerSlam in the US.
Outside the States? Netflix is the new home for almost everything WWE. They've been rolling out the service country by country, replacing the old WWE Network. It's a lot smoother, honestly. No more weird buffering during the main event (hopefully).
What time is SummerSlam today for international fans?
If you're watching from across the pond or elsewhere, here is a quick breakdown of when the bell rings:
👉 See also: Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol Results: What Really Happened in Riyadh
- United Kingdom: 12:00 AM BST (Sunday/Monday mornings)
- Australia: 9:00 AM AEST (Sunday/Monday mornings)
- India: 4:30 AM IST (Sunday/Monday mornings)
It’s a late night or a very early morning depending on where you're sitting.
The Match Card: What to Expect
SummerSlam is basically WrestleMania-lite. Well, with two nights now, it’s basically just WrestleMania in August. Since we're at U.S. Bank Stadium (the home of the Vikings), the scale is enormous. Expect 50,000+ people and a lot of pyro.
Rumors have been swirling about a massive retirement match—some say Brock Lesnar might finally hang up the boots in his "hometown" of sorts, while others are looking for the next chapter of the Bloodline saga. Whatever the card looks like, the main event usually starts about three hours after the show begins. So, if the show starts at 7:00 PM, don't expect the final match until at least 10:15 PM ET.
Don't Ignore the Pre-Show
The "Countdown to SummerSlam" usually starts two hours before the main show. That means 5:00 PM ET. It’s mostly talking heads—usually a mix of CM Punk (if he's not wrestling), Jackie Redmond, and maybe a surprise legend. But occasionally, they put a high-flying tag team match on the pre-show to get the crowd hyped. It's worth having on in the background while you're getting your snacks ready.
Final Logistics Check
If you are asking what time is SummerSlam today because you’re heading to the stadium, give yourself way more time than you think. Minneapolis traffic near the stadium is a nightmare on event days.
- Check your digital tickets: WWE uses the Ticketmaster/SeatGeek systems, and they usually update the exact "start time" on the ticket 24 hours before.
- Update your apps: Since 2026 is the first year for the ESPN transition, make sure your login is working and the app is updated. You don't want to be resetting your password while the opening pyro is going off.
- Time Zone Math: Always double-check if you're in Central Time (Minneapolis local). The show starts at 6:00 PM local time (CT), which is 7:00 PM for the East Coast.
Your Next Steps:
Log into your ESPN streaming account now to ensure your subscription is active. If you're international, confirm your Netflix region supports the live broadcast. Once that's set, clear your schedule from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM ET for both Saturday and Sunday nights to catch every minute of the action.