Over the years, numerous celebrities have taken part in WWE’s major summer event, SummerSlam, whether by stepping into the ring or contributing in other ways. This star-studded event, much like WrestleMania, has seen appearances from singers, athletes, and actors, among others, marking their presence in the excitement and spectacle of SummerSlam.
One notable figure is musician Jelly Roll, who in 2024 delivered a memorable choke slam to Austin Theory and has since been embraced as part of the WWE family. He made his return to SummerSlam in 2025, teaming up with Randy Orton and competing against celebrity-turned-wrestler Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre.
Leslie Nielsen, famed for his role in “The Naked Gun,” brought his comedic flair to SummerSlam 1994, starring in skits that involved investigating the mystery between the Undertaker and his impersonator during the event’s headline match.
Walter Payton, the legendary NFL player for the Chicago Bears, played a managerial role for Razor Ramon during SummerSlam 1994, helping fend off Shawn Michaels’ interference in Ramon’s title bout against Diesel, culminating in Razor Ramon’s victory.
Boxing champion Lennox Lewis appeared at SummerSlam 1992 in London to carry the British flag and accompany the British Bulldogs to the ring before their victorious Intercontinental Championship match against Bret Hart.
Comedian Jon Stewart made a surprising heel turn at SummerSlam 2015 by attacking John Cena, aiding Seth Rollins in winning the WWE Championship, and later participated in celebratory moments with WWE’s New Day.
The hip-hop duo Insane Clown Posse made an unusual musical entrance at SummerSlam 1998, a performance that was later removed from WWE Network and Peacock, making their cameo a lesser-known piece of WWE history.
Cardi B served as the host for SummerSlam 2025, heavily featured in promotional materials and engaging with WWE’s Women’s Division, highlighting WWE’s increasing integration of celebrities in recent years.
Actor Stephen Amell took part in a real match at SummerSlam 2015, competing against Cody Rhodes’ Stardust character, creating a thrilling crossover between WWE and the TV show “Arrow,” which Amell starred in.
Fan Take: Celebrity involvement at SummerSlam not only boosts the event’s entertainment value but also attracts new fans, expanding WWE’s reach. These appearances underscore WWE’s unique blend of sports and pop culture, keeping the spectacle fresh and exciting for its diverse audience.
