ESPN to Award New WWE Championship Belts at SummerSlam 2026

ESPN will present new championship belts at WWE's SummerSlam 2026, marking a unique collaboration between the sports network and the professional wrestling organization. These custom-designed belts, described as "moments of the night" awards, will be handed out following each night of the two-day event scheduled for August 1 and 2. Unlike traditional championship titles, these belts will serve as recognition for standout performances rather than official titles. The design of the belts features a combination of gold, red, and black, with prominent logos from both ESPN and WWE. The front of the belts displays the ESPN logo, while the top bears WWE's emblem. Additionally, the sides include an "SC" insignia referencing ESPN's SportsCenter program. Images shared online have sparked discussions about the aesthetics and significance of the new hardware. Fans and analysts alike have reacted to the announcement with mixed feelings. Some critics argue that the proliferation of championship belts dilutes their value, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine titles and symbolic awards. On social media platforms, comments ranged from disappointment to amusement, with some users questioning whether these new belts would overshadow existing titles such as the Saudi Royal Rumble belt. The introduction of these new belts comes amid a broader context of evolving championship structures within WWE. Wrestlers frequently hold multiple titles across different brands and promotions, sometimes accumulating belts from affiliated organizations like NXT and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. For example, past champions such as Chelsea Green and Dominik Mysterio once possessed titles from both WWE and AAA. This complexity adds layers to the current situation, as fans attempt to navigate the growing number of championship opportunities. WWE, under the ownership of TKO Group Holdings, which also oversees the UFC, has previously introduced performance-based incentives similar to those offered by the UFC. The UFC awards performance-of-the-night bonuses to fighters, a practice that parallels the concept behind the new WWE belts. It remains to be seen how these awards will integrate into the broader landscape of WWE's championship hierarchy. The potential recipients of the new belts include high-profile wrestlers whose matches are anticipated to deliver memorable moments. On the first night of SummerSlam, Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar's steel cage match is expected to draw significant attention, potentially leading to a moment-of-the-night award. Meanwhile, Paul "Triple H" Levesque has highlighted Iyo Sky and Liv Morgan's women's championship bout as a contender for standout performance. The second night promises equally compelling matchups, including Seth Rollins facing off against Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship and Penta taking on Chad Gable for the Intercontinental Championship. These matches, along with others on the card, could generate the kind of dramatic moments that might earn the newly introduced belts. Both nights of SummerSlam 2026 will be streamed exclusively through the ESPN app, offering fans access to the event from anywhere. The integration of these new belts into the broadcast schedule suggests that ESPN intends to highlight them prominently, possibly featuring them in segments on SportsCenter and other programming. As the event approaches, the focus will shift to identifying which performances will be recognized with these distinctive awards.