Jelly Roll to make in-ring debut in WWE SummerSlam tag match

Jelly Roll is officially set to make his in-ring debut at WWE SummerSlam.

The 40-year-old country music star will team up with Randy Orton when they take on Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam. After the build to the match began on Friday’s SmackDown, it was officially confirmed tonight during Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Orton and McIntyre faced off in a singles match tonight with Jelly Roll and Paul in their respective corners. Jelly Roll and Paul got into it at ringside, which led to McIntyre being distracted and losing to an RKO from Orton.

There was then a post-match angle where Paul attacked Orton. Jelly Roll made the save, dropping Paul with a punch. But when Jelly Roll went to check on Orton, McIntyre laid the musician out with a Claymore.

Later in the show, Jelly Roll & Orton did an interview where they challenged Paul & McIntyre for SummerSlam. WWE has since confirmed the match.

Jelly Roll has been nominated for four Grammys in his music career. He’s a big WWE fan who first interacted with Orton on an episode of Raw in 2023. Some of Jelly Roll’s popularity is due to him being seen as an inspirational figure that’s overcome a difficult past where he dealt drugs and spent time in jail. He’s also dropped approximately 200 pounds from his highest weight.

This is the first two-night SummerSlam in history. It’s being held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3, and rap star Cardi B will be the host of the show.

Three matches have been announced so far (nights to be announced):

WWE SummerSlam 2025 —

  • Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena defends against Cody Rhodes
  • WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defends against Jade Cargill
  • Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul