Former Universal Champion in Minnesota Ahead of WWE SummerSlam Weekend

A former WWE Universal Champion is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ahead of SummerSlam 2026 weekend.

There are 12 matches on the card for SummerSlam 2026 (six for each night) at U.S. Bank Stadium, including seven championship bouts. Aside from the action in the ring, SummerSlam often features surprise superstar returns.

In an update, Fightful Select reports that “Kevin Owens is in Minneapolis ahead of” SummerSlam 2026 weekend. Owens has been sidelined for over a year, having undergone neck fusion surgery in July 2025.

This report follows an update from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Meltzer reported that Owens and Randy Orton (sidelined with a back injury) are slated to return “very soon.”

Owens’ last match before his hiatus was on March 1, 2025. There, he defeated Sami Zayn via pinfall in an unsanctioned match.

The Six Matches for Day One of SummerSlam 2026

Triple H enters the ring during SummerSlam.

(Photo by Cooper Niell /WWE via Getty Images)


The six matches for day one of SummerSlam are: CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship, Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky for the Women’s World Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi in a Hell in a Cell bout, Nick Aldis vs. Gunther, Fatal Influence vs. The Bella Twins and Paige, and The Bloodline vs. Solo Sikoa, LA Knight and Royce Keys.

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Author: Alex Hoegler

Teva’s Upgraded All-Terrain Sandals Are Nearly 60% Off at REI Right Now

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

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Why We Love This Deal

Sometimes the best hiking shoe is a sandal. Even the most breathable of shoes can’t match a sandal’s airy design and quick-drying properties, and when you throw in a grippy rubber outsole, sandals really do become awesome trail shoes. There are many great pairs of hiking sandals to consider, but this Teva option from REI has an extremely attractive price right now. It’s nearly 60% off, part of an REI Outlet deal that ends on August 3. 

Teva’s Universal Trail Sandals are on sale for just $41, a 59% discount, at REI. This deal beats the price at American Eagle, the only other retailer I could find selling this shoe—not even Teva has it in stock. The good news is that, at least right now, REI has it available in all sizes from 8 through 13.

Teva Universal Trail Sandals, $41 (was $100) at REI

The Teva Universal Trail Sandals.

Courtesy of REI

What Shoppers Should Know

  • Upper: Recycled polyester
  • Footbed: Ariaprene
  • Midsole: EVA
  • Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber

The Universal Trail Sandals are a souped-up take on the iconic Teva Universal sandal. While they feature the same strap layout, the Universal Trail is a better choice for hiking. Why? 

Starting from the top, its polyester straps are lined with Ariaprene, a synthetic foam. That makes them much more comfortable against your feet, and also reduces the likelihood of chafing and irritation, since the straps can’t dig into your skin. The Universal Trail also has an actual midsole: a layer of EVA foam to absorb impact forces and provide some cushioning to your feet. That’ll help reduce fatigue when you’re walking for hours. 

Finally, the Universal Trail rides on an upgraded Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole with a toothy lug pattern that’ll dig into dirt and find purchase on rocky trails. Good traction is essential, and I wouldn’t hike in anything less.

Compared to hiking shoes or boots, these sandals offer several advantages. Since there’s no upper, they’re exceptionally breathable and will keep your feet cool on hot days. That also makes them great for trails with lots of creek crossings, as water won’t get stuck in your shoes. In addition, at just 10.3 ounces, the Universal Trail is much lighter than a typical hiking boot.

Related: Birkenstock Makes an All-Terrain Sandal, and It’s Currently Over 40% Off

What Shoppers Are Saying

REI shoppers called the Universal Trail Sandals “very comfortable” and appreciated their “excellent fit” and the padded straps, which create a helpful buffer between your foot and the polyester webbing. One reviewer said they’re the best strap sandals on the market: “I would wear these over any other brand.” While they’re great for dayhikes, shoppers also loved them for casual wear, and said they’re “so much better than flip flops.”

At nearly 60% off, these Teva hiking sandals are likely going to sell fast—one colorway is almost completely sold out. Grab your pair today before this incredible deal slips away.

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Author: Michael Charboneau

51 Years Later: Jack Nicholson’s Box Office Flop Became an All-Time Classic

Jack Nicholson is one of the greatest actors of all time. Throughout his filmography, some movies lived up to the hype, some were underwhelming, and others opened to poor reviews before becoming all-time classics.

That was the case with his 1975 film, The Passenger, directed by legendary filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni.

How It Went From a Box Office Flop to a Classic

The movie follows a frustrated journalist on assignment in the desert who discovers his hotel neighbor dead. He steals the man’s identity in search of a more exciting life, only to discover the man was an international arms dealer.

On paper, the premise sounded thrilling, but audiences didn’t embrace it. The film also was completely overshadowed by Nicholson’s Oscar-winning performance later that year in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Nicholson later bought the rights to The Passenger and kept the film out of circulation for decades. That decision created intrigue and helped set up a 2005 re-release through Sony Pictures. From that point on, the film took off, with many considering it one of Nicholson’s best performances while praising Antonioni’s direction and cinematography.

Fifty-one years later, the film holds an 88% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 4.0-star rating on Letterboxd.

Nicholson’s Comments on the Movie Prior to Its Release

Nicholson spoke about the film before its 1975 release and explained its central theme.

“The basic theme of The Passenger is an identity change: it deals with the area of fantasy and the subconscious in a man who says ‘Why don’t I just walk out of my life and become someone new tomorrow?’ It deals with the releasing of all the super-psychic energy which is locked around that fantasy, and makes the comments about why you can and why you can’t do this, how far it’s real and how far it’s a fantasy,” Nicholson said.

He also revealed what it was like working with Antonioni, calling it “hard work” that required “tremendous discipline.”

“I found working with Antonioni a tremendous discipline,” he added. “It was very hard work, and there was tension between us at times, because that’s the nature of work on this kind of thing. And of course Antonioni is always very much the master.”

Related: 1981 John Travolta Film, Once a Box Office Flop, Called One of the Greatest Movies Ever by Quentin Tarantino

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Author: Cole Sullivan

1976 Rock Classic, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Guitar Solos Ever,’ Was Nearly Rejected as a Single

“Hotel California” sounds inevitable now. In 1976, its co-writer thought releasing a six-minute song with a one-minute intro and two-minute guitar finale could be a career mistake.

Don Felder helped build the Eagles classic from a chord progression recorded at his Malibu home. The finished track ignored nearly every radio rule of its era—and then reached No. 1, won a Grammy, and became one of rock’s most enduring recordings.

Don Felder Thought Radio Would Reject It

Eagles band circa 1976.

Photo by Getty Images

Felder initially warned Don Henley against releasing “Hotel California” as a single. As he explained in an interview revisited by MusicRadar, 1970s radio favored songs around three minutes long, with short intros and conventional structures.

“Hotel California” offered the opposite: a slow entrance, an extended running time, a breakdown, and a long guitar coda. Felder believed disc jockeys would not play it.

Listeners proved him wrong. “Hotel California” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 7, 1977, according to ABC Audio, and the Eagles won Record of the Year at the 1978 Grammy Awards. The song’s refusal to hurry became part of its power. It creates a destination, lets the tension build, and then spends more than two minutes releasing it through guitars.

Related: 1981 Rock Classic, Ranked One of the ‘Best Arena Rock Songs of All Time,’ Became a Timeless Road-Trip Anthem

The Famous Solo Was Both Planned and Spontaneous

Joe Walsh and Felder trade lead phrases before joining on the descending harmony. Walsh told Guitar Worldthat the individual solos were spontaneous, while the harmonized descending lines were worked out together.

That balance explains why the ending feels precise without sounding sterile. The conversation between the guitars has personality, but both players know exactly where the road leads. Guitar World readers ranked the “Hotel California” finale the fifth-greatest guitar solo of all time, further cementing the performance as one of rock’s defining guitar moments.

The recording was also complex enough that Felder needed a modified double-neck Gibson to reproduce the layered six-string and 12-string parts live. What sounded effortless required engineering, rehearsal, and a willingness to ignore the format that radio supposedly demanded.

Listen to the full recording without skipping the intro or guitar finale. “Hotel California” remains a useful reminder that the feature everyone calls excessive may be the exact reason the work survives.

Next: 1976 Rock Classic, Ranked One of the ‘Greatest Guitar Solo of All Time,’ Became a Timeless Road-Trip Anthem

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Author: Joseph Arangio

49ers Place Wide Receiver on Season-Ending Injured Reserve

The San Francisco 49ers have placed wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. on season-ending injured reserve. This comes just days after Pearsall Jr. was sidelined with swelling in his knee. The swelling stems from an injury to his Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which occurred in a game last season against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Per Mick Shlain of NBC Sports. “49ers GM John Lynch told reporters Pearsall would have surgery on his PCL. A year after knee injuries limited him to nine games, Pearsall will miss the entire 2026 season.” 

Related: 49ers Add Familiar Face to Wider Receiver Room

Earlier this week, it was reported that the 49ers had some “concern” about Pearsall’s knee swelling up, and they were “exploring all options”. It now seems the team has decided the best course of action is surgery, which will cause the third-year player to miss the entirety of 2026. 

Pearsall has dealt with injuries throughout his short career after being selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft with pick 31. He was shot in the chest just days before the start of his rookie season during an attempted robbery, which caused him to miss the first six games of his career. He would go on to have a solid rookie season, all things considered, as he posted 31 receptions for 400 yards and 3 touchdowns in 11 games. 

His sophomore season was once again derailed by injuries, as he only appeared in 9 contests. He was able to set career highs in receptions with 36 and receiving yards with 528, but he failed to find the endzone. 

San Francisco signed receiver Deebo Samuel on Thursday to a one-year, $7 million deal. With Christian Kirk dealing with his own injury, the team reacquired Samuel to bolster a receiving corps headlined by Mike Evans, who is entering his 13th NFL season.

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Author: Brian Marr

Nirmal Purja Climbed All 14 Eight-Thousanders in Record 189 Days, Changing Mountaineering Forever

Long before his death at 43, Nirmal “Nims” Purja became one of the greatest mountaineers of his generation.

The Nepal-born climber became internationally famous in 2019 after accomplishing one of the most extraordinary feats in the history of mountaineering: climbing all 14 of the world’s mountains taller than 8,000 meters in just 189 days. The achievement shattered the previous record of seven years, 10 months, and six days, transforming Purja into a global climbing icon.

The Mission That Changed Mountaineering

Purja called the ambitious challenge Project Possible. His goal was to summit every one of the world’s 14 “eight-thousanders” (the only mountains on Earth that rise above 8,000 meters), all located in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges.

The mountains are considered among the most dangerous on the planet because their upper elevations sit within what’s known as the “death zone,” where oxygen levels are too low for the human body to survive for long without acclimatization.

Purja and his Sherpa team completed the challenge in just 189 days, which was an achievement that stunned the climbing world and rewrote the record books.

A Netflix Documentary Brought His Story to Millions

Purja’s remarkable accomplishment reached an even wider audience through the 2021 Netflix documentary14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.

The film followed his record-breaking expedition and highlighted not only the physical demands of climbing the world’s highest mountains, but also the logistical challenges of organizing such an unprecedented mission.

The documentary introduced millions of viewers to Purja’s relentless mindset and helped turn him into one of the world’s most recognizable mountaineers.

Purja continued pushing the boundaries of high-altitude climbing after Project Possible.

According to The Times, he later climbed all 14 eight-thousanders again without supplemental oxygen, answering critics who argued that his original record relied too heavily on bottled oxygen.

He also helped make history as part of the team that completed the first winter ascent of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain and one of its most dangerous. Known as “Savage Mountain,” K2 had never before been successfully climbed during the winter season.

Before becoming a full-time mountaineer, Purja served with the British Army’s Gurkhas and later became the first Gurkha selected for the elite Special Boat Service (SBS). During his military career, he served in Afghanistan and was later awarded an MBE after rescuing a stranded climber on Mount Everest.

A Legacy Unlike Any Other

Purja’s achievements fundamentally changed what many climbers believed was possible.

His 189-day ascent of all 14 eight-thousanders remains one of the most remarkable accomplishments in mountaineering history, while his military service, rescues, and willingness to push beyond accepted limits earned him admiration far beyond the climbing community.

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Author: Rachel Schneider

Patagonia’s Organic Canvas Fieldsmith Travel Backpack Is Nearly 50% Off at REI

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

In This Story

Why We Love This Deal

Patagonia is all about versatility, and its Fieldsmith line of backpacks reflects that. These bags are built for everything from school to weekend trips and have hiking-inspired details that translate nicely to daily life. Better yet, REI has a handful of them marked down ahead of fall, including this rugged, 24-liter organic cotton canvas pack that’s nearly 50% off.

The Patagonia Fieldsmith Linked Pack is on sale for $59, which is $50 off the original $109 price tag. This item comes in just one size at REI, but three colors are available, and they all share the same generous discount. Other Fieldsmith bags, including the Fieldsmith Roll-Top Pack and the Fieldsmith Hip Pack, are also on sale at the moment.

Patagonia Fieldsmith Linked Pack, $59 (was $109) at REI

Courtesy of REI

What Shoppers Should Know

  • Gear Capacity: 24 liters
  • Best for: Travel
  • Weight: 1 pound and 7 ounces
  • Dimensions: 18 inches by 11.5 inches by 7 inches

If you need a bag that has both everyday functionality and an adventurous spirit, the Fieldsmith Linked backpack is right for you. The cotton canvas material is much more durable than the polyester lining most packs have nowadays, and is built to last. While this bag isn’t as weatherproof as some advanced hiking bags, it should still serve you well for years to come on backpacking trips, short flights, commutes to work, and more.

Simply put, this bag combines the most convenient parts of an everyday pack with the handy design of what you’d use on the trail. It has a designated laptop compartment, and the cinch top is a breeze to open. Plus, it features lash points for clipping on shoes, water bottles, and more—just like a great hiking backpack.

In terms of pricing, you can find more affordable packs out there. However, finding Patagonia bags for almost half off is exceedingly rare, making this a more than worthwhile pick-up.

Related: Walmart’s Ozark Trail Line Has a $30 Travel Backpack That Goes Toe-to-Toe With Major Outdoor Brands

What Shoppers Are Saying

There aren’t many reviews for this Patagonia pack at REI, but it still has a four-star rating, and one impressed shopper cared to leave feedback. “Straightforward design and durable pack,” they said. “This is my first Patagonia purchase, and I now see why their reputation is so strong!”

There’s another review that expressed concern with the laptop compartment, stating that there simply wasn’t one. According to our research, it seems as though there actually is.

The Patagonia Fieldsmith Linked Pack is under $60 at REI, and it would be a smart pick for any college student, day hiker, Disney-goer, or city commuter.

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Author: Daniel Donabedian

Jakob Butturff, 8-Time Professional Bowling Champion, Dies Unexpectedly at 32

The professional bowling community is mourning the loss of Jakob Butturff, an eight-time Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour champion who died unexpectedly on Friday, July 31. He was 32 years old.

The PBA announced Butturff’s death on Saturday but did not disclose a cause of death.

In a statement, PBA Commissioner Tom Clark remembered Butturff as “one of the most unique players in PBA history.”

“Fans marveled at his delivery, as he rode a wave of strikes into becoming a top player in the sport, capable of winning at any time, in any event,” Clark said. “Jakob was kind, he was respectful, and he was a champion. He will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with all Butters touched on his one-of-a-kind journey.”

One of Bowling’s Top Competitors

Known to family and friends as “Butters,” Butturff rose to prominence during the 2016 PBA season, when he captured his first two PBA Tour titles while also dominating the PBA Regional Tour.

That year, he earned both West Region and Northwest Region Player of the Year honors before going on to collect 27 PBA Regional Tour titles over the next two seasons.

During his career, Butturff won eight PBA Tour titles, including the 2019 USBC Masters and the 2017 QubicaAMF World Cup. He also represented Team USA seven times, helping the national team win multiple gold and silver medals in international competition.

Remembering Jakob Butturff

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Butturff later lived in Phoenix, Arizona, and Binghamton, New York, while building one of professional bowling’s most successful careers.

Over the past decade, he established himself as one of the sport’s premier competitors, earning eight PBA Tour victories and representing Team USA on the international stage.

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Author: Rachel Schneider

C.J. Gardner-Johnson Carted Off the Practice Field

The Buffalo Bills’ secondary has just taken a hit as C.J. Gardner-Johnson was carted off the practice field this morning with an apparent leg injury. Dan Fetes of 13 WHAM in New York, who was in attendance, tweeted, “CJ Gardner Johnson is down. Grabbing the back of his right heel/calf/ankle. Being helped off the field by trainers. Not good.”

Video of the aftermath of the injury showed Gardner-Johnson surrounded by teammates, unable to place pressure on his right leg. Initial speculation is that the veteran injured his Achilles tendon. 

A second video shows Gardner-Johnson being taken to the locker room on a cart, which is rarely a good sign. 

Gardener-Johnson started his career with the Saints, playing there from 2019 to 2021. He was traded to the Eagles in 2022 and helped Philadelphia make the Super Bowl, but they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. He then signed with the Detroit Lions in 2023 before returning to the Eagles in 2024, where he won a Super Bowl during his second stint, also against the Chiefs. He spent parts of 2025 with the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and Chicago Bears. Despite bouncing around so much, he had one of his best seasons, recording 66 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions. 

Related: New York Jets Sign Former Orlando Storm Receiver

In March, he signed a one-year $6 million contract with the Bills. It is the team’s first year under former offensive coordinator turned head coach Joe Brady. The change came after 9 seasons under Sean McDermott, who made Buffalo a perennial contender but a team that always came up short in the playoffs. 

The team brought in Gardner-Johnson and former Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone to revamp their secondary as they make a push for a championship before their Super Bowl window with Josh Allen closes. As such, if Gardner-Johnson is done for the season, that would this would strike a major blow to their title hopes.

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Author: Brian Marr

Discover Suchi Purja: Nirmal Purja’s Supportive Wife and Their Journey Together

As the world mourns legendary mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja, many people are also searching for the family he often credited with supporting his extraordinary career.

Purja, who died after an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, was married to Suchi Purja, who stood beside him throughout many of his biggest accomplishments—including his historic mission to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in record time.

Suchi Purja Supported Her Husband’s Biggest Expeditions

Suchi Purja has largely remained out of the spotlight despite her husband’s international fame.

Professionally, she built a career as a dental hygienist and therapist after completing her training in the United Kingdom. She has also served as a director for companies connected to Purja’s charitable and business ventures.

While she generally stayed behind the scenes, audiences around the world got to know her through Netflix’s 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, the 2021 documentary chronicling Purja’s ambitious “Project Possible,” which he sacrificed his entire military pension to fund.

In the film, Suchi describes her husband’s goal of climbing all 14 mountains higher than 8,000 meters in just months as “a crazy idea,” adding that it wasn’t entirely surprising coming from him. The documentary also highlights the sacrifices she made while supporting Purja during one of the most remarkable achievements in mountaineering history.

Nirmal and Suchi Were Married for Two Decades

Purja and Suchi married in 2006 after he joined the British Army’s Gurkhas. According to his obituary on The Times, the couple made their home in Eastleigh, near Southampton, while Purja served in both the Gurkhas and later the elite Special Boat Service (SBS) before becoming a full-time mountaineer.

The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Himani, in 2022 after announcing the pregnancy publicly with a maternity photo shoot.

A Constant Presence Throughout His Career

Although Purja became known for pushing the limits of human endurance — breaking records on some of the world’s most dangerous mountains — he frequently acknowledged the role his family played in making those accomplishments possible.

His record-setting climbs, military service, and Netflix documentary brought him worldwide recognition, but those closest to him knew Suchi as one of his biggest supporters throughout the journey.

Following news of Purja’s death, tributes have poured in from across the mountaineering community, with many also recognizing the family he leaves behind after a career that inspired millions around the world.

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Author: Rachel Schneider