Rap superstar Cardi B brought her trademark energy to an unlikely stage this weekend – the world of professional wrestling. Cardi served as the special host to kick off WWE SummerSlam 2025, appearing live at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday night (Aug. 2) for Night One of the pro wrestling extravaganza. Strutting down the entrance ramp in a glamorous black ensemble, the Grammy winner even treated the 50,000-strong crowd to a snippet of a brand-new song, presumed to be from her forthcoming album Am I the Drama?. As the beat of the unreleased track pumped through the stadium, fans erupted for Cardi’s surprise musical teaser and over-the-top entrance.
Once in the ring, Cardi B grabbed a microphone to hype up the audience and celebrate the occasion. “We’re coming to you live from the Tri-State!” she yelled, referencing the New York/New Jersey area. “We’re making history tonight because this is the first-ever two-day SummerSlam. Yeah!” This year marks the first time WWE has expanded SummerSlam into a two-night event, and Cardi leaned into that milestone. The Bronx-born performer went on to preview the night’s lineup, pumping up the crowd for appearances by social media star-turned-wrestler Logan Paul and returning WWE legend Randy Orton. “We’re going to be talking about this forever,” Cardi declared enthusiastically, drawing big applause.
The rapper’s crossover into WWE is the latest example of music megastars joining the pro wrestling universe – following in the footsteps of celebrities like Cyndi Lauper (who helped launch the first WrestleMania) and Bad Bunny (who not only performed but competed in WWE matches). Cardi B’s hosting gig was widely praised by fans online, many of whom noted her natural charisma suited the spectacle of SummerSlam perfectly. And she wasn’t the only musician in the ring: country singer Jelly Roll actually wrestled in a tag-team match later that evening. As SummerSlam continues into its second night, Cardi joked that she might have to get in on the action herself one day. “Don’t tempt me – I’ll jump in that ring, y’all!” she laughed. One thing’s for sure: with Cardi B on the mic, SummerSlam’s historic night one truly lived up to WWE’s motto as “The Biggest Party of the Summer.”
