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WWE has lined up a major musical guest for SummerSlam. A Grammy-winning artist is set to take center stage before Night 2 gets underway.
The announcement was made during the July 20 episode of Monday Night RAW, adding another high-profile name to WWE’s biggest event of the summer.
The performance also marks the latest chapter in the artist’s growing relationship with the company.
Darius Rucker to open SummerSlam Night 2 with national anthem
WWE officially announced that three-time Grammy Award winner Darius Rucker will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Sunday, August 2, before Night 2 of SummerSlam in Minneapolis.
The reveal came during RAW, confirming that the country music star and Hootie & the Blowfish frontman will help kick off the second night of the premium live event. Rucker will not appear on Night 1, as he is scheduled to perform at River State Park in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Rucker’s appearance continues his expanding partnership with WWE. Earlier this year, he collaborated with WWE and Fanatics to launch the Darius Rucker Collection. This merchandise line features custom apparel inspired by stars including Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Roman Reigns.
The singer has long been open about his love of professional wrestling. In a piece written for Rolling Stone, Rucker shared that he looked up to wrestling icons during his childhood, describing many of the stars from the 1980s as father figures while growing up without his own father. He also identified Dusty Rhodes as his all-time favorite wrestler.
Rucker’s music career has earned him three Grammy Awards across two genres. He won Best New Artist and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal with Hootie & the Blowfish before later claiming Best Country Solo Performance for his hit version of Wagon Wheel.
With Rucker set to perform before the action begins, WWE is adding another marquee attraction to SummerSlam. Before the superstars lock up in the ring, fans will hear one of country music’s biggest voices set the stage.
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The post Three-Time Grammy Winner to Perform National Anthem at WWE SummerSlam appeared first on Wrestlezone.
