CM Punk‘s shocking return on the July 6 edition of WWE RAW ended with him capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship. Now, a new report suggests the title win was only a catalyst for a much grander creative plan.
The latest update also sheds light on how Cody Rhodes factors into WWE’s direction heading toward SummerSlam 2026.
While the company has yet to make anything official, reports indicate the road to WWE’s biggest event of the summer may have taken a major detour from its original destination.
Report reveals WWE changed plans for CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes
According to PWInsider, WWE is currently planning for CM Punk to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2026. The report backs up previous information from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which stated that the marquee showdown had been in the works for quite some time.
Interestingly, the original idea reportedly looked very different. WWE officials had discussed saving Punk versus Rhodes for WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next year. However, those plans reportedly changed, with the company moving the blockbuster encounter to SummerSlam instead. Sometimes the longest road to WrestleMania takes an unexpected exit ramp.
The latest twist follows Punk’s dramatic return in his hometown of Chicago. Cody Rhodes had originally earned an Undisputed WWE Championship opportunity against Sami Zayn after defeating Jey Uso to become the number one contender. However, Gunther attacked Rhodes before the match, leaving him unable to compete.
With Rhodes sidelined, the hometown hero answered the call and defeated Zayn in the main event to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. According to False Finish, Punk had been planned to win the championship for more than a month before his surprise return.
As of now, WWE has not officially announced CM Punk versus Cody Rhodes for SummerSlam 2026. The premium live event will take place across August 1 and August 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and fans will now be watching closely to see if the reported plans become reality. If the match is confirmed, it could be the next chapter in a rivalry that has been waiting in the wings rather than waiting for WrestleMania.
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