CM Punk and Cody Rhodes are on a collision course for one of the biggest matches of SummerSlam 2026. After Punk captured the Undisputed WWE Championship, Cody wasted no time earning the right to challenge him. Thus, setting up a first-time singles showdown at The Biggest Party of the Summer.
The rivalry has intensified over the past few weeks, with heated verbal exchanges, tense face-offs, and even Triple H stepping in during the SummerSlam Kickoff event to keep the two apart.
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Although fans are expecting a classic between two fan favorites, The Game has built a reputation for delivering unforgettable twists on premium live events. SummerSlam has often been the stage for shocking betrayals, controversial finishes, and career-defining moments. Thus, this year’s Undisputed WWE Championship match could be no different.
That said, in this article, we look at three shocking swerves WWE could pull in CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2026.
#3. Cody Rhodes finally turns heel to win back the Undisputed WWE Championship
For months, speculation has surrounded Cody Rhodes potentially embracing a darker side. Despite remaining one of WWE‘s biggest babyfaces, Cody has become increasingly desperate to reclaim the championship he lost at Night of Champions.
Rhodes’ frustration has been evident throughout the build to SummerSlam. Thus, the perfect opportunity for a shocking heel turn could come during the closing moments of the match.
After surviving two Go To Sleeps, The American Nightmare may realize he cannot defeat CM Punk the conventional way. As the referee gets distracted, in a shocking twist, a frustrated Rhodes could remove a turnbuckle pad or even deliver a low blow before planting Punk with consecutive Cross Rhodes for the win.
This would make the Minneapolis audience go wild and would keep fans talking about the event for a long period.
#2. AJ Lee returns to help CM Punk retain his title
AJ Lee’s WWE return in late 2025 was one of the company’s biggest feel-good moments. She reunited with CM Punk and helped him defeat Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch in a mixed tag team match. She later captured the Women’s Intercontinental Championship and became one of RAW’s biggest stars before stepping away following WrestleMania 42.
However, SummerSlam 2026 could mark AJ’s return in a completely different light. As CM Punk and Cody Rhodes push each other to their limits, Cody could finally look poised to reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship after delivering a devastating Cross Rhodes.
Just as the referee is distracted, a hooded figure could run out from the crowd and deliver a low blow to The American Nightmare. The mystery figure then reveals herself to be AJ Lee, leaving the crowd stunned. Immediately, Punk capitalizes by planting Cody with a Go To Sleep before scoring the decisive victory to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.
After the match, AJ embraces Punk. The couple stands over a fallen Cody Rhodes with smug smiles. Thus, making it clear that they orchestrated the ending together.
If that happens, it would give The Second City Saint an even greater advantage as champion. Also, it would open the door for Cody Rhodes to pursue revenge against both of them in the months following SummerSlam.
#1. CM Punk turns heel to retain his title
CM Punk has spent much of his latest WWE run walking the line between fan favorite and antihero. However, SummerSlam 2026 could finally see him embrace a full-fledged heel persona.
Throughout the build to the match, Punk has insisted that he is still The Best in the World and that Cody Rhodes has become more concerned with reclaiming his spot at the top than earning it. Although the WWE Universe has largely supported Punk, there have been moments where his arrogance and willingness to bend the rules have hinted that a darker side is never far away.
Thus, SummerSlam would be the perfect stage for that side to emerge. After a grueling back-and-forth battle, Cody survives a Go To Sleep and connects with Cross Rhodes. As the referee begins the count, Punk deliberately pulls the official into Rhodes, knocking the referee unconscious. With no official to make the three-count, The American Nightmare’s moment slips away.
Realising he cannot put Rhodes away cleanly, The Second City Saint could grab the Undisputed WWE Championship while the referee is still recovering. As Cody Rhodes attempts another Cross Rhodes, the champion blasts him with the title before immediately following up with a Go To Sleep. The referee regains consciousness just in time to count the pinfall. Thus, allowing Punk to retain the championship.
Perhaps the biggest shock could come after the match. Instead of showing remorse, CM Punk smirks as the crowd boos him. He picks up the championship, sits cross-legged in the middle of the ring, and applauds himself while staring directly at the disappointed fans. The message is clear: he no longer cares about earning the WWE Universe’s respect, only about proving that he will do whatever it takes to remain champion.
A heel turn would instantly refresh Punk’s character and give SmackDown its top villain heading into the remainder of 2026. Also, it would allow Cody Rhodes to fully embrace the role of the company’s leading babyface as he begins chasing a champion who has abandoned every principle he once claimed to stand for.
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Edited by Steffi
