CM Punk and Cody Rhodes Set for Undisputed WWE Championship Clash at SummerSlam
CM Punk and Cody Rhodes will face off for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam, according to an official announcement by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis on the July 10, 2026, episode of SmackDown. The match follows Punk’s recent title victory over Sami Zayn on Monday’s episode of WWE Raw.
The Road to SummerSlam: Punk’s New Era and Rhodes’ Challenge
CM Punk entered the ring on July 10 to address his new role as Undisputed WWE Champion. Punk stated he intends to be a fighting champion, promising regular defenses of the title. He specifically named Sami Zayn, GUNTHER, Finn Balor, Royce Keys, Damian Priest, and Trick Williams as potential opponents.
Cody Rhodes interrupted Punk to address the circumstances of the title change. Rhodes noted that while Punk “caught a championship opportunity that fell out of the sky,” some title matches take years to build. The two reached an agreement for a championship match at SummerSlam, which Aldis officially sanctioned.
GUNTHER’s Ultimatum and the July 18 Main Event
The tension surrounding the Undisputed WWE Championship extends beyond Punk and Rhodes. GUNTHER expressed anger toward Nick Aldis for booking the SummerSlam match, demanding a resolution by the end of the night.
Bloodline Friction: Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso
Internal conflict continued within The Bloodline as Royce Keys confronted Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso. Keys argued that “blood doesn’t make people family,” citing the internal fighting between brothers and cousins within the group. Keys stated that Fatu has been his brother for 14 years.
The segment culminated in a match between Royce Keys and Jimmy Uso. According to the match results, Jimmy Uso won via spear after Solo Sikoa attempted a Samoan Spike on Jimmy, leading to a brawl between Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. Following the match, Fatu attacked both Sikoa and Keys, using a chair to jam Sikoa’s neck in the corner.
Match Results and Key Developments
Several other matchups took place during the July 10 broadcast that signal upcoming trends for the roster:
- Finn Balor def. Tama Tonga: Balor secured a victory using the Coup De Grace, despite interference from Talla Tonga.
- Alexa Bliss def. Jade Cargill: Bliss won the match, but the aftermath saw Cargill and her allies, Michin and B-Fab, attack Bliss and Charlotte Flair. Cargill used a chair to wrench Bliss’s arm, requiring referees to intervene.
Comparison: The State of the Undisputed WWE Championship
| Wrestler | Status | Next Major Action |
|---|---|---|
| CM Punk | Current Champion | Tag match (July 18) / SummerSlam |
| Cody Rhodes | Challenger | Tag match (July 18) / SummerSlam |
| GUNTHER | Aggressor | Tag match (July 18) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Undisputed WWE Champion?
CM Punk is the current champion after defeating Sami Zayn on the Monday episode of WWE Raw.
When is the match between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes?
Why was the Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes match called off?
What happened to Nick Aldis?
What do you think about the uneasy alliance between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes for July 18? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more breaking WWE news!
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