CM Punk and Cody Rhodes set for WWE Championship match at SummerSlam 2026
Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 11, 2026, 12:37 AM
Last updated Jul 11, 2026
During WWE SmackDown, CM Punk confirmed that he will defend his WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2026. Punk recently captured the title from Sami Zayn and discussed potential challengers before Rhodes interrupted to challenge him. Punk accepted the challenge in the presence of General Manager Nick Aldis, marking their first title match at a major event.
- •CM Punk's WWE Championship defense against Cody Rhodes is official for SummerSlam 2026.
- •Punk won the title from Sami Zayn just days before the SmackDown episode.
- •Rhodes challenged Punk, citing a long-standing rivalry.
- •Both wrestlers have faced each other twice previously, with Punk winning their first encounter.
- 12:37 AMWrestling Inc — CM Punk's WWE Title Challenger For SummerSlam 2026 Officially Revealed On SmackDown
"CM Punk's first WWE Championship defense at SummerSlam 2026 was established during "WWE SmackDown."
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