Sami Zayn faces Cody Rhodes on WWE Raw in Chicago next week

"

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: CM Punk addresses Cody Rhodes during Monday Night RAW at T-Mobile Arena on April 20, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rich Wade/WWE Via Getty Images) | WWE via Getty Images I don’t have any inside information here. I don’t actually know what WWE has planned for next week when Monday Night Raw heads for Chicago. It just feels like they’re up to something. When Sami Zayn won the WWE championship at Night of Champions this past weekend, he did so by pinning Cody Rhodes. GUNTHER was not involved in the decision, and has since moved on to an apparent program with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. Rumors say they’re headed for a match at SummerSlam. You would think the obvious next step here would be a rematch pitting Zayn vs. Rhodes at that same show. But that’s not what is happening. CAUTION: SPOILERS AHEAD! Due to the holiday, this week’s episode of SmackDown was taped (spoilers here) on Monday after Raw. The show featured Rhodes defeating Jey Uso in a number one contender’s match. It was revealed that the winner would get the next shot at Zayn not at SummerSlam but on the July 6 Raw in the Windy City. That’s a noteworthy date and location. In the immediate aftermath of Sami’s big win, it was quickly noted by multiple connected folks in the industry this reign isn’t going to last very long. We also heard that CM Punk was hoping to make his return on that show, and once he does come back he’ll be headed for the blue brand for an obvious feud with Rhodes. SummerSlam is one month away, it’s a two night event that needs multiple big money match-ups. Again, I don’t know what WWE is going to do here. But all the pieces fit, the stars are aligning, and it sure looks like they’re up to something. Right?!?!?