4 Things that may happen if Cody Rhodes dethrones CM Punk at WWE SummerSlam 2026

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That said, in this article, we look at four things that may happen if Cody Rhodes dethrones CM Punk at WWE SummerSlam 2026.

#4. Cody Rhodes becomes a four-time WWE World Champion

A victory over CM Punk would add another remarkable achievement to Cody Rhodes’ already impressive résumé. Since returning to WWE, Rhodes has consistently remained one of the company’s biggest attractions, headlining premium live events and carrying the promotion through multiple major storylines.

Given this, defeating a veteran like CM Punk on one of WWE’s biggest stages would cement Rhodes’ place at the top once again. Also, it would mark his fourth WWE Championship reign. Thus, putting him in elite company among the modern era’s biggest stars.

More importantly, The American Nightmare reclaiming the Undisputed WWE Championship would reinforce the company’s continued faith in him as the face of SmackDown. His popularity has remained incredibly strong despite having lost the title twice this year. Thus, SummerSlam could be the perfect stage for another emotional championship celebration.

Also, a fourth world title reign would open the door for fresh rivalries with stars who have been waiting for another opportunity at championship gold.

#3. CM Punk goes back to RAW

If CM Punk loses the Undisputed WWE Championship, the company could immediately move him back to Monday Night RAW.

Punk has already proven he can elevate any brand on which he appears. His return earlier this month instantly became one of WWE’s biggest stories. It eventually led to him defeating Sami Zayn for the championship before accepting Cody Rhodes’ challenge for SummerSlam.

Thus, without the title, there may be little reason for Punk to remain on SmackDown, especially if WWE wants to balance both brands heading into the latter half of 2026.

Also, a move back to RAW would provide CM Punk with an entirely new list of opponents. Dream matches against other top RAW stars could headline several premium live events. Meanwhile, the Undisputed WWE Championship picture would revolve around Cody Rhodes.

The switch would keep Punk away from immediately demanding a rematch and allow WWE to refresh both brands simultaneously.

#2. Punk takes some more time off from WWE

Another realistic possibility is that SummerSlam marks the beginning of another break for CM Punk.

The Second City Saint has dealt with injuries throughout different stages of his recent WWE run. Given this, the company has often used scheduled absences to protect his aura while allowing new stars to step into the spotlight.

If Cody Rhodes defeats him clean, Punk could disappear from television for several weeks, or even months, before making another headline-grabbing return.

Such an absence would make storyline sense. The Second City Saint could sell the effects of a grueling championship loss while giving fans time to miss him before returning with revenge on his mind.

Also, this approach would prevent WWE from overcrowding the title picture immediately after SummerSlam. Instead of rushing into another Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk encounter, the company could let Cody re-establish himself as champion before Punk eventually comes back seeking redemption.

Whenever Punk returns, he will instantly become one of the biggest attractions once again.

#1. Randy Orton returns and challenges Cody for the title

Perhaps the biggest development following Cody Rhodes’ championship victory could be the long-awaited return of Randy Orton.

The history between Rhodes and Orton practically writes itself. The latter helped shape Cody during his early WWE career as part of Legacy. Also, The Viper’s post-match attack on Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 shows that they still have unfinished business.

Thus, a returning Orton confronting Cody after SummerSlam would immediately create one of WWE’s hottest rivalries. There would be no need for lengthy explanations because their shared history is already deeply rooted in WWE lore.

From WWE’s perspective, booking a rematch for the duo for SmackDown’s big one would be a massive money feud. Both stars have enormous fan followings. Also, their chemistry inside the ring has never been in question.

If Cody Rhodes celebrates with the Undisputed WWE Championship only for Randy Orton’s music to hit before an RKO out of nowhere, SummerSlam could end with one of the loudest crowd reactions of the year. It would instantly establish Rhodes’ next challenger while giving the company a marquee championship program.

Whether WWE ultimately goes in that direction remains to be seen. However, few post-SummerSlam scenarios would generate as much excitement as Randy Orton stepping back into the title picture.

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