3 Reasons Why WWE is Potentially Canceling CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2026

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Let’s take a look at three reasons why WWE is potentially cancelling CM Punk’s and Cody Rhodes’ singles match:

#3. To keep Gunther and Sami Zayn in the title picture at SummerSlam

Gunther and Sami Zayn are currently riding in the spotlight, as they both are involved in the world title picture. The two superstars have their own reasons, which makes their contention in the Undisputed WWE Championship picture valid. Zayn lost the coveted title to CM Punk a few weeks ago and has a valid right to claim a rematch for that gold. Meanwhile, The Ring General is seeking the same title opportunity that Cody Rhodes received.

With both superstars deserving a valid shot, the only solution was to keep them tied to the Undisputed WWE Championship for SummerSlam. Pulling Gunther and Sami Zayn out of the title picture would look ridiculous, and the company may not want to do that. It would create unnecessary creative pressure on Triple H to incorporate them in any other feuds for The Biggest Party of the Summer.

Rather than relegating Zayn and Gunther to secondary matches, keeping them in the title picture capitalizes on their immense momentum. It also ensures that two of the biggest stars of the roster are not left waiting in the wings during a marquee premium live event. Most importantly, the Undisputed WWE Title picture is screaming for a multi-man resolution at SummerSlam 2026.

#2. To add more grandeur to the Undisputed WWE Title match

WWE has been marred by criticism lately due to the declining quality of the shows, lack of excitement, and poor storytelling developments. With SummerSlam now held across two nights, the company is under immense pressure to deliver a card that rivals WrestleMania in scale and spectacle. There is no doubt that a singles match between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes is a dream showdown.

But converting it into a Fatal Four-Way match drastically elevates the grandeur of the Undisputed WWE Championship bout. It gives the title match a much bigger feel with four top stars of the company battling for the top prize of this industry. Multi-man matches always stand out on their own due to the chaotic energy and fast-paced action that keep fans on the edge of their seats throughout the bout.

Incorporating dominant stars like Gunther and resilient underdogs like Sami Zayn into the fold also amplifies the unpredictability of the match. The creative stakes skyrocket when the champion doesn’t even have to be pinned to lose the title. Therefore, it may be the driving force behind why WWE is possibly turning the singles clash between Cody Rhodes and CM Punk into a Fatal Four-Way match.

#1. To save CM Punk and Cody Rhodes’ singles match for WrestleMania

The biggest reason WWE is possibly holding back on a definitive one-on-one clash between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam is the sheer magnitude of the match. It’s a WrestleMania-caliber match that demands the biggest stage and the brightest spotlight. Doing it at SummerSlam, even on a two-night show, could prematurely ruin a storyline that is dream-made for the absolute grandest spectacle of the company.

The company appears to be delaying this marquee singles match between Punk and Rhodes for WrestleMania 43. By doing this, WWE can allow the tension between the two megastars to simmer over the coming months. It would provide the company with ample time to build a deeply personal, layered storyline where the respect between them slowly fractures into a bitter rivalry.

WWE can also turn one of those superstars heel by the time they clash at The Show of Shows. WrestleMania demands a main event that feels historic, and the pristine singles match between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes carries that exact weight. Hence, this could be the reason why the Stamford-based promotion may be planning to scrap the singles match and do a multi-person match for SummerSlam.