Is WWE intentionally making fans believe Cody Rhodes is turning heel? Exploring the possibility

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However, tensions grew between the two after Rhodes handed Punk his title. Punk slung it over his shoulder and turned around, and the strap of the belt hit The American Nightmare in the eye. The Prodigal Son confronted The Best in the World backstage about the same, and they even got into an argument during the SummerSlam kick-off show, where, surprisingly, Rhodes looked riled up and showed signs of a heel turn.

The American Nightmare has been showing signs of turning heel for a long time, but what if WWE is initially pushing fans to believe Rhodes is turning heel? The main reason for this could be to keep CM Punk’s heel turn under wraps.

At SummerSlam 2026, Punk might finally snap at The American Nightmare and turn heel, as he has given everything there is to give as a babyface. Meanwhile, Rhodes turning heel may look fantastic on paper but it doesn’t align well with the company’s business perspective, as The Prodigal Son attracts the younger audiences, a market John Cena used to cater to and which also held him back from turning heel during his full-time run. WWE had built Rhodes as Cena’s replacement with massive hard work, and they would not blow it all up at this point.

Hence, to confuse fans and keep Punk turning heel a secret, WWE may be diverting fans into believing that The Prodigal Son is the one with the voices in his head when Punk would pull the ultimate trigger, leaving everyone in shock.

That said, the pitch above is speculative, and nothing is confirmed as of now.

CM Punk apologized only to heat things up for his WWE match

The Stamford-based promotion hosted a SummerSlam kick-off show at Fanatics Fest in New York, which also featured Punk and Rhodes, who talked about the elephant in the room.

The Best in the World told The American Nightmare that the belt striking him in the eye was an accident, and he is apologetic about it, but instantly shoved Rhodes back by pushing him in the face, saying but this was intentional. The two almost got into a fist fight, but the officials on stage kept them apart, saving all action for SummerSlam.

That said, with the Biggest Party of Summer merely days away, it will be interesting to see what plans Triple H and his WWE creative have in store for the Rhodes-Punk saga.