In the world of professional wrestling, during the opening part of Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown, it was announced that the reigning Undisputed WWE Defending champion, “The Best In The World” CM Punk, will defend his title against the one-time champion, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes.
The segment began with Punk making his way to the ring to discuss his new title victory. He highlighted his latest status on the SmackDown lineup, recalling how he seized the opportunity on RAW when he toppled Sami Zayn for the title after GUNTHER blindsided Rhodes. Punk emphasized that he intends to be the same reigning champion on SmackDown as he was on RAW and expressed his willingness to defend the title against anyone. He mentioned potential rematches with Sami Zayn and GUNTHER, in addition to challengers like Finn Bálor, Royce Keys, Damian Priest, and Trick Williams.
This led Cody Rhodes to enter the ring. He reflected that their final interaction, which took place on the RAW after WrestleMania, mirrored the ongoing one, suggesting that a showdown between them had been building for years. Punk remarked that he had envisioned their match as the headline match for WrestleMania — although acknowledged that they could no longer avoid each other. Rhodes then requested his opportunity to compete at SummerSlam, and after they shook hands, Nick Aldis officially confirmed the match.
WWE SummerSlam 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, August 1st, and Sunday, August 2nd, at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.