CM Punk won the Undisputed WWE Championship on Monday night when he defeated Sami Zayn on Raw, and he made his first entrance with the belt this week on SmackDown.
The Second City Saint said he’s been negotiating with WWE, USA Network and Nick Aldis over the last two months, and he’s officially joined the SmackDown brand. He told the fans he’s going to be wrestling on TV, and he will be defending his title. CM Punk made it clear that he’s willing to take on all challengers. He told Sami Zayn that if he wants a rematch he can have one. He named Finn Balor, Trick Williams and Royce Keys as potential challengers then Cody’s music hit.
Cody Rhodes grabbed a mic and asked CM Punk how his eye is. Punk said it looks worse than it feels then mocked Cody as he asked, “what do you wanna talk about?” The American Nightmare told Punk there are championship opportunities that fall out of the sky, and championship matches that have been building for years.
Punk called Cody a friend then told him he didn’t want anything to come between them. He added that he thought this match would happen at WrestleMania, but they can’t avoid it anymore. Punk asked Cody, “when?” Cody responded, “SummerSlam.”
They shook hands and Nick Aldis officially confirmed that the match will happen at SummerSlam.
"Just say when…" 👀
CM PUNK will battle CODY RHODES for the UNDISPUTED WWE CHAMPIONSHIP at SUMMERSLAM! pic.twitter.com/bfFrsQhEwT
— WWE (@WWE) July 11, 2026