In breaking wrestling news, during WWE’s recent television tapings for this week’s episode of SmackDown, which followed Monday’s post-WWE Night of Champions episode of RAW, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes competed against “Main Special event” Jey Uso in an Undisputed WWE Prize #1 Challenger’s Contest.
The winner would earn the opportunity to challenge the fresh Undisputed WWE Champion, Sami Zayn, for his title on Monday Night RAW next week in Chicago. Rhodes ultimately toppled Uso and will now challenge Zayn.
As per Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, the plan for an Undisputed WWE Title Clash between Cody Rhodes and CM Punk at SummerSlam 2026 has always been in place. Meltzer expressed uncertainty about whether Zayn’s title victory at Night of Champions closing Saturday will alter those plans or if a new titleholder will be crowned on Monday’s RAW.
Meltzer also mentioned that, ever since Punk’s portion with Rhodes following WrestleMania 42 and Punk’s absence from TV after the April premium live spectacular, the intention was to have Punk arrival back to set up one of the headlining bout matches with Rhodes at SummerSlam.
He further stated that the other significant matches planned for the spectacular are Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar vs. As an added layer to this, oba Femi, with both matches already being officially declared during concluding Monday night’s RAW.
Punk is rumored to be making his WWE TV return on in the upcoming week’s Monday Night RAW — which will take place in his hometown of Chicago at the Allstate Arena. Meltzer speculated that Punk will “theoretically” appear at the show, potentially leading to a move to the SmackDown lineup. A likely headline battle crown match at SummerSlam — which aligns with WWE’s earlier plans involving the Rhodes match.
This suggests that Zayn might have a incredibly short reign as WWE Champion, losing the belt just eight days after winning it for the first time in his career at Night of Champions. On another front, on the other hand, WWE has not officially revealed Punk’s return for next week.