Cody Rhodes has secured a major opportunity, but new details suggest WWE’s plans may already be shifting beyond his upcoming title match.
On this week’s episode of SmackDown, taped this past Monday, Rhodes defeated Jey Uso in a No. 1 Contender’s Match. That victory earned him a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn. The match is currently scheduled for next Monday’s RAW in Chicago.
Zayn only just won the title at Night of Champions, yet questions are already being raised about how long his reign will last. A new report indicates WWE may still be focused on a previously discussed direction involving Rhodes at SummerSlam.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the long-term plan has been for Rhodes to challenge CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2026. However, it remains unclear if Zayn’s recent title win has changed that plan or if another switch could happen as soon as next week’s RAW.
The expectation surrounding Punk has remained consistent since his post-WrestleMania 42 segment with Rhodes and his absence from television afterward. Internally, the belief has been that Punk would return later in the year and begin building toward a major SummerSlam match with Rhodes.
Two other high-profile matches are already confirmed for the event. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi were both announced during last week’s RAW, adding to the anticipated lineup.
Meltzer also addressed Punk’s potential return, noting that next week’s RAW takes place in Chicago, his hometown. “Theoretically,” Punk is expected to appear on the show.
If Punk does return, there is speculation he could be moved to the SmackDown brand to begin a program with Rhodes heading into SummerSlam. That direction would match the previously reported plans.
Undisputed WWE Title Plans for SummerSlam 2026
If WWE follows through, Sami Zayn’s first reign as Undisputed WWE Champion could end quickly, possibly lasting just over a week. As of now, Punk has not been officially announced for RAW.
WWE appears to be keeping its options open as it heads toward SummerSlam. While Rhodes is set to challenge Zayn, the reported long-term focus remains on a potential clash between Rhodes and Punk. Whether that plan stays intact could become clearer after next week’s RAW in Chicago.
Spoiler Update On Undisputed WWE Title Match at SummerSlam
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