CM Punk remains the Undisputed WWE Champion after defeating Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2026 Night 1, but the result came with major controversy. Randy Orton made a surprise return during the match, delivering an RKO to Rhodes before leaving immediately. The unexpected attack created the opening Punk needed to secure the victory.
On the August 7 episode of WWE SmackDown, Orton came to the ring to address his actions. Before he could speak, Cody Rhodes interrupted and made his way out to confront him. As Rhodes entered the ring, Orton rolled to the outside, avoiding a direct face-to-face moment.
Rhodes grabbed a microphone and demanded that Orton return to the ring. Orton initially appeared hesitant, putting his microphone down and backing away. At that point, Nick Aldis and WWE officials came out, attempting to keep the situation under control.
Cody questioned Orton’s actions and made it clear that he expected answers. He referenced their long history, pointing out that after everything they have been through, Orton owed him an explanation.
Randy Orton Explains Attack on Cody Rhodes
Orton responded by stating that he did not owe Rhodes anything. He reminded Cody that, on the road to WrestleMania, he had asked for the very best version of Randy Orton. According to Orton, that request gave him permission to fully embrace who he is.
He described Cody as “a cocky, arrogant, son of a bitch” and said he gave him exactly what he asked for. Orton acknowledged that Rhodes defeated him when he brought his best, even offering a brief congratulations.
However, Orton then revealed a turning point. He explained that something changed in that moment.
“the voices came back more clear than they ever were in my entire career and they told me to kick Cody in the face as hard as I could.”
Orton stated that he realized the best version of himself would not win another world title. Instead, he claimed that the worst version of Randy Orton would be the one to achieve that goal. He made it clear that he does not care who holds the championship, whether it is CM Punk or Kevin Owens, but insisted that it will not be Cody Rhodes.
Cody fired back by questioning that mindset. He pointed out that Orton is not currently holding the title and suggested that he no longer needs to be the “good guy.” Rhodes also turned Orton’s “Legend Killer” persona against him, noting that Orton may now be the last legend left.
He closed the segment with a direct challenge, asking who would take Orton down. Rhodes then dropped the microphone and left the ring as his music played.
The segment added another intense layer to the rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, while also keeping the Undisputed WWE Championship picture firmly in focus following SummerSlam.
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