CM Punk remains the Undisputed WWE Champion after defeating Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2026 Night 1, but the victory came with unexpected assistance from the returning Randy Orton.
The championship match delivered a physical and competitive battle between two of WWE’s biggest stars. Punk and Rhodes started with a tense staredown before exchanging technical wrestling sequences, strikes, and counters. Both men attempted to control the pace early, with Cody using his power and Punk relying on his experience and submission offense.
Punk targeted Cody’s arm, while Rhodes focused on Punk’s injured leg. The challenger repeatedly attacked the champion’s knee with dragon screws and targeted strikes, clearly trying to limit Punk’s movement.
Randy Orton Returns at SummerSlam to Help CM Punk
As the match continued, both competitors survived multiple finishing attempts. Cody connected with a Cody Cutter, Beautiful Disaster, and a double-jump Cody Cutter, but Punk continued to kick out.
Punk also came close several times, applying the Anaconda Vice and hitting multiple Go To Sleep attempts. However, Cody continued fighting and refused to stay down.
The match took another dramatic turn when Punk attempted a high-risk dive from the announce table. Cody moved out of the way, causing Punk to crash through the table. The referee was later taken out when Cody missed a double-jump Cody Cutter, leaving both men vulnerable.
Punk eventually hit another Go To Sleep, but Cody’s body position caused an accidental second impact as he collapsed forward. Cody responded with CrossRhodes, but Punk rolled to the floor before he could be pinned.
That was when Randy Orton made his shocking return.
Orton appeared unexpectedly, entered the ring, and delivered an RKO to Cody Rhodes before immediately leaving the area. The distraction gave Punk the opening he needed.
Once Punk and the referee recovered, the champion returned to action. Punk lifted Cody and connected with another Go To Sleep, scoring the three-count and retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The victory keeps CM Punk on top, but Randy Orton’s involvement adds a major new layer to the championship picture. With Orton now back in WWE, questions remain about whether his actions were motivated by his history with Cody Rhodes or if he has his own plans moving forward.
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