Backstage Update on Creative Plans for CM Punk Following Shocking Title Win on WWE Raw

CM Punk shocked the world once again with his surprise return on last night’s WWE Raw. He defeated Sami Zayn and won the WWE Undisputed Title. PWInsider Elite (via WrestlingInc.com) had more details on what’s next for Cody Rhodes.

In line with earlier reports from The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, PWInsider Elite reports that the plan is for Punk to defend the WWE Title against former champion Cody Rhodes next month at WWE SummerSlam 2026. Additionally, the proposed matchup between the two has reportedly been in the works “for some time.”

Also, PWInsider Elite reports that there were conversations in WWE about holding Punk vs. Rhodes at WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next year. However, it appears that plans changed, and WWE decided to push the match forward to SummerSlam instead.

WWE has not yet announced CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed Championship at the premium live event. WWE SummerSlam 2026 is scheduled for August 1-2 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis Minnesota. It will be broadcast live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally.