Orton returned through the crowd and cost Rhodes the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam
Summary
– CM Punk defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam
– Randy Orton made a surprise return and struck Rhodes with an RKO
– Punk capitalized with another GTS to retain the championship
CM Punk retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes following a shocking appearance by Randy Orton at WWE SummerSlam 2026.
Rhodes earned another championship opportunity after losing the title in a triple threat match at Night of Champions. However, a backstage attack temporarily removed him from the title picture and opened the door for Punk to return and capture the championship.
Punk and Rhodes later teamed together at Saturday Night’s Main Event to prevent Sami Zayn and Gunther from entering their SummerSlam match, ensuring the championship would be decided in a one-on-one encounter.
Both competitors received tremendous reactions from the Minnesota crowd before Punk began targeting Rhodes’ arm. Cody fought back and shifted his attention toward Punk’s injured knee.
Rhodes connected with a Super Cody Cutter, but only earned a near fall. Punk later escaped a submission attempt and trapped Cody in a chokehold, but Rhodes countered into Cross Rhodes for another two-count.
The champion responded with a moonsault and multiple GTS attempts. Rhodes survived by grabbing the bottom rope before Punk took an enormous risk by placing him on the announce table.
Punk climbed to the top rope but missed an elbow drop and crashed through the table. Back inside the ring, Rhodes attempted another Cody Cutter but accidentally struck referee Charles Robinson.
Punk delivered a GTS, but Rhodes recovered and connected with Cross Rhodes to send the champion out of the ring.
Randy Orton then made his surprise return through the crowd and dropped Cody with an RKO. Orton had not appeared since losing to Rhodes at WrestleMania 42.
Punk returned to the ring and capitalized with one final GTS to secure the victory. Although Orton’s interference decided the match, CM Punk remains champion, and his Summer of Punk will continue.
