Backstage Rumor: Possible Major Twist For CM Punk's SummerSlam Match

For a while, WWE has been building toward a CM Punk-Cody Rhodes dream match at SummerSlam 2026.

But as WWE fans know, the creative team can always make last-minute changes. And a new report indicates that Rhodes may not be Punk's only challenger for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam.

Sami Zayn was initially scheduled to defend the WWE Championship against Rhodes on Raw. However, Rhodes was injured in storyline after being attacked by Gunther backstage, opening the door for Punk to challenge Zayn and defeat him for the title.

In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Ringside News), Dave Meltzer reported that WWE could book a triple threat or fatal four-way match for the WWE Championship involving Zayn at SummerSlam, instead of a one-on-one showdown between Rhodes and Punk:

"However, from the angle on Raw, where Gunther injured Rhodes, allowing Punk to win the title from Sami Zayn, it would feel like Rhodes would be out for revenge against Gunther first before facing Punk," Meltzer wrote.

"Rhodes vs. Punk match would mean more than Rhodes vs. Gunther. They could also make it a three-way or even a four-way with Zayn, which would be likely to be announced next week."

Zayn held the WWE Championship for just nine days, defeating Rhodes and Gunther in a triple threat match at Night of Champions to win his first world title. We'll soon find out if he's about to get another chance at redemption.

The Confirmed SummerSlam 2026 Matches

So far, WWE has announced three matches for SummerSlam in Minneapolis, Minnesota: Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship, Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar in a Hell in a Cell match and Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky for the Women's World Championship.

Penta will also defend the Intercontinental Championship against the winner of the gauntlet match on Raw. The participants in that match are: Dominik Mysterio, Rusev, Joe Hendry, Je'Von Evans, Ethan Page, Chad Gable and Dragon Lee.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 5:02 PM.