CM Punk opens SmackDown, WWE title defense vs Cody Rhodes set for SummerSlam

entertainmentJul 10, 20264886

At WWE SmackDown in Oklahoma City on July 10, 2026, new WWE Champion CM Punk returned to television and was introduced by reinstated SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis. Punk, sporting a black eye, said he wanted to be a fighting champion who would defend the title on television and named Sami Zayn, Gunther, Finn Balor, and Damian Priest as potential opponents. Cody Rhodes came to the ring, the two traded words about their long-running connection and shook hands, and both agreed to a WWE Championship match at SummerSlam; Aldis indicated the match was official. Punk exited keeping an eye on Cody after the handshake, and ProWrestling.net’s Jason Powell described the segment as a straightforward setup for Punk vs. Rhodes at SummerSlam.

Fightful Wrestling

@fightful.com

Get back to wrestling, because whatever this is, it is not working." - CM Punk to Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano #SmackDown

254h ago

ComicDuhComic3

He should say that to the rest of the company too.

Dr Queso De La Muerte

@drquesodelamuerte.bsky.social

Cody Rhodes vs CM Punk?!?!?? the fed gotta stop pushing all these ex-AEW guys when are they gonna make stars of their own?!?!?

114h ago

Jeff Goodridge🐐🎶💨💓👻🇨🇦

@jmgoodridge.bsky.social

A dude messaged me on a hookup app and he was wearing a CM Punk shirt. ...I told him not with that fucking rag on. #AEW 🤼

911h ago

Getting Over: Wrestling Podcast

@gettingovercast.bsky.social

Baron Corbin has returned to WWE, and he received "holy shit" chants in the Year of our Lord, 2026. #SmackDown #WWE

73h ago

Vincent Adultman

@retrosquirrel.bsky.social

CM Punk out here showing Will Osprey how to mention your wife in a promo

35h ago

WrestleTalk

@wrestletalk.bsky.social

CM Punk schedule update following Undisputed WWE Championship win: wrestletalk.com/news/cm-punk...

512h ago

ForeverEvanescent 🇵🇸

@foreverevanescent.bsky.social

I may have wanted Sami to have a longer title reign, and I think he will down the road, it's nice to see CM Punk back, and dispelling those stupid rumors that kept popping up like zits. #SmackDown

35h ago

Haystack West 🤠

@go-los.blacksky.app

Lmfao CM Punk really stayed ready, just in case a title shot fell out of the sky, just like he said…a mere two months ago, maybe less time than that lol

15h ago

Livforemma

@livforemma.bsky.social

Sami and Gunther vs Cody and punk at snme and Gunther attacks Nick #smackdown

33h ago

Ringside News: WWE & AEW Wrestling News

@ringsidenews.com

#CMPunk seemingly announces his move to #SmackDown. He says he's not hard to find. CM Pink says he will give Sami Zayn a rematch. Names Gunther and Finn Balor as possible opponents. Cody Rhodes music hits... | #WWE #SmackDown

25h ago

Rae-nah

@raenahnyc.bsky.social

CM Punk just said what everybody was thinking about Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. #SmackDown

24h ago

Sadé's Wrestling Thoughts

@sadenicole.bsky.social

Nick Aldis starts the show, says he's back as GM and introduces CM Punk. Punk says that he missed the fans and he'll be a fighting champion. Cody Rhodes comes out and says his match with Punk is massive. There match is basically official for SummerSlam. Good start to the show. #wwesmackdown

35h ago

WWE {bot}

@wwe-x-bot.bsky.social

🚨 JUST ANNOUNCED: CM Punk & Cody Rhodes will team up to battle Gunther & Sami Zayn at #SNME on July 18th at Madison Square Garden! Gunther is NOT happy about it...

3h ago

destroyallnerds.bsky.social

@destroyallnerds.bsky.social

Please. His stage name has been CM Punk for 25 years now.

29h ago

WRESTLINGATTITUDE - WWE & AEW News

@wrestlingattitude.bsky.social

Baron Corbin Returns On WWE SmackDown, Targets United States Championship READ MORE www.wrestlingattitude.com/2026/07/baro... #BaronCorbin #SmackDown #WWE

2h ago

2 sources

prowrestling.netWWE Smackdown results (7/10): Powell's live review of new WWE Champion CM Punk's appearance, Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes in a non-title match, Finn Balor vs. Tama Tonga - Pro Wrestling Dot Net lastwordonsports.comWWE SmackDown Results (7/10/26) - LIVE Updates: The Best in the World Arrives

CM Punk opens SmackDown, WWE title defense vs Cody Rhodes set for SummerSlamentertainment

CM Punk opens SmackDown, WWE title defense vs Cody Rhodes set for SummerSlam

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