CM Punk and Cody Rhodes to meet for Undisputed Title at SummerSlam

The wrestling world is abuzz with the announcement that WWE Undisputed Champion CM Punk will face Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam for the title. The match was made official on the July 10 episode of SmackDown, after Rhodes challenged Punk for the title at the upcoming pay-per-view event.

The road to SummerSlam began on Monday's episode of Raw, where Punk won the Undisputed WWE Championship from Sami Zayn. According to Wrestleview, Punk's victory came after Cody Rhodes was attacked by Gunther, leaving him unable to compete for the title. Nick Aldis, the SmackDown General Manager, played a key role in securing Punk as the replacement challenger, as reported by Wrestlinginc.

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On SmackDown, Punk addressed the crowd, saying he intends to be a fighting champion and defend his title regularly. He also called out Sami Zayn and Gunther, offering them a chance to wrestle him for the title, as noted by Khelnow. Cody Rhodes then appeared, and the two men agreed to face each other at SummerSlam, with Aldis making the match official.

The episode of SmackDown also featured several other matches, including Finn Balor vs. Tama Tonga, Jimmy Uso vs. Royce Keys, and Jade Cargill vs. Alexa Bliss. According to Wrestleview, Balor emerged victorious against Tama Tonga, while Jimmy Uso defeated Royce Keys. Jade Cargill also won her match against Alexa Bliss.

In other news, Baron Corbin made a surprise return, attacking both Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes during their non-title match, as seen on Wrestleview. Corbin's actions led to the match being called off, and he expressed his intentions to go after the United States Title.

Gunther, who had been demanding a title match against Punk, was given an answer by Aldis, who announced that Gunther would team up with Sami Zayn to face Punk and Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night's Main Event, as reported by Wrestlinginc. However, Gunther was not satisfied with this decision and attacked Aldis, leading to Cody Rhodes coming to his aid, as seen on Wrestleview.

The SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, had been reinstated after taking on mediation following his scuffle with Gunther at Night of Champions. Aldis introduced CM Punk to the ring, and Punk talked about getting his gear on at home, kissing his beautiful wife goodbye, and heading to the arena on Monday. Punk said he had been in talks with WWE and NBCUniversal, spearheaded by Nick Aldis, to bring him to SmackDown.

Punk addressed those in the back and how hungry they are to go after the title. He also brought up Gunther as someone he's had history with, even if he ends up regretting saying his name. Punk brought up Finn Balor and their title bouts in recent months, as well as Royce Keys and Damian Priest, before being interrupted by the arrival of Cody Rhodes.

Cody Rhodes and Punk had a conversation in the ring, discussing their past and their upcoming match at SummerSlam. Punk said he and Cody are friends, and he doesn't want anything to come between their friendship. Punk thought it would happen in the main event of WrestleMania, but he doesn't think they could run away from each other anymore.

Backstage, Carmelo Hayes addressed what Lil Yachty had to say, running down the rapper and saying his best hits are features. Hayes gave Trick credit for his aura but promised that Melo don't miss.

Jade Cargill just absolutely destroyed Alexa Bliss' arm, as seen on Khelnow. Cargill and her friends aren't done though, as they grabbed a chair from ringside and attacked the arm of Bliss after the match.

Backstage, Trick Williams looked for his title before Lil Yachty appeared, revealing a limited edition "legacy title" with white fur to match Trick's jacket. Yachty asked Trick to put a diamond beating on Hayes tonight, something Williams agreed to as SmackDown continued on.

Baron Corbin returned to attack both Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes, ending their non-title match in a disqualification. Corbin laid out Hayes but isn't finished as he takes out Williams and Yachty with End of Days as well. Corbin left the ring, grabbing the United States Title to express his intentions before dropping it beside Williams.

Gunther told SmackDown GM Nick Aldis that he has until the end of the night to give him an Undisputed WWE Championship Match. Aldis said he's giving Gunther everything he wants. Gunther wants Cody Rhodes? He's getting Cody Rhodes. Gunther wants CM Punk? He's getting CM Punk. Aldis announced that Gunther and Sami Zayn will face Cody Rhodes and CM Punk at Saturday Night's Main Event.

Gunther told Aldis he can still fix his mistake, but the GM insists there is no mistake as the main event of SummerSlam remains the same as Cody Rhodes challenges CM Punk. Gunther is not having ANY of that as he blindsides Aldis, cinching in a sleeper hold on the GM before officials come rushing out to intervene.

The end credits started rolling as Gunther began to back off, only to put another sleeper on Nick, taking him all the way to the mat in the process. Cody Rhodes makes his way out for the save, getting as far as taking his jacket off before heading down the ramp, and the show comes to a close.