Randy Orton Returns At WWE SummerSlam And Costs Cody Rhodes Title Match

Kebin AntonySun, August 2, 2026 at 2:30 AM UTC

0

Photo Credit: WWE via Netflix

Randy Orton returned to cost Cody Rhodes his Undisputed WWE Championship match at SummerSlam.

CM Punk defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against former champion Cody Rhodes on Night One of the 2026 SummerSlam Premium Live Event. Rhodes came out to a special Street Fighter-themed entrance and looked to walk out of the event as a four-time champion.

The two superstars put on an entertaining match that lasted a little over 30 minutes. The match featured multiple near falls and saw Cody Rhodes and CM Punk take each other to their limits. As the bout neared the end, Punk attempted a flying elbow drop onto Rhodes through the announce table. However, the latter moved out of the way, sending the Straight Edge Superstar crashing through the table.

Cody Rhodes used the opportunity to push CM Punk into the ring and attempted a Super Cody Cutter. However, Punk moved out of the way, causing Rhodes to bump into referee Charles Robinson. The Undisputed WWE Champion then performed a GTS, and Rhodes rebounded off the ropes and fell on Punk’s shoulders again.

Advertisement

Randy Orton returned to WWE after WrestleMania 42

CM Punk attempted another GTS, but Cody Rhodes countered it into a Cross Rhodes. However, Punk rolled out of the ring. Rhodes was left alone in the ring, and Randy Orton came out of nowhere and took him out with an RKO. He then winked at the camera and got out of the ring.

CM Punk then climbed back into the ring and performed another GTS to get the pin and retain the Undisputed WWE Championship. Randy Orton, who stayed away from television after losing to Rhodes at WrestleMania, once again targeted his former protege, costing him the title.

Reports ahead of WWE SummerSlam indicated that Randy Orton is close to making his return. Now that the Viper is officially back, it will be interesting to see how the promotion handles his feud with Rhodes. It will also be interesting to see who the next challenger for CM Punk’s title will be. Finn Balor and Sami Zayn will compete in a No.1 contender’s match tomorrow night.

Read More:WWE Hall Of Famers Attack Tag Team Partner In Shocking SummerSlam Betrayal

The post Randy Orton Returns At WWE SummerSlam And Costs Cody Rhodes Title Match appeared first on Wrestlezone.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”