CM Punk is set to appear on Friday Night SmackDown tonight as the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Champion. He made a surprising return on RAW last Monday, where he defeated Sami Zayn to claim the title. The company has promoted Punk’s debut as champion for this evening, with Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn expected to continue playing key roles on the journey to SummerSlam.
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While many fans anticipate Triple H will announce Punk’s SummerSlam challenger, the WWE Chief Content Officer might instead orchestrate an unexpected title change without Punk being pinned. This could dramatically enhance the excitement leading up to The Biggest Party of the Summer while safeguarding all the involved superstars. Here’s a possible scenario:
Triple H might require CM Punk to defend his title against Cody Rhodes
Punk could kick off SmackDown with an emotional speech about regaining the Undisputed WWE Championship. As The Best in the World, he would remind everyone of his return after a lengthy absence and his immediate victory over Sami Zayn, reinforcing his place at the pinnacle of WWE.
Yet, his celebration might be short-lived. Cody Rhodes could interrupt, contending that Punk did not earn a direct title shot. Originally slated to face Sami Zayn, Cody was sidelined due to Gunther’s attack, which allowed Punk to step in. Cody would thus have valid grounds to demand the championship chance he missed.
Adam Pearce might then intervene to resolve the conflict. Rather than promising Cody a future title match, the GM could declare that Punk must defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Rhodes that very night. Pearce could argue that since Cody never lost his title opportunity, he deserves an immediate shot.
Sami Zayn could interfere and cost Punk
The high-stakes main event would seemingly offer CM Punk another chance to solidify his reign. However, Sami Zayn might completely alter the match’s outcome.
With his title reign cut short, Sami would have every reason to be upset. He could charge to the ringside during the match’s climax, attacking Punk and holding him responsible for ending his brief but emotional championship tenure.
With the referee distracted, Zayn’s interference could leave CM Punk vulnerable to a devastating Cross Rhodes. Cody would seize the opportunity, securing a three-count and becoming the new Undisputed WWE Champion.
Triple H’s decision to mandate an immediate title defense could strip Punk of the championship just days into his reign, marking one of the shortest in recent WWE history.
This could set up Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn vs. Punk at SummerSlam
The aftermath could naturally lead to further developments. CM Punk would argue that Sami Zayn deprived him of the title. Zayn would claim he deserves another shot because Punk unfairly took his place on RAW. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes would maintain he is the rightful champion after finally getting the match he was denied.
Such a scenario could provide The Game with the perfect justification to announce a major Triple Threat Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam. Cody Rhodes would have to defend against both CM Punk and Sami Zayn.
This setup would allow WWE to advance three of its most compelling storylines simultaneously. Cody would reclaim championship gold, CM Punk would maintain a legitimate grievance without a clean loss, and Sami would stay integral to the title scene following his heartbreak.
If WWE aims to make the Undisputed WWE Championship match at SummerSlam as unpredictable as possible, this dramatic twist in the storyline could achieve just that.
