Most likely winner of CM Punk vs Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam has been named
Ahead of WWE SummerSlam 2026, reports suggest that current champions CM Punk and Roman Reigns are favored to retain their titles. The event features high-profile matchups and significant creative direction for the company's storylines.
Why it matters
It reflects the high level of fan engagement and commercial interest in professional wrestling as a major entertainment product.
SummerSlam 2026 is set to kick off this weekend with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes headlining Night 1 of the two-night Premium Live Event.
Punk heads into the match as the Undisputed WWE Champion following his return and win over Sami Zayn.
Zayn is now competing in a No. 1 Contender match on the same PLE, taking on Finn Balor, with the winner of that bout set to get a title shot against the winner of Punk vs Rhodes.
At present, it is looking more likely that whoever does emerge victorious out of Sami and Finn will be challenging CM Punk for the title at some point down the line.
Photo by Melina Pizano/WWE via Getty Images
Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select shared a post on their Patreon page ahead of the PLE kicking off, in which they provided an insight into some of the current favourites for SummerSlam.
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