Cody Rhodes couldn’t win the Undisputed WWE Championship from CM Punk at SummerSlam, thanks to a surprise attack from Randy Orton. The Viper showed up for the first time since WrestleMania 42 and took out The American Nightmare with an RKO during his match against Punk.
Rhodes and Orton will now look to settle their unfinished business from The Show of Shows. That said, the next few months will be crucial for the QB1’s career. If Triple H wants to keep his character interesting, he must do this one thing, and that’s keeping him away from the Undisputed WWE Championship, at least until the end of 2026. Let’s see why.
Thanks for the submission!
The biggest reason is Randy Orton. The Viper’s return at SummerSlam has given Cody a major rivalry. WWE does not need to rush through it. The two stars already have plenty of history together, and they also have unfinished business. Their feud before WrestleMania 42 received mixed reactions. Many fans felt the story could have been much better. Pat McAfee’s involvement also took attention away from what should have been a personal rivalry between Cody and Orton.
Now, WWE has a chance to do it again. The company should let this feud play out over the next few months. Cody does not need to be thinking about the Undisputed WWE Championship while Randy Orton is standing in front of him.
It would also help Cody Rhodes’ character. Since returning to WWE, almost every major story has been about the Undisputed WWE Championship. First, he was trying to win it. Then he was trying to keep it. Now he is trying to win it back.
That story has run its course for now. Instead of putting Cody Rhodes back into another title feud, WWE should explore how these setbacks affect him. Losing the championship, failing to beat CM Punk at SummerSlam, and seeing Kevin Owens move ahead of him should have an impact. Cody does not HAVE to turn heel. However, showing more frustration and doubt would make his character feel different.
The timing also makes sense because SmackDown already has enough challengers. Kevin Owens is the new number one contender. Gunther and Finn Balor both have a case after not being pinned in the Fatal 4-Way Match. Drew McIntyre is expected to return, while Sami Zayn is still around the title picture. There is no reason to push Cody Rhodes back into that line.
Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk II could be more impactful if it’s saved for next year
Waiting would also make the rematch with CM Punk much bigger, provided that The Second City Saint remains champion until 2027. If Cody challenges Punk again in the next few months, it would just be another rematch. However, if he spends the rest of 2026 rebuilding himself and finishes his rivalry with Randy Orton first, the story changes. Fans would see a different version of Cody before he goes after the championship again.
That is why Triple H should keep Cody Rhodes away from the Undisputed WWE Championship until 2027. When he finally returns to the title picture, it will feel like a much bigger moment.
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Edited by Parth Pujara
