Randy Orton's Return Interferes in SummerSlam Main Event, Cody Rhodes Loses WWE Title to CM Punk

CM Punk retained the WWE championship at SummerSlam on Aug. 1, 2026, after defeating Cody Rhodes in a match that featured multiple near-finishes. Late in the bout, a referee was knocked down and Randy Orton re-entered the arena, delivering an RKO to Rhodes, who was left incapacitated in the ring. The interference enabled Punk to secure the victory and keep the title.

Punk, who had previously exited the ring and was not present when Orton struck Rhodes, later executed his finishing move, the GTS, to finalize the win. Commentary noted that Orton's involvement was not witnessed by Punk, emphasizing the surprise nature of the interference.

The outcome leaves Punk as champion while Rhodes, who had recently been involved in a storyline rivalry with Punk on SmackDown, will seek to regain the title in future events.