CM Punk is heading into tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown as the new Undisputed WWE Champion. This past Monday on RAW, he made his shocking return and defeated Sami Zayn for the title. The company has already advertised Punk’s first appearance as champion tonight. Also, Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn are expected to remain central figures on the Road to SummerSlam.
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Although most fans expect Triple H to officially reveal Punk’s challenger for SummerSlam, the WWE Chief Content Officer could instead orchestrate a stunning title change without Punk ever being pinned clean. Such a move would instantly raise the stakes heading into The Biggest Party of the Summer while protecting every superstar involved. Here’s how it could happen.
Triple H could force CM Punk to defend his title against Cody Rhodes
Punk could open SmackDown with a passionate promo about finally reclaiming the Undisputed WWE Championship. The Best in the World would undoubtedly remind everyone that he returned after months away and immediately dethroned Sami Zayn. Thus, proving why he still belongs at the top of WWE.
However, the celebration may not last long. Cody Rhodes could interrupt the new champion and argue that Punk never actually earned a one-on-one opportunity. The American Nightmare was originally scheduled to challenge Sami Zayn before Gunther’s brutal attack took him out of the title match on RAW. Thus, allowing Punk to take his place. Cody would have every reason to demand the championship opportunity that was stolen from him.
Adam Pearce could then emerge to settle the dispute. Rather than simply granting Cody a future title shot, the GM could announce that Punk must defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Rhodes later that very night. Pearce could justify the decision by stating that Cody never lost his championship opportunity. Thus, he deserves an immediate chance to reclaim what could have been his.
Sami Zayn could interfere and cost Punk
The blockbuster main event would seemingly give CM Punk another opportunity to cement his reign. Instead, Sami Zayn could completely change the complexion of the match.
The former champion has every reason to be furious after losing the title just days after winning it. Thus, Sami could storm the ringside during the closing moments and attack Punk, blaming him for ending the shortest and most emotional reign of his career.
With the referee distracted, Zayn’s interference could leave CM Punk vulnerable to a devastating Cross Rhodes. Cody would capitalize, score the three-count, and become the new Undisputed WWE Champion.
Triple H’s decision to force an immediate title defense would effectively cost Punk the gold only days into his reign. Thus, making it one of the shortest championship runs in recent WWE history.
This could lead to Cody Rhodes vs. Sami vs. Punk at SummerSlam
The aftermath would practically write itself. The Second City Saint would argue that Sami Zayn robbed him of the title. Zayn would insist he deserves another championship opportunity because CM Punk unfairly took his place on RAW. Also, Cody Rhodes would claim he is the rightful champion after finally receiving the match he was denied.
That scenario would give The Game the perfect reason to announce a blockbuster Triple Threat Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam. Cody Rhodes would have to defend against both CM Punk and Sami Zayn.
This would allow WWE to continue three of its hottest storylines simultaneously. Cody would finally reclaim championship gold. CM Punk would have a legitimate grievance without suffering a clean defeat. Also, Sami would remain heavily involved in the title picture after his heartbreaking loss.
If WWE wants to make SummerSlam’s Undisputed WWE Championship match feel as unpredictable as possible, this shocking booking twist could accomplish exactly that.
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Edited by Steffi