Add as a preferred source on Google CM Punk and Cody Rhodes are already confirmed to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam. The story took shape after Gunther pulled Rhodes from his rematch against Sami Zayn, clearing the way for Punk to step in as the challenger and win the title on RAW.
Now, the two will team up against Gunther and Zayn on Saturday Night’s Main Event tomorrow at Madison Square Garden. So far, though, the rivalry has stayed rooted in respect, and that’s still not enough for a match of this size.
Adam Pearce Should Bring All Four Together in the Ring
With Nick Aldis sidelined following Gunther’s attack, Adam Pearce will be in charge of tonight’s SmackDown. The best move would be to open the show with Punk, Rhodes, Gunther and Zayn in the same segment, laying out clear rules for the tag team match and letting the tension between the future opponents come to the surface.
Cody Needs to Address the Opportunity He Lost
Rhodes earned the right to face Zayn by beating Jey Uso, but he never got his rematch. Gunther attacked him before the match, while Punk showed up, took his place and walked out champion.
Cody accepted the situation calmly last week. Tonight, he needs to make it clear that he still views that title as something that was taken from him.
Punk Should Defend the Legitimacy of His Reign
Punk only answered the challenge Zayn made in Chicago. Even so, his reign began because of Gunther’s attack.
The champion can acknowledge that and, at the same time, remind Rhodes that he was the one who stepped into the ring, beat Zayn and did what it took to win the belt. A more aggressive response from Punk alone would completely change the friendly tone that’s been set so far.
Gunther Needs to Provoke the First Mistake
Gunther is responsible for this entire situation and should use that to his advantage. The Ring General can claim that Punk is only champion because he pulled Cody from the match, while Rhodes depends on authority figures to get his opportunities back.
That provocation would open the door for an attack from Gunther and Zayn, followed by a botched save between Punk and Cody. One accidental shot would be enough to spark distrust.
The Real Break Comes at Madison Square Garden
SmackDown needs to end with an argument and the referees pulling them apart. Tomorrow’s tag team match could turn that tension into something bigger, with Cody stealing a tag from Punk or letting the champion take the pinfall.
Sports Illustrated also pointed out that the match should help create the conflict that’s still missing before SummerSlam.
That way, WWE keeps both of them as babyfaces tonight, creates a concrete reason for the distrust and leaves Saturday Night’s Main Event to deliver the first real break.