Add as a preferred source on Google CM Punk and Cody Rhodes took another step toward turning their respectful relationship into a major rivalry ahead of WWE SummerSlam.
On July 18, at Madison Square Garden, the two teamed up to defeat Gunther and Sami Zayn in the main event of Saturday Night’s Main Event. Had they lost, Gunther and Zayn would have been added to the Undisputed WWE Championship match at SummerSlam.
The babyfaces’ win came after WWE General Manager Nick Aldis stepped in to stop Gunther from winning the match illegally. Aldis came out and pulled the second referee out of the ring before he could count the pin, then attacked Gunther.
After the match, Rhodes handed the Undisputed WWE Championship to Punk and raised his arm. Punk put the title over his shoulder, but part of the belt accidentally struck Cody in the eye, visibly angering him.
The situation escalated when WWE tried to interview Punk backstage. Rhodes showed up and accused the champion of hitting him in the eye with the title. Punk said it was all an accident and complained about Rhodes’ presence in front of the cameras. Cody told Punk to calm down and said he always gets emotional.
Rhodes and Punk will meet in a singles match on August 1 at SummerSlam in Minneapolis — the first one-on-one match between the two in nearly 18 years.