Cody Rhodes teams with CM Punk to face Gunther & Sami Zayn at Saturday Night’s Main Event

Cody Rhodes and CM Punk will team together for the first time before their SummerSlam singles showdown.

What happened?

On the 10 July 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown, Gunther demanded a change to SummerSlam’s main event. He wanted a spot in the title match. Nick Aldis, the SmackDown general manager, told him he’d consider it. Minutes later, Aldis returned to the ring and announced Gunther’s request had been granted-sort of. Gunther and Sami Zayn will face CM Punk and Cody Rhodes in a tag team match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on 18 July 2026.

Why it matters for Cody Rhodes

The pairing gives Rhodes a high-profile partner just days before his marquee singles bout at SummerSlam. Punk and Rhodes have history, but this is their first official tag match together in WWE. The match also keeps Rhodes in the spotlight ahead of a potential world title shot. Gunther’s push for a bigger stage continues, while Zayn remains a wildcard in the mix.

What’s on the card?

Saturday Night’s Main Event on 18 July 2026 features four matches. Danhausen meets JD McDonagh in a singles bout. Paige and Brie Bella defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles against Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. Punk and Rhodes take on Gunther and Zayn in the main event.

What’s next for Rhodes?

Rhodes’ SummerSlam opponent is still to be confirmed. The tag match serves as a preview of what’s to come. Punk, meanwhile, eyes his own title shot. The 18 July card locks in the hype for SummerSlam’s biggest matches.