Undisputed WWE Championship Match At SummerSlam 2026

WWE

WWE is on the road to SummerSlam 2026 and one of two main events of the weekend will likely be headlined by an Undisputed WWE Championship match.

Over the next two months, there will be plenty of twists and turns that could lead to some intriguing possibilities for the main event of “The Biggest Party of the Summer.”

Whether it be a singles showdown or multi-man action, the Undisputed WWE Championship match might prove to be one of the biggest bouts of the year.

Here are eight potential Undisputed WWE Championship matches at SummerSlam 2026.

8. Cody Rhodes vs. GUNTHER vs. Sami Zayn

On the May 22 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Cody Rhodes defeated Sami Zayn. Post match, GUNTHER attacked Rhodes and locked on the sleeper, while Zayn just watched on and didn’t stop it.

Then at WWE Clash In Italy 2026, Rhodes defeated GUNTHER to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship. However, this match ended in controversy due to “The Ring General” having his foot underneath the ropes for the winning pinfall.

Now, “The American Nightmare” is set to defend his title against GUNTHER again on the June 19 SmackDown, but this time, Zayn will be the special guest referee.

While it could happen as soon as WWE Night of Champions 2026, it feels like the story between Rhodes, GUNTHER and Zayn has the potential to headline SummerSlam 2026 based on the level of all three men.

7. Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn

Since losing to Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42, Sami Zayn has been expressing frustrations over his failure to win a world title.

The target of these grievances has been Sami’s “friend” Cody Rhodes with the two men arguing backstage numerous times.

Despite their non-title match on the May 22 edition of SmackDown, Zayn has remained involved in the WWE Championship picture as of late.

Zayn challenging Rhodes for the title could finally reach its culmination at the WWE SummerSlam 2026 premium live event this August.

6. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton – Last Man Standing Match

At WWE WrestleMania 42 Night One, Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.

After the bout, Orton attacked Rhodes with a title belt shot to the head and a Punt Kick.

Since ending Mania holding up the WWE Title, “The Legend Killer” has been absent from the company’s programming.

By the time WWE SummerSlam 2026 comes around, Orton could be back in the mix and look to finish their rivalry in a Last Man Standing Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

5. Cody Rhodes vs. Oba Femi

Back on the December 13 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cody Rhodes faced Oba Femi, but the match was interrupted by Drew McIntyre who attacked his rival.

This unfinished business needs to be addressed and could find a conclusion in a big time title match between Femi and Rhodes somewhere down the line.

With “The Ruler” currently in the King of the Ring Finals at WWE Night of Champions 2026, Femi may win the crown and advance to challenge Rhodes for the top prize on Friday Night SmackDown.

After winning the King of the Ring, Oba will have nothing standing in his way with a showdown against Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the SummerSlam 2026 premium live event.

4. Cody Rhodes vs. Jey Uso

On the June 19 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Jey Uso will face Je’Von Evans in the King of the Ring Semifinals.

While Je’Von Evans could pull off the upset win, Uso has been put on a mission by Roman Reigns to bring the Undisputed WWE Championship back to The Bloodline.

Oba Femi will be waiting for the winner, but he also has to deal with Brock Lesnar after their recent meeting at WWE Clash In Italy 2026.

If Jey can somehow get by Femi at Night of Champions 2026, The Bloodline could be represented in both world title matches across SummerSlam 2026.

3. GUNTHER vs. Oba Femi

While Jey Uso has his story with The Bloodline that could see him win the tournament, Oba Femi feels like the odds-on favorite to capture the King of the Ring crown.

Meanwhile, GUNTHER seems to be closing in on the Undisputed WWE Championship as he challenges Cody Rhodes on the June 19 episode of Friday Night SmackDown.

“The Ruler” seems to be focused on getting the crown and going on to challenge for one of the world titles at WWE SummerSlam 2026.

Pitting GUNTHER as the new champion against Femi would be a major dream match that features two emerging top stars in WWE at “The Biggest Party of the Summer.”

2. GUNTHER vs. CM Punk

Back at WWE SummerSlam 2025, CM Punk defeated GUNTHER to win the World Heavyweight Championship.

This match saw “The Ring General” bust his nose open and then be sidelined for a few months after.

Now a year later, GUNTHER is on the verge of capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes on the June 19 SmackDown.

With recent reports indicating that Punk may return to WWE TV on SmackDown, “The Best In The World” could come back to challenge GUNTHER for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2026.

1. Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk

On the April 20 WWE Raw After WrestleMania 42, Cody Rhodes confronted CM Punk and teased a future Undisputed WWE Championship match between the two friends.

Recent reports have indicated that Punk is set to return for the first time since the Raw After Mania and become part of the SmackDown brand.

After the tease of a future title match, Punk could challenge Rhodes and set up a high profile main event for WWE SummerSlam 2026.

Rhodes and Punk are two of the biggest stars in all of WWE right now, which would make this one of the most anticipated bouts for the SummerSlam 2026 premium live event.

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