CM Punk's first title defense as the Undisputed WWE Champion will take place at SummerSlam against Cody Rhodes. The Second City Saint made a surprise return on the July 6 episode of RAW and dethroned Sami Zayn. Punk replaced Rhodes, who was originally set to challenge Zayn, but the QB1 was taken out by Gunther early in the show and was unable to compete.
The American Nightmare confronted the newly crowned champion on SmackDown and got himself a title match at The Biggest Party of the Summer. Punk and Rhodes teamed up to defeat Gunther and Zayn at Saturday Night's Main Event, which planted the seeds of tension between them.
While they were on good terms for the most part before, Punk and Rhodes seem to be fully determined to walk out of SummerSlam with the gold. The match will surely be competitive, but the result should not be controversial, and it should be in The Best in the World's favor.
Here are four reasons why CM Punk must defeat Cody Rhodes cleanly at SummerSlam.
The way CM Punk conveniently stepped in to replace Cody Rhodes and won the Undisputed WWE Championship wasn't the most convincing way to get back to the top. While he did defeat Sami Zayn fair and square, the way the opportunity was given to him leaves room for doubt on his credibility as champion.
Punk suffered a clean defeat at the hands of Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42 for the World Heavyweight Championship and won the Undisputed WWE Title on the first night back after a hiatus. Therefore, a decisive win over Cody Rhodes, who is rarely on the losing end, would solidify The Second City Saint's title reign.
Cody Rhodes has been one of WWE's top babyfaces for the past few years. Even when he has lost, the company has usually protected him through outside interference or chaotic match finishes. Clean losses have been very rare.
That is why SummerSlam could be different. A clean defeat to CM Punk would be a major setback for Rhodes. It would force him to deal with a loss that he cannot blame on anyone else.
That could also lead to a change in his character. WWE could use the loss to show a more frustrated and aggressive side of Rhodes as he begins his journey back to the Undisputed WWE Championship.
WWE has used outside interference in many of its biggest matches over the past few years. Referee bumps, faction interference, and other distractions have often been used to protect the losing superstar. While that can work in some rivalries, it is not needed in this match.
CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes is already a huge match on its own. The fans want to see two of WWE's biggest stars settle things in the ring. A clean finish would give the match a stronger ending and make the result feel more meaningful.
It would also make the Undisputed WWE Championship feel even more important. Sometimes, the best finish is simply having the better man win on the night.
A controversial finish would likely lead to an immediate rematch. If CM Punk wins because of outside interference or another disputed ending, Cody Rhodes would have a clear reason to ask for another title match right away.
That would only rush the rivalry. A clean win would allow both stars to move on to different storylines for a while. Cody could rebuild himself, while Punk continues his title reign against other challengers.
When they eventually face each other again, the rematch would feel much bigger. WWE could save it for a major event like Survivor Series, the Royal Rumble, or even WrestleMania 43, giving the rivalry more time to grow.
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