WWE is saving its biggest confrontation for last on the final SmackDown before SummerSlam. Cody Rhodes and CM Punk’s face-to-face segment is now set to close the July 31 episode, giving the Undisputed WWE Championship story the final word before the two men collide in Minneapolis.
TRNBCKL Gold reports that the Rhodes and Punk segment will take place in the main event position. WWE had already advertised one final meeting between the two rivals, but the closing placement makes it clear that their SummerSlam showdown is the company’s top priority heading into the weekend.
The tension between Rhodes and Punk has continued to rise in recent weeks, and this final confrontation could easily turn physical. With no match attached to the segment, WWE will have plenty of time to let both men speak before things potentially fall apart.
Sami Zayn is expected to appear at the opposite end of the broadcast. PWInsider previously revealed that Zayn is currently scheduled to open SmackDown with an in-ring promo.
That means WWE plans to begin the show with one former Undisputed WWE Champion and end it with the two men fighting over that same title at SummerSlam.
Zayn has remained connected to the championship picture since losing the title to Punk. He also recently teamed with GUNTHER against Punk and Rhodes at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but once again came away without the result he wanted.
The rest of SmackDown will include Damian Priest and R-Truth defending the WWE Tag Team Championship against The War Raiders. Giulia will also face Lash Legend to determine the final entrant in the Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match.
The current WWE SmackDown lineup includes:
- Sami Zayn opening the show with an in-ring promo
- Giulia vs. Lash Legend in an Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match qualifier
- Damian Priest and R-Truth vs. The War Raiders for the WWE Tag Team Championship
- Cody Rhodes and CM Punk closing the show with their final face-to-face segment
With less than 24 hours remaining before SummerSlam, WWE is putting Rhodes and Punk in the most important position on the show. The only question now is whether they make it through the segment without throwing punches.
What do you think will happen when Cody Rhodes and CM Punk close out SmackDown? Leave your feedback in the comments.
