Randy Orton Returns to Cost Cody Rhodes the WWE Championship at SummerSlam

Steven HarrisonSun, August 2, 2026 at 12:41 AM UTC

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 1: Randy Orton looks on during SummerSlam at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 1, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images)Getty Images

Randy Orton made his long-awaited WWE return in the closing moments of the Undisputed WWE Championship Match during SummerSlam Night 1, delivering an RKO to Cody Rhodes that allowed CM Punk to retain the gold in an all-time classic match.

Punk and Rhodes delivered an old-school classic built around storytelling rather than nonstop action. Throughout the match, Punk repeatedly sold the injured knee that has been a focal point of his recent title reign, while Rhodes fought through significant damage to his right shoulder. The slower pace gave both competitors time to build drama, making every near fall feel meaningful.

Randy Orton Returns to End an Old School Classic

Late in the contest, chaos broke loose after referee Charles Robinson was accidentally knocked down. Rhodes capitalized by hitting Cross Rhodes on Punk, but with no official available, he was unable to secure the victory.

As Punk rolled to the floor, the Minneapolis crowd erupted.

Randy Orton emerged through the crowd to one of the loudest ovations of the night. Before Rhodes could react, Orton planted his longtime rival with a devastating RKO.

Punk recovered, rolled back into the ring, connected with a Go to Sleep, and Robinson returned just in time to count the decisive three-count.

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The finish protected both competitors while reigniting one of WWE's most personal rivalries.

Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton Is Finally Ready to Begin Fresh

Orton's return immediately puts Cody Rhodes back on a collision course with his former mentor, a rivalry that has been building for months.

With Pat McAfee no longer part of the equation, WWE now has an opportunity to tell the story fans originally expected. After the widely criticized WrestleMania 42 encounter involving the two, SummerSlam's closing angle gives the feud a fresh start and the chance to deliver the defining match many believed it should have been all along.

As for the championship picture, Punk and Rhodes proved exactly why they were entrusted with the SummerSlam main event. Their performance blended psychology, selling, and big-match drama into a championship bout that felt worthy of WWE's biggest stage.

How to Watch WWE SummerSlam Night 2

SummerSlam continues Sunday, August 2, exclusively on ESPN Unlimited in the United States. The Countdown Show begins at 3 p.m. ET across WWE's and ESPN's digital platforms, with the premium live event starting at 6 p.m. ET.

Night 2 is scheduled to feature Roman Reigns defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Seth Rollins, along with the Interim WWE Women's Championship Ladder Match, Trick Williams vs. Baron Corbin for the United States Championship, Finn Bálor vs. Sami Zayn to determine the No. 1 contender to the Undisputed WWE Championship, and more.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Wrestling section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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