Randy Orton puts his fangs into Cody Rhodes, costs him WWE title against CM Punk at SummerSlam

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Cody Rhodes’ past came back to haunt him on Saturday night at SummerSlam.

Rhodes was in the midst of challenging CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship in one of the final matches of the night at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Rhodes and Punk were putting on an epic performance only those two could deliver.

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Randy Orton delivers an RKO to Cody Rhodes during SummerSlam at U.S. Bank Stadium on Aug. 1, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn. (WWE via Getty Images)

Punk and Rhodes went counter-for-counter, trying to get an advantage on one another as they looked to be the one holding the belt at the end of the match.

But neither could have prepared for a snake in the grass.

Rhodes took out the referee when he was trying to hit a Cody Cutter from the top rope. The crowd started to buzz as Randy Orton came through and got into the ring. "The Viper" hit Rhodes with an RKO out of nowhere.

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Randy Orton looks on during SummerSlam at U.S. Bank Stadium on Aug. 1, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn. (WWE via Getty Images)

Punk took advantage and hit Rhodes with a Go to Sleep and pinned Rhodes for the win.

Orton had been out of action since he lost to Rhodes at WrestleMania 42. Orton left with the upper hand as he punted Rhodes in the head before he left the ring. Rhodes was left bruised and battered that night but was still the champion.

This time, Rhodes is leaving Minnesota stunned and without a championship.

Punk, on the other hand, called out almost everyone on the SmackDown roster who could possibly step up to him as a champion. Gunther could be a possibility after he defeated Nick Aldis during the night. Trick Williams was also mentioned as a potential contender.