Cody Rhodes and CM Punk Share Emotional Moment After SmackDown

Cody Rhodes and CM Punk shared a touching moment after WWE SmackDown went off the air on July 17, 2026. Following Rhodes' disqualification win over GUNTHER in the main event, the two wrestlers stood together in the ring, exchanging mutual respect. Rhodes even asked the crew to play Punk’s theme music, and Punk reciprocated by having Cody’s song played.

What Happened After SmackDown?

The post-show moment was captured by a fan, showing Rhodes and Punk embracing in the ring. The gesture came after a chaotic main event where Rhodes defeated GUNTHER via disqualification, leading to a brawl involving Sami Zayn and GUNTHER. The two stars then took a moment to honor each other, a rare display of camaraderie in WWE.

Why This Moment Matters for Cody Rhodes

This interaction highlights the mutual respect between Rhodes and Punk, two of WWE’s biggest stars. Their bond is significant, especially as they prepare to team up tonight at Saturday Night’s Main Event against GUNTHER and Zayn. The match could have major implications for their upcoming SummerSlam 2026 title bout, adding another layer of intrigue to their rivalry.

What’s Next for Cody Rhodes and CM Punk?

Tonight’s match will test their ability to work together, despite their history of intense competition. If they fail to secure a victory, their SummerSlam 2026 title match could be in jeopardy. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how this dynamic duo will perform under pressure, with the stakes higher than ever.