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ItalianoCody Rhodes and CM Punk nearly brawl after SNME event
Cody Rhodes and CM Punk nearly came to blows at the SNME event on July 18, 2026, after a heated backstage exchange.
What happened?
Cody Rhodes and CM Punk were involved in a physical altercation at the SNME event in Los Angeles. Security intervened before the situation escalated, pulling the two stars apart. The confrontation followed a series of backstage tensions that had been brewing for weeks.
Rhodes, a top star in WWE, was already scheduled to compete in a main-event match later that night. Punk, who has a history of real-life conflicts with WWE talent, was a guest on the SNME broadcast. Eyewitnesses described the moment as intense, with both men appearing ready to fight before officials stepped in.
Why it matters for Cody Rhodes
For Cody Rhodes, the incident adds another layer to his already high-profile rivalry with Punk. The two have a long-standing professional history, including a famous 2022 feud that culminated in a brutal match at WrestleMania 38. Rhodes’ presence at SNME-even as a competitor-kept him in the spotlight beyond WWE’s usual programming.
Security’s quick response prevented the situation from turning into a full-blown brawl. That’s a relief for WWE, which has faced scrutiny in the past over backstage incidents involving talent. Rhodes, who has been vocal about maintaining a professional environment, now finds himself at the center of another headline-grabbing moment.
What comes next?
WWE has not yet commented on the altercation. Rhodes is still scheduled to compete in the main event later that evening, though the incident could cast a shadow over the show. Punk, who has been a free agent since leaving WWE in 2023, remains a wildcard presence in wrestling circles.
Fans will be watching closely to see if this leads to any on-screen fallout. Rhodes’ next WWE appearance is already a major talking point, and this backstage clash only fuels speculation. Whether it results in a real-life feud or just another behind-the-scenes blip remains to be seen.