Triple H says that Cody Rhodes and CM Punk’s match at SummerSlam will be driven by their egos.
At WWE SummerSlam on August 1st, Cody Rhodes will challenge CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The bout will be the first time the two have faced off one-on-one since 2008. In the almost two decades since, the pair have both walked out of WWE for lengthy absences, only to return at the top of their game.
During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Triple H was asked if the match was one he would have expected to happen in 2026. The Chief Content Officer said that he didn’t expect it, but in WWE, you can never say never.
“Absolutely not, but the bigger thing I’ve always known about this company is never say never. If there’s a desire to see it, if fans want to see it, if there’s a way to get it done, WWE will get it done. That’s what we do.”
Triple H went on to discuss the match itself, saying that he thinks it will be something special as both men have the same mindset that they have to be the best there is.
“Here we are, all these years later with two of the biggest names in this business, and I mean this in the best way possible, the biggest egos in this business. That’s what this business really comes down to, it’s proving yourself, and these are two guys that, they don’t want to be here, they don’t just want to be on the card, they don’t just want ot be in a big match, they want this all to be about them.
“They want this promotion to be about them, they want the media to be about them, they want it all to be about them. When CM Punk says, “Best in the world,” he means best in the world at everything to do with this business. When Cody Rhodes says, “QB1,” he means he’s running the show. He means it’s his team, his game, his ball. They both have that mindset, which is incredible, and creates an incredible rivalry.
“They’re friends outside of the ring, but that’s deteriorating quickly when it comes to business. I wouldn’t have seen this years ago, but I’m thrilled to be seeing it now, and I think we’re in for something special here, because again, the egos on these guys will not allow them to be anything but number one.”
Triple H Doesn’t Know What Brock Lesnar Will Do After SummerSlam
During the same interview, Triple H addressed Brock Lesnar’s future in WWE after SummerSlam. The Game said Lesnar likely believed he was retiring after being defeated by Oba Femi at WrestleMania 42, but came back to prove The Ruler wrong. With the rubber match happening inside Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam, he says he will find out along with everyone else if the Beast Incarnate decides to hang up his boots for good after the match.
