WWE SummerSlam 2026: 12 Things That NEED To Happen
1. Cody Rhodes Turns Heel Post-Loss
"I have to beat you, Rock". Those immortal words from Steve Austin previewed his heel turn at WrestleMania X-Seven. Nobody knew that's what he was hinting at before the pay-per-view, but then 'Stone Cold' shook hands "with the devil himself" and joined forces with Vince McMahon to take the WWF Title from The Rock.
Cody Rhodes has been cutting a similar figure heading into SummerSlam. On Friday's SmackDown, he spoke passionately about needing to beat CM Punk so he could finally step out from a pipebomb-sized shadow Punk created for countless wrestlers back in 2011. There was an air of desperation in Cody's voice, even if the face to face ultimately fell a little short of expectations.
Rhodes should drop some hints mid-match that he's about to turn heel. Then, after staring at the lights for Punk, he can cut CM's celebrations short with a well-placed punt to the balls before smashing him with Cross Rhodes for the hell of it. Select fans have been dying to boo Cody for a while now anyway, so they'd bring the hate for this turn.
Cody going heel would completely freshen up his character, and he probably has a better chance of succeeding as a villain than Punk does. 'I have to beat you, Punk'. Time to turn this 'American Nightmare' to the dark side.
What else do you think must happen at WWE SummerSlam 2026? For more like this, check out 10 Things We Learned From Dark Side Of The Ring: Necro Butcher vs. Samoa Joe and 101 Shocking Wrestling Plans You Won't Believe Almost Happened!