Randy Orton made his return to WWE at SummerSlam on August 1, 2026, interfering in the Undisputed WWE Championship match between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes. Orton delivered an RKO to Rhodes, enabling Punk to secure the victory and retain the title.
CM Punk defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes in the penultimate match of night one at SummerSlam. Rhodes targeted Punk's left knee throughout the contest. Rhodes later attempted a Cody Cutter but struck referee Charles Robinson instead.
With both Punk and the referee down, Randy Orton entered the ring and executed an RKO on Rhodes before exiting. Punk then returned to the ring, delivered a Go To Sleep, and pinned Rhodes for the win once the referee recovered.
Orton had been absent from WWE since his loss to Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 in April. This marked his first appearance since that event.
