Newly-crowned, undisputed WWE champion CM Punk made his return to “SmackDown” in the latest episode, but he was met with a challenger who is thirsty for championship gold.
During the show’s opening segment, Punk was welcomed by “SmackDown” General Manager Nick Aldis to the blue brand.
He stated that he has been negotiating for the past two months, mentioning that Aldis is eager to sign him to “SmackDown.”
Punk made the decision final when he was offered to challenge Sami Zayn and his WWE Championship last week.
Rhodes seeks to regain gold
Punk stated that he is eager to defend the belt against anyone, as he listed possible challengers who “got what it takes.”
His call-out was quickly answered, as former champion Cody Rhodes marched to the ring.
Rhodes mentioned that a rivalry between him and Punk is a championship match “that has been building for years.”
“Maybe sub-consciously we both have been avoiding this for quite some time… To tell you the truth, I thought when this happened, it’s going to be at the main event of ‘WrestleMania.’ But I don’t think you and I could run away from each other anymore,” Punk replied.
Punk asked Rhodes when the match should happen, and “The American Nightmare” replied: “SummerSlam.”
Aldis made the match official, as the two superstars will lock horns on August 2.
READ MORE: WWE news: Returning CM Punk snatches WWE Championship off Sami Zayn
Tag team pitstop
Later on in the show, Gunther was still adamant that he deserves a place in the championship spotlight with Punk and Rhodes, as he pressured Aldis “to fix this.”
Gunther came out in the last segment of the show and called out Aldis for his decision.
The general manager was more than happy to give both Punk and Rhodes to Gunther.
He announced that in “Saturday Night’s Main Event” on July 18, Gunther is set to face both Punk and Rhodes, but in a tag team match.
Aldis further said that Gunther will be tagging with Zayn, stating that the former champion “equally wants to get his hands on those two men (Punk and Rhodes).”
Gunther did not respond well to the announcement, as he put the general manager in multiple “Sleeper Holds.”
Rhodes had to come out to stop the assault, as multiple backstage staff could not stop “The Ring General.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Tadej Pogačar blows rivals away in Tour de France week one
Eleni Poulios 
Elan Castanares 
Arwen Lehmann