5 Shocking Reasons Why CM Punk Vs. Cody Rhodes Is WWE's Most Anticipated Feud Of 2026

The collision course between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes is not just a dream match; it is a battle for the soul of modern professional wrestling, and it is set to define WWE's landscape throughout 2026. The two men represent the ultimate parallel journeys—rebels who left the company to prove their worth, only to return as undeniable, main-event megastars. With both men currently sitting atop the WWE roster, their inevitable clash is the most anticipated storyline on the road to WrestleMania 42, blending real-life history, shared AEW roots, and a quest for ultimate supremacy that has captivated the wrestling world since their return.

As of this current date, December 15, 2025, the tension is palpable. CM Punk is rumored to be the World Heavyweight Champion heading into 2026, while Cody Rhodes continues his quest to "Finish the Story" and capture the WWE Championship. Their paths, which briefly crossed in a tense face-to-face segment on a January 2025 episode of Raw, are destined to intertwine again, creating a narrative rich with layers of resentment, mutual respect, and a shared history that few other matchups can claim.

The American Nightmare and The Best in the World: A Tale of Two Rebels

CM Punk and Cody Rhodes share a unique, almost mirrored career trajectory, making their rivalry a perfect storm of narrative gold. To fully appreciate the magnitude of their current feud, a look at their respective biographies is essential.

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CM Punk (Phillip Jack Brooks)

• Real Name: Phillip Jack Brooks
• Born: October 26, 1978 (Chicago, Illinois)
• Key Nicknames: The Best in the World, The Voice of the Voiceless, The Straight Edge Savior
• Career Highlights: Infamous "Pipe Bomb" promo (2011), two-time WWE Champion, two-time AEW World Champion, World Heavyweight Champion.
• The Rebellion: Famously walked out of WWE in 2014, citing creative frustration and health issues, leading to a seven-year retirement from the industry. He returned in 2021 for AEW before a dramatic return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023.

Cody Rhodes (Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes)

• Real Name: Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes
• Born: June 30, 1985 (Marietta, Georgia)
• Key Nicknames: The American Nightmare, The Prince of Pro Wrestling, Dashing Cody Rhodes
• Career Highlights: Founder and Executive Vice President of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), multiple-time Intercontinental Champion, two-time ROH World Champion, current WWE main event star.
• The Rebellion: Left WWE in 2016, frustrated with his Stardust gimmick. He became a central figure in the independent scene, NJPW, and ROH, culminating in the co-founding of AEW. He made his triumphant return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in 2022.

5 Explosive Reasons Why Punk vs. Rhodes is Inevitable in 2026

The current WWE landscape is deliberately setting the stage for a monumental clash. The following five points detail the real-life and on-screen narratives that make a CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes match the most anticipated event of the coming year, likely culminating at WrestleMania 42 or a major premium live event like the Royal Rumble 2026.

1. The Battle Over Who is the "True Rebel"

The core of their rivalry is a philosophical debate about their respective departures and returns. In a face-to-face segment earlier in 2025, Cody subtly but pointedly jabbed at Punk, suggesting that while they both rebelled against WWE, Cody went out and built a rival company (AEW), while Punk "just sat at home, pouting". This narrative is a goldmine for promos. Punk's rebellion was a self-imposed exile; Cody's was a revolutionary act that changed the industry. Their feud is a contest to see whose method of rebellion was more impactful and whose return is more meaningful to the company they once scorned. This is a crucial layer of topical authority, referencing their shared history outside of WWE.

2. The Shared All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Connection

Both men were integral to the formation and early success of All Elite Wrestling. Cody was an Executive Vice President and a founding father, while Punk was arguably the biggest signing in the company's history. Their backstage history in AEW, which included controversy and tension, adds an undeniable layer of reality to any on-screen interaction. While Cody has publicly affirmed he was fine with Punk and even asked permission to mention him, the underlying tension of two massive personalities who were once rivals in the "Forbidden Door" era now sharing the same WWE locker room is a story waiting to be told.

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3. The Royal Rumble 2026 Showdown

The WWE Royal Rumble is a confirmed stage for both superstars in early 2026. The structure of the Royal Rumble Match itself—where every man is for himself—provides the perfect chaotic environment for their paths to violently cross. A direct confrontation, a dramatic elimination, or even a final two face-off between Punk and Rhodes would immediately ignite their feud for WrestleMania season. The Royal Rumble is often the catalyst for the biggest rivalries, and a Punk-Rhodes showdown there is highly anticipated.

4. The Quest for the World Championship

The potential for a championship rivalry elevates the stakes. Reports and speculation point to CM Punk being the World Heavyweight Champion in early 2026. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes is laser-focused on the WWE Championship, currently held by Roman Reigns. An ideal scenario could see one man successfully "Finish the Story" while the other holds the secondary world title, leading to a "Champion vs. Champion" non-title match, or even one man challenging the other to a title unification match down the line. The clash of the "American Nightmare" legacy against the "Best in the World" legacy over a major title is a guaranteed box-office draw.

5. The Uncut, Electrifying Promo Battles

Both CM Punk and Cody Rhodes are considered two of the best talkers in the business. Punk's legendary "Pipe Bomb" promo set a new standard for blurring the lines between reality and storyline. Cody, as the son of the "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, is a master of the passionate, emotionally resonant monologue. When these two men stand face-to-face, as they did in January 2025, the verbal warfare is unparalleled. The use of real-life history—the AEW founding, the company walkouts, the differing philosophies—gives their promos a raw, must-see quality that no other current pairing can replicate.

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The Future: WrestleMania 42 and Beyond

The direction of their rivalry suggests a long-term plan that extends deep into 2026. While Cody Rhodes' ultimate goal remains defeating Roman Reigns for the WWE Championship, a detour into a high-stakes feud with CM Punk is the perfect way to maintain his momentum and cement his status as a main event player. Punk, too, needs a marquee opponent to solidify his second run as a top-tier champion in WWE.

The anticipation for a match at WrestleMania 42 is through the roof, with many analysts placing it among the most anticipated wrestling matches of 2026. Whether it's a battle for a championship or a pure grudge match over who is the true face of the returning rebel generation, the narrative is perfectly aligned. This is more than a wrestling match; it’s a culture war between two men who dared to walk away from the biggest company in the world and returned on their own terms. The winner of this clash will not just get a victory; they will claim the undisputed title of the most important superstar of this generation.

The seeds of this feud have been planted, with the subtle references to their shared past and the heated, brief interactions on Raw. The inevitable escalation will be the biggest story in World Wrestling Entertainment for the foreseeable future, promising a year of unforgettable moments and epic showdowns between two of the most polarizing and talented performers in history.