We are less than a month away from the WWE SummerSlam Premium Live Event, and major rumors are already circulating online. The rumors range from speculation about CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes possibly changing at SummerSlam to Sheamus reportedly being open to working with All Elite Wrestling.
Additionally, the company could be planning a major heel turn and more. In this article, let’s look at five ongoing rumors – two we hope are true, and three we hope are not.
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#2 Hope true: Sheamus might be on his way to a possible AEW move
Recently, Sheamus appeared to confirm his WWE exit after reports claimed he had turned down a restructured extension with the company. According to sources, the former United States Champion and TKO failed to reach an agreement, leading to him leaving the company.
A report claimed that someone close to The Celtic Warrior believes Sheamus would welcome the right opportunity to work with AEW. It further added that he might even work for WWE’s rival promotion on a short-term basis.
We hope that the rumor is true. Sheamus is one of the finest stars in the squared circle, and he should continue delivering strong matches in the ring. After his WWE exit, he could be an interesting addition to Tony Khan’s promotion if the right deal comes together.
#1 Hope true: WWE is planning for a major heel turn
The sports entertainment landscape has taken a major turn after CM Punk dethroned Sami Zayn on Raw to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. Now, the Second City Saint is being positioned on SmackDown and is already set to defend the title against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2026.
Amid this, sources suggest that the company could be planning to turn Punk heel heading into SummerSlam. Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer stated that the Best in the World seems like a hypocrite in the story after being absent from WWE post-WrestleMania, especially since he used to mock Roman Reigns for being a part-timer.
“Cody’s a babyface. Sami [Zayn] is gonna end up being Daniel Bryan here. I think we may finally get that CM Punk heel turn because the story here is basically he’s a hypocrite. He’s everything that he complained about. Remember that promo he did, where he goes, ‘I’m always here,’ you know, unlike these Roman Reigns… Then he went home in April, disappeared until July 6th, and then waltzed in and took that belt,” Alvarez said.
CM Punk’s heel turn ahead of the Biggest Party of the Summer is a rumor we hope turns out to be true, as it would bring an intriguing twist to the Undisputed WWE Title feud.
#3 Hope not true: Sami Zayn is not a ‘marquee star’
Sami Zayn lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to CM Punk. This ended his nine-day title reign. Some fans argued that the former Honorary Uce got hurt by the booking.
Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observed Radio reportedly said that WWE management views Sami Zayn as a good talker, a good wrestler, and a valuable performer, but not as a top “money player.”
This means the company reportedly doesn’t view the former Bloodline member as a money-making player, which is seemingly the major reason for his championship loss. We hope that the rumor is not true. Let’s hope that the company gives Sami a push again and doesn’t give up on him.
#2 Hope not true: CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes possibly changing?
Nick Aldis has officially announced the CM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes match for this year’s SummerSlam. However, WWE might plan a twist for the fans by altering the announced bout and instead booking a Triple Threat or Fatal Four-Way match. Reports revealed that Sami Zayn and Gunther might be added to this match, changing the Punk vs. Rhodes title showdown.
The company has already announced a tag team match for Saturday Night’s Main Event. We hope this rumor is not true, as WWE should focus on booking the Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk feud rather than making it a multi-man match. This singles feud is a money-making feud in itself.
#1 Hope not true: WWE reportedly discussing major Royal Rumble format changes
According to an update, the Triple H-led promotion has discussed the idea of making the Royal Rumble a two-night event in the future. The move isn’t official yet, but the idea is being discussed as WWE looks for options to expand its major Premium Live Events.
Though it’s good that WrestleMania and SummerSlam are two-night events, we hope the rumor that the Royal Rumble could become a two-night event is not true. The Rumble show is all about the traditional Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches, and they should be held on the same night to keep the PLE exciting.
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Edited by Shardul Sant
