Randy Orton makes a surprise return to WWE at SummerSlam 2026, ending an absence that several reports place at around three months. Orton interferes during the Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, which is presented as Cody Rhodes facing CM Punk for the title. Multiple outlets report that Orton hits Cody Rhodes with an RKO, disrupting the match and preventing Rhodes from winning. After Orton’s involvement, CM Punk capitalizes on the opening and secures the victory over Rhodes to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship. Some coverage specifies that Orton’s actions lead directly to CM Punk getting a second GTS and the pinfall, while others focus more generally on Orton’s interference costing Rhodes the title. Overall, the reports agree that Orton’s return is timed to impact the outcome of the Rhodes vs. Punk match, reigniting the Orton–Rhodes storyline alongside Punk’s continued reign as champion.