Add as a preferred source on Google WWE appears to be setting up a new top-tier rivalry. After a historic WrestleMania 42, this Monday’s Monday Night RAW, also held in Las Vegas, Nevada, featured an unexpected confrontation between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes.
Punk came to the ring in his first appearance since losing the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns and spoke about how he is feeling after the tough loss he suffered on Sunday.
The former champion reflected on the recent losses of friends and of his dog Larry, saying that WWE fans helped him get through all of it and that the same will happen with the loss of the title. Punk made it clear that he will continue to stay ready, because you never know when a new title opportunity will arise.
At that moment, The Kingdom hit, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes interrupted Punk’s promo.
"Just say when."
— WWE (@WWE) April 21, 2026
ANYTHING can happen in the future for @CMPunk and @CodyRhodes… 👀#RawAfterMania pic.twitter.com/ZgaPbprS8k
Clearly banged up, Rhodes congratulated Punk on his match against Reigns and pointed out that, unlike him, who kept the title, Punk does not feel like a loser.
Annoyed, Punk questioned why he should feel like a loser. He explained that he gave everything he had in the ring against an opponent he genuinely hates. According to Punk, Rhodes’ situation was even more challenging, because facing Randy Orton meant fighting a friend. Punk, however, reaffirmed his commitment to staying ready, because you never know when another opportunity will come along, all while staring directly at Rhodes’ title.
The Las Vegas crowd erupted as Punk was leaving the ring. At that moment, Rhodes shouted Punk’s name and said it was entirely up to him, leaving open the possibility of a future match for the Undisputed WWE Championship.