Published: 3 seconds ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 3 seconds ago by SP3
WWE
On the August 21 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, CM Punk will put the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against Kevin Owens.
This highly anticipated clash in Toronto, Ontario, promises to be an intense battle as both competitors look to settle a rivalry that has spanned nearly two decades.
Regardless of who emerges victorious, numerous contenders from the SmackDown roster will be eager to challenge for the prestigious title moving forward.
Here are seven potential Undisputed WWE Championship challengers who may step forward after the CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens contest.
7. Cody Rhodes
At WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night One, CM Punk successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes, though not without assistance from Randy Orton’s unexpected interference.
In the aftermath of that defeat, Rhodes confronted Punk directly, with the champion indicating that “The American Nightmare” need only ask for another opportunity when ready.
Given the controversial nature of his previous loss, Rhodes will undoubtedly be motivated to seek redemption in a rematch for the title.
Once his storyline with Orton concludes, Cody Rhodes appears well-positioned to reposition himself as a top contender for Punk’s championship.
6. Randy Orton
Since making his return at WWE SummerSlam 2026, it has become evident that Randy Orton’s primary focus is settling scores with Cody Rhodes.
However, “The Viper” also has personal ambitions, specifically his pursuit of capturing the 15th world championship of his career.
A championship opportunity against CM Punk feels inevitable, given the extensive history between these two competitors.
With more than 17 years of shared experience, Punk and Orton could potentially reignite their rivalry over the Undisputed WWE Championship in the near future.
5. Sami Zayn
During the July 6 episode of Monday Night Raw, Sami Zayn prepared to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes.
However, a surprise attack by GUNTHER on Rhodes prevented that match from occurring, prompting CM Punk’s unexpected return to replace his opponent and ultimately defeat Zayn in his hometown of Chicago.
“The Last Real Good Guy” remains frustrated by these developments and the absence of a rematch opportunity.
Following the August 21 SmackDown encounter between Punk and Owens, Zayn could position himself as a logical next challenger regardless of the outcome.
4. Damian Priest
Though his last world title reign concluded at WWE SummerSlam 2024, Damian Priest continues to establish himself as a viable candidate for world championship contention.
On the August 14 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Priest and R-Truth were defeated by The MFTs in a triple threat tag team match that also included The War Raiders, resulting in the loss of the WWE Tag Team Championships.
This defeat highlights the importance of Priest redirecting his attention toward singles competition and championship pursuits.
The victor of the August 21 SmackDown main event may soon find a determined Damian Priest seeking retribution and a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship.
3. Finn Balor
Originally scheduled to face Sami Zayn in a number one contender’s match at WWE SummerSlam 2026, Finn Balor instead found himself competing in a four-way contest alongside GUNTHER and the eventual winner Kevin Owens.
During the August 14 episode of SmackDown, Balor made his intentions clear to General Manager Adam Pearce, expressing his continued desire for an Undisputed WWE Championship opportunity.
As someone still actively pursuing gold, Balor could potentially renew one of his established rivalries—either with CM Punk or Kevin Owens—following the conclusion of the August 21 SmackDown main event.
2. Drew McIntyre
At WWE WrestleMania 42 Night One, Drew McIntyre suffered a defeat at the hands of Jacob Fatu in an unsanctioned match.
In the months following that setback, McIntyre has remained absent from WWE programming for approximately four months.
With the competitive landscape shifting significantly on the blue brand, “The Scottish Warrior” making a return to pursue the Undisputed WWE Championship would align perfectly with current storylines.
McIntyre shares a compelling and contentious history with CM Punk, making a renewed rivalry over the top prize on SmackDown especially compelling should Punk retain against Kevin Owens.
1. GUNTHER
Back at WWE SummerSlam 2025, CM Punk claimed victory over GUNTHER to capture the World Heavyweight Championship.
p>This grueling encounter resulted in “The Ring General” being forced to step away from competition for several months due to a significant facial injury.
After experiencing frustration with his recent title opportunities, GUNTHER finds himself at the forefront of the line, prepared to pursue the Undisputed WWE Championship irrespective of whether Punk or Owens prevails on August 21.
Should GUNTHER target either competitor, it would create an electrifying championship scenario worth anticipating in the upcoming weeks or months.
