Backstage Update: Will WWE Run Rumored Blockbuster Roman Reigns Match This Summer?

Having gotten through Jacob Fatu twice last month, Roman Reigns is patiently awaiting his next challenger for the World Heavyweight Champion.

Reigns defeated CM Punk in the main event of WrestleMania 42 to become the new World Heavyweight Champion. The 41-year-old went on to successfully defend his title against Fatu at the Backlash and Clash in Italy pay-per-views.

WWE is running a King of the Ring tournament to determine who will get a championship bout at SummerSlam 2026. The victor will get to challenge either Reigns or WWE Champion Cody Rhodes for title gold.

Naturally, some fans wonder if WWE will resume Reigns' feud with Rhodes. The two headlined WrestleMania 39 and WrestleMania 40, with Rhodes winning in the latter to break Reigns' 1,316-day title reign.

But during a recent Q&A session on Fightful Select (h/t Ringside News), WrestleVotes reported that WWE has no plans to run another match between Rhodes and Reigns this summer.

Barring any surprises, Rhodes and Reigns will defend their respective titles at SummerSlam during the Aug. 1-2 weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

CM Punk and Cody Rhodes Teased a Match After Wrestlemania 42

Punk met with Rhodes on the post-WrestleMania episode of Raw on April 20. As CM Punk left the ring, the American Nightmare told him, "Just say when."

When a WWE superstar drops a world championship, they traditionally receive a rematch. But if WWE isn't planning another showdown between Punk and Reigns, it would make perfect sense for the former to challenge Rhodes at SummerSlam.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 3:28 PM.