Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes recently spoke about his relationship with CM Punk, revealing a friendly banter ultimatum aimed at his fellow wrestler. Rhodes, also known as the American Nightmare, shared how he has been playfully provoking Punk to catch up with him as the top star in WWE.
Both Rhodes and CM Punk are major figures in professional wrestling, with Rhodes currently holding the company’s highest title. CM Punk, despite recent setbacks, remains a significant presence following his brief World Heavyweight Championship reign earlier this year. Although Punk won the title by defeating Gunther, he lost it minutes later when Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract.
Cody Rhodes Opens Up About His Ongoing Banter With Punk
On the latest episode of his podcast What Do You Wanna Talk About?, hosted with Bruce Prichard, Rhodes described his friendly, yet pointed exchanges with CM Punk. Rhodes admitted he has been pestering Punk over the past few years to keep up with him, as he now represents the main figure within WWE. This role once belonged to Punk, known as The Best in the World during his peak.
Rhodes’ remarks combined humor with a serious edge, implying that Punk’s advancing age limits his window to regain top status.
“You know, that’s one thing I’ve kind of pestered Punk with over the years is, ‘Hey, you gotta catch up to me now.’ We have a friendly banter,” he said. —Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion
Drew McIntyre Expresses Desire to End Cody Rhodes’ Championship Run
Meanwhile, CM Punk’s former rival Drew McIntyre recently voiced his ambition to claim the top spot in WWE. In an interview on the Adam’s Apple podcast, McIntyre criticized the current title landscape and expressed a wish for new leadership, calling out the repetitive presence of Cody Rhodes as champion.
“The winds of change are blowing through WWE. All these big deals, these billion-dollar deals, I think we need a new champion. We’re sick of the reruns, the Cody reruns. Let’s get Drew McIntyre front and center finally,” McIntyre said. —Drew McIntyre, WWE Superstar
The future of Rhodes’ championship reign and his potential feud with McIntyre remains uncertain under WWE’s current creative direction led by Triple H.
Implications for WWE’s Championship Landscape
Cody Rhodes’ friendly yet firm ultimatum to CM Punk highlights the shifting dynamics at the top of WWE. While Rhodes solidifies his role as the company’s leading champion, rivals like Punk and McIntyre seek opportunities to challenge his dominance. This ongoing tension suggests possible high-stakes rivalries as WWE continues to evolve its storytelling under Triple H’s guidance. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these relationships develop in the weeks ahead.
