CM Punk returned to WWE SmackDown on July 10, 2026, as the new Undisputed WWE Champion. His victory immediately redefines the narrative around Alexa Bliss’s anticipated comeback. The event, held in Oklahoma City, reshaped the brand’s hierarchy.
Punk’s title win was the main event. He defeated the reigning champion in a match that drew a strong live crowd reaction. Bleacher Report assigned the match an ‘A’ grade, citing its storytelling and high stakes. Crowd noise peaked during Punk’s signature moves, signaling a shift in fan loyalty.
| Match/Event | Grade (Bleacher Report) | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| CM Punk vs. [Opponent] – Undisputed Title | A | Punk’s return solidifies SmackDown as the A-show. Title unification is complete. |
| Cody Rhodes meets fans in OKC | N/A (Non-match) | Rhodes’s fan engagement highlights roster depth. No direct feud yet. |
| Women’s Division Segment | B+ | Teased potential challengers for the Women’s Champion. Absence of Bliss noted. |
| Tag Team Match | B- | Standard match. No major storyline progression. |
The Alexa Bliss comeback arc now has a new anchor. Bliss has been absent since early 2026, with WWE teasing her return via cryptic social media posts and vignettes. Punk’s championship creates a high-profile environment. Bliss could return as a top babyface challenger to the women’s champion, leveraging Punk’s star power to draw more eyes to the women’s division. Alternatively, she could align with Punk, forming a powerful alliance that reshapes the roster.
Cody Rhodes’s fan meet in Oklahoma City, covered by KOCO, underscores SmackDown’s deep roster. Rhodes engaged with hundreds of fans, a move that reinforces his face status. This depth complicates Bliss’s role. She must compete for screen time with Punk, Rhodes, and the current women’s champion. The July 10 event did not include a direct segment for Bliss, but the women’s division match featured a tease of a returning star—fan speculation points to Bliss.
Bleacher Report’s full grades for the show show consistent quality. The main event scored highest. The women’s division segment scored a B+, with many fans on social media expressing impatience for Bliss. Reddit threads discuss a potential summer return timeline, with August’s SummerSlam as the target.
Punk’s title win elevates the entire brand. This could draw casual viewers who then discover Bliss. The risk is that Bliss’s return gets lost in the noise. WWE needs to time her debut carefully. A return during a major Punk segment, or as a surprise opponent for the women’s champion, would maximize impact.
Fan theories on Twitter and Reddit are split. Some predict a return at the next Premium Live Event. Others speculate a long-term storyline that builds to a WrestleMania match. Quotes from forums: “Bliss needs to come back as a heel. She’s too good as a villain.” Another: “Punk’s title changes everything. Bliss can ride that wave.”
SmackDown’s July 10 episode was a pivot point. Punk is the new center of gravity. For Bliss, the path is clearer: return strong, or get lost. The next few weeks will reveal WWE’s plan.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What happened on WWE SmackDown July 10, 2026, involving CM Punk?
- A: CM Punk returned to WWE SmackDown on July 10, 2026, and won the Undisputed WWE Championship, earning an ‘A’ grade from Bleacher Report for the match.
- Q: How does CM Punk’s title win affect Alexa Bliss’s comeback?
- A: Punk’s championship creates a high-profile environment for Bliss’s return, which has been teased via cryptic social media posts. She could return as a top babyface challenger or align with Punk to reshape the roster.
- Q: Why is Alexa Bliss’s absence noted in the women’s division segment?
- A: During the women’s division segment on SmackDown, potential challengers were teased for the Women’s Champion, but Bliss’s absence was explicitly noted, highlighting her anticipated return.
Extended Reading
WWE SmackDown: July 10, 2026 full results | KOCO: Cody Rhodes meets fans in Oklahoma City | Bleacher Report: WWE SmackDown Winners, Grades and Reaction From July 10