The landscape of Friday Night SmackDown is set to shift on August 21 as CM Punk prepares to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens. This highly anticipated title bout in Toronto promises to be a heated encounter, as both competitors look to settle a rivalry that has spanned two decades. Regardless of who walks out with the gold, the championship picture on the blue brand remains crowded with hungry challengers.
Following the conclusion of this clash, the Undisputed WWE Championship will undoubtedly remain the most coveted prize on the roster. Several top-tier stars are already positioning themselves for a future opportunity at the title. Whether through past grievances or a simple desire to reach the top of the mountain, the list of potential opponents for the champion is extensive.
The Road Ahead for the Undisputed WWE Championship
Cody Rhodes remains a primary candidate for a future title shot. After a controversial loss to Punk at WWE SummerSlam 2026, which involved interference from Randy Orton, the American Nightmare is eager to avenge his defeat. Once his current business with Orton concludes, Rhodes is expected to re-enter the championship hunt. Similarly, Randy Orton himself has made his intentions clear regarding his quest for a 15th world title, making a future showdown with Punk a logical progression given their extensive history.
Sami Zayn also looms large in the title picture. Having been replaced by Punk in a previous championship match, Zayn has been vocal about his frustration regarding his treatment and the lack of a rematch. His desire for redemption makes him a natural challenger for whoever holds the belt after the Toronto event. Meanwhile, Damian Priest is looking to refocus on his singles aspirations following a recent loss in the tag team division. As a former World Heavyweight Champion, Priest has the credibility to immediately jump into the main event scene.
Rising Contenders and Returning Threats
Finn Balor has also made his intentions known to SmackDown General Manager Adam Pearce, explicitly stating his desire for a championship opportunity. Balor remains a persistent threat, capable of reigniting old rivalries with either Punk or Owens. On the more unpredictable side, the potential return of Drew McIntyre could shake up the entire brand. Having been absent from television for several months, a return for the Scottish Warrior would be a major event, especially given his intense, well-documented history with Punk.
Finally, GUNTHER remains a constant force at the top of the card. After being sidelined by an injury following a previous encounter with Punk, the Ring General has felt slighted in recent title opportunities. He is expected to be at the front of the line for the next shot at the gold. As the dust settles on the upcoming SmackDown, the path forward for the Undisputed WWE Championship will become clearer, with these seven stars leading the charge for the next major title clash.
