CM Punk Wins Undisputed WWE Championship on Raw, Set to Appear on SmackDown on July 10

CM Punk is the new Undisputed WWE Champion. On Monday, July 7, Punk defeated Sami Zayn in the main event of Raw to capture the title in a match that almost didn’t involve him at all.

Punk stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Cody Rhodes, who had originally been slated for the championship opportunity. Rhodes was taken out by Gunther in the opening segment of the show, clearing the way for Punk to slot into the match and ultimately walk away with the gold.

The victory marks a significant return for Punk, who had been absent from WWE television for a stretch heading into Monday’s show. His win adds another chapter to one of the most turbulent and compelling careers in the history of the business, and now he carries the company’s top title into what figures to be a hot summer angle.

With the championship firmly around his waist, Punk is scheduled to appear on SmackDown on Friday, July 10 — his first appearance on the blue brand as champion. How the fallout from Monday plays out, and what it means for both Rhodes and Gunther going forward, should begin to take shape that night.

For Rhodes, the situation is particularly compelling. Having been the face of the championship picture, being violently removed from his own title shot by Gunther sets up what could be a significant program between the two. Meanwhile, Punk steps into the spotlight just as WWE heads deeper into its summer schedule.