CM Punk Returns to Win Undisputed WWE Title From Sami Zayn on Raw

CM Punk is a champion again. In one of the most shocking title changes in recent memory, Punk made a surprise return on Monday Night Raw on July 6 to defeat Sami Zayn and capture the Undisputed WWE Championship.

The night was supposed to look very different. Zayn was scheduled to defend the title against Cody Rhodes, who had earned the opportunity by beating Jey Uso on SmackDown. But before that match could happen, Gunther attacked Rhodes in a brutal assault — motivated by what Gunther viewed as an unjust result at WWE Night of Champions — leaving Rhodes unable to compete. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce kept the championship match on the card, announcing that Zayn would still defend the title against a mystery opponent.

That opponent was CM Punk.

Punk, who had been absent from WWE television since the Raw following WrestleMania 42, walked out to a massive reaction from the Chicago crowd and immediately found himself in the main event of the evening. The two fan favorites put together a hard-fought, back-and-forth contest befitting a world championship match. Zayn came within inches of retaining when he set up for the Helluva Kick late in the match, but Punk managed to avoid the blow. Moments later, Punk landed the Go 2 Sleep and covered Zayn for the three-count.

The win represents Punk’s third recognized WWE Championship reign and his first under the Undisputed WWE Title banner. For Zayn, it marks a brutal end to what had been a landmark moment — he had captured the championship at Night of Champions just nine days earlier, making his reign one of the shortest in recent history.

With Punk now holding the top prize in WWE, the fallout is significant. Cody Rhodes was denied his championship opportunity by Gunther’s attack, and Zayn is left looking for answers after his brief reign was cut short in stunning fashion. All three men figure to be central to the Undisputed WWE Title picture in the weeks ahead.