CM Punk returns to Raw, strips Zayn of Undisputed WWE Championship in Chicago
CM Punk made a surprise return to "Monday Night Raw" on July 6, 2026, at the Allstate Arena in Chicago and defeated Sami Zayn in the main event to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship. The title change came just nine days into Zayn's first reign with the championship. Punk's entrance drew a loud reaction from the Chicago crowd, a city long associated with his career.
Zayn had been scheduled to defend against Cody Rhodes, but Rhodes was attacked and taken out of the match by Gunther before the show was underway. Zayn learned of a replacement opponent only after Rhodes was removed from the card. The circumstances left Zayn blindsided, and his frustration boiled over in a promo delivered backstage following the loss. "I have a question," Zayn said. "How is it that after 24 years after crawling and inching for every little inch to get the WWE championship, after I finally get it, nine days after I get it, that piece of s--- can walk back in here after not being here for months, for months, and waltz right in and get it? Get a chance? That motherf---er. He has no business. No business." Zayn was visibly emotional, breaking down in tears as he addressed the brevity of his title reign. crossfire betting
The evening's developments follow a recent stretch of turbulence in the championship picture. Rhodes had previously earned his way back to the number-one contender position on "Friday Night SmackDown" by defeating Jey Uso, but Gunther's attack on July 6 prevented him from re-entering contention. Earlier in this storyline cycle, Rhodes had booked himself into a triple-threat match at Night of Champions against Zayn and Gunther, only to be pinned cleanly by Zayn at that premium live event.
With SummerSlam scheduled at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis less than a month away, Punk enters as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion. The implications of Gunther's continued interference, Rhodes's pursuit of another title opportunity, and Punk's unexpected return set up a crowded championship landscape heading into WWE's marquee summer event.
