League: WWE Sport: Wrestling Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

CM Punk captures WWE title from Sami Zayn on Raw

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 10, 2026, 4:38 AM

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

CM Punk captures WWE title from Sami Zayn on Raw

Summary

CM Punk claimed the WWE World Championship from Sami Zayn on Raw, ending Zayn's reign just nine days after he won it. The title change occurred in Chicago, Punk's hometown, as he replaced Cody Rhodes as the challenger. Reports suggest NBCU has pushed for Punk to lead SmackDown, hinting at a lengthy championship reign. Zayn's title win was seen as a temporary measure, as WWE did not view him as a major star capable of holding the title long term. Future matchups, particularly with Cody Rhodes, are anticipated.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•CM Punk defeats Sami Zayn to win WWE World Championship.
•Zayn's reign lasted only nine days, a short tenure expected by WWE.
•Punk's championship reign will primarily take place on SmackDown.
•Future matches may feature Punk defending against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam.
•NBCU's influence contributed to the decision to place Punk in a top spot.

Latest Updates

4:38 AMYahoo Sports — Major Reasons Revealed For CM Punk’s Shocking WWE Title Win

What they're saying

"
WWE made a surprising title change when CM Punk defeated Sami Zayn to become the WWE World Champion on Raw this week. Zayn lost the title just nine days into his reign when Punk replaced Cody Rhodes as his challenger. Punk won the belt in front of his hometown Chicago fans and should now have […] The post Major Reasons Revealed For CM Punk’s Shocking WWE Title Win appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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