CM Punk ends Sami Zayn's short WWE Championship reign on Raw
Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 5:59 PM
Last updated Jul 7, 2026
Sami Zayn's tenure as Undisputed WWE Champion concluded after nine days when CM Punk defeated him in Chicago on July 6, 2026. Initially set to face Cody Rhodes, Zayn was attacked by GUNTHER and couldn't compete, allowing Punk to step in as a challenger. Dave Meltzer later commented that Zayn was never seen as a long-term top star by WWE, suggesting a short title reign was anticipated. Zayn's championship aspirations may have been further undermined by WWE's plans for a Rhodes versus Punk matchup at SummerSlam.
- •Zayn lost the Undisputed WWE Championship after nine days.
- •Punk defeated Zayn in the main event on July 6, 2026.
- •Zayn was unable to compete due to an attack by GUNTHER.
- •Meltzer indicated WWE doesn't view Zayn as a major draw.
- •WWE may be planning for a Rhodes-Punk title matchup at SummerSlam.
- 5:59 PMWrestling Inc — Dave Meltzer Comments On Why Sami Zayn's Run As Undisputed WWE Champion Was So Short
"Dave Meltzer provides insight on Sami Zayn's world title run only lasting nine days long.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
WWE•Jul 7, 2026, 7:21 PMWWE NXT Champion Tony D'Angelo Welcomes New Child
WWE•Jul 7, 2026, 6:46 PMWWE HOFer Ric Flair Victim Of Phishing Scam, Joe Rogan Issues Warning
WWE•Jul 7, 2026, 5:38 PMBackstage Update On Jack Perry's AEW Contract Status As Current Deal Nears Expiration
WWE•Jul 7, 2026, 5:30 PMWWE's Drew McIntyre Pays Tribute To Departing Sheamus
WWE•Jul 7, 2026, 4:34 PMAEW & WBD Partnering With Twitch For Dynamite Beach Break Livestreams
WWE•Jul 7, 2026, 4:04 PMKane Reflects On Infamous Match Overshadowing His WWE Title Win