Sami Zayn returns to WWE, disrupts main event storyline
Cageside Seats • 3 min read • Latest: Jul 18, 2026, 2:24 AM
Last updated Jul 18, 2026
Sami Zayn made his return to WWE during the July 17 episode of SmackDown, following a mental health break. While Cody Rhodes faced GUNTHER in a singles match aimed at gaining revenge, Zayn unexpectedly attacked CM Punk, contributing to a chaotic scene that ended the match in disqualification. This incident set the stage for a tag team match at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where Rhodes and Punk will face Zayn and GUNTHER. The chaotic brawl, described as 'absolute madness' by commentators, followed Zayn's recent title loss to Punk just nine days prior and adds tension to the upcoming SummerSlam title match scenario.
- •Sami Zayn returned after a mental health break.
- •Zayn attacked CM Punk during a match involving Cody Rhodes.
- •The resulting chaos led to a disqualification.
- •Cody Rhodes seeks revenge against GUNTHER prior to Saturday Night’s Main Event.
- •The match could set up a four-way title bout at SummerSlam.
- 2:24 AMCageside Seats — Sami Zayn returns from mental health break to cause absolute madness in WWE
"This weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event features a tag team match pitting Cody Rhodes and WWE Champion CM Punk vs. GUNTHER and Sami Zayn. If GUNTHER and Zayn win, they will be added to CM and Cody’s WWE title match at SummerSlam to make it a 4-way bout. With that in mind, Cody demanded a singles match against GUNTHER on tonight’s (July 17) episode of SmackDown. The American Nightmare wanted revenge after the Ring General slammed a car door on his head and cost him a chance to fight for the WWE championship earlier this month on Raw. However, Punk was concerned that GUNTHER would try to injure Cody and put himself in a much better position to be added to the SummerSlam main event. That’s why CM was dead set on having Cody’s back during this match, even though Rhodes didn’t want him out there. Are @CodyRhodes and @CMPunk on the same page ahead of #SNME? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/vWuMwh4J2j — WWE (@WWE) July 18, 2026 Punk did indeed show up after GUNTHER tried using the ringpost to injure Cody’s knee. One thing led to another, and former champion Sami Zayn appeared out of nowhere (wearing a ‘Justice for Sami’ shirt) to attack Punk. Sami Zayn ATTACKS CM Punk out of NOWHERE! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/r26Rmq2hLM — WWE (@WWE) July 18, 2026 This was Sami’s return from his mental health break after losing the WWE championship in nine days to Punk. He caused the match to end in disqualification by also attacking Rhodes, and the show ended in a wild brawl between all four men. WWE commentators described the scene as “absolute madness” and “complete mayhem.” You can check it out for yourself to see if you agree. IT IS CHAOS!!! @CodyRhodes and @CMPunk take on @SamiZayn and @Gunther_AUT TOMORROW NIGHT at #SNME! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MC6EsS9mcj — WWE (@WWE) July 18, 2026 Are you appropriately hyped up for Saturday Night’s Main Event after SmackDown’s chaotic show-closing brawl? Let me know how you feel about it in the comments below, Cagesiders. Catch up on all the results from SmackDown in our live blog right here.
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