Full Breakdown
CM Punk Captures Undisputed WWE Championship from Sami Zayn on Raw
7/9/2026, 7:32:59 PM
Title Change on Raw: Zayn to Punk
On July 6 2024, Raw at Chicago’s Allstate Arena saw CM Punk defeat Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The bout, slated as Zayn vs. Cody Rhodes, was altered after Gunther attacked Rhodes, prompting WWE to insert Punk. The win gave Punk his WWE title in 13 years and ended Zayn’s nine-day reign.
Key Figures
Key participants are Sami Zayn, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Gunther, WWE official Adam Pearce and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. The title now belongs to the SmackDown brand.
Timeline
- 27 Jun 2024 – Night of Champions: Zayn wins Undisputed WWE Championship.
- 6 Jul 2024 – Raw (Chicago): Gunther attacks Rhodes; Punk replaces him and defeats Zayn.
- 10 Jul 2024 – SmackDown (Oklahoma City): WWE announces Punk’s first champion appearance.
- Aug 2024 – SummerSlam (Minneapolis): Punk slated to defend title against Cody Rhodes.
Data & Statistics
Zayn held the title for nine days after a 24-year career. Punk’s last world title was the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42, 13 years earlier.
Official Statements & Responses
WWE announced that CM Punk will appear on SmackDown from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City and that the Undisputed WWE Championship now belongs to the SmackDown brand. The company also confirmed Punk’s SummerSlam defense against Cody Rhodes, with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis slated to attend.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans called Punk’s return a “part-timer” move; WWE coverage said his hiatus was a post-WrestleMania break. Critics noted Zayn’s nine-day reign was predictable and the substitution hurt his storyline.
On-the-Ground Report
Backstage video showed Zayn delivering a profanity-laden promo, stating, “How is it that after 24 years… that piece of s*** can walk back in here after not being here for months… and waltz right in and get it? … He has no business!” He then fell to his knees.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the match change: some say Gunther ambushed Rhodes, others cite a “vicious attack.” Reports claim Punk’s win was pre-planned for over a month, but no official timeline is confirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Sami Zayn
- “I have a question.” — Sami Zayn
- “I’ll be home in 20 minutes, babe,” — CM Punk
- “? BREAKING NEWS ? New Undisputed WWE Champion @CMPunk will be live in Oklahoma City this Friday!” — WWE announcement
