The July 6 episode of WWE RAW delivered a major title change in front of a hot Chicago crowd, as CM Punk defeated Sami Zayn to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. The night featured several key developments leading into the main event, which ultimately reshaped the title picture heading toward SummerSlam.
Sami Zayn entered the night as champion after his shocking victory at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, where he defeated Cody Rhodes and GUNTHER. A rematch between Zayn and Rhodes had been scheduled for this episode of RAW, but plans quickly changed due to an early attack backstage.
The show opened with GUNTHER assaulting Cody Rhodes in a backstage segment. The attack included a powerbomb through a table on the concrete floor, leaving Rhodes unable to compete. He was taken to a local medical facility and failed to receive clearance for the match later in the night.
With Rhodes out, Adam Pearce announced that Sami Zayn would still defend the Undisputed WWE Championship, but his opponent was not revealed at that time. Later in the show, Nick Aldis, who remains on administrative leave, informed Pearce that he had secured a replacement challenger. This led to loud chants from the Chicago crowd, anticipating CM Punk’s involvement.
CM Punk Wins Undisputed WWE Championship
In the main event, CM Punk made his entrance to a strong hometown reaction. Zayn appeared surprised but quickly focused on the match as the two competitors went face-to-face before the bell.
The match was competitive throughout, with both men trading offense and near falls. Punk showcased his signature offense, while Zayn responded with moves like the Blue Thunder Bomb and multiple attempts at the Helluva Kick. Punk applied the Anaconda Vice, but Zayn managed to escape. Momentum continued to shift as both men countered each other’s finishing moves.
At one point, Zayn used Punk’s own GTS, but it was not enough to secure the victory. The closing sequence saw Punk capitalize after avoiding a Helluva Kick, hitting a running knee followed by his Go To Sleep finisher to secure the pinfall.
CM Punk celebrated in the ring as the new Undisputed WWE Champion, marking a significant moment in his return run. Zayn’s title reign came to an end after nine days, despite a strong performance under difficult circumstances.
As Punk made his way to the back, he addressed the camera and said, “I’ll be home in twenty minutes, babe.”
With this result, the championship landscape on RAW has shifted, and the direction toward SummerSlam is now expected to center around CM Punk’s reign as champion.
CM Punk Wins Undisputed WWE Championship on RAW in Chicago
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