Following his high-stakes Undisputed WWE Championship win over CM Punk on the September 11 episode of WWE SmackDown, Sami Zayn gives his thoughts on CM Punk and addresses the perception surrounding his longtime rival.
Speaking during an appearance on Busted Open Radio, the newly crowned champion tackled questions regarding whether Punk’s reputation in the business was overblown or artificial.
Zayn Admits Punk Proved His In-Ring Caliber
Addressing common criticisms, Zayn offered a surprisingly candid assessment of sharing the ring with Punk after years of watching his career from afar:
- On The “Phony” Label: “Phony? Yeah.”
- Overcoming Personal Skepticism: “Overrated? I have to be honest, I never got in the ring with him until earlier this year, and I can’t take it away from him. He’s great in the ring. He actually opened my eyes because for a long time, the hype around Punk… you can say the same about me, ‘I don’t get this guy.’ There were times with Punk, to the levels he reached, I was like, ‘I don’t get how he reached these levels.’ Clearly, there is something about him, but I didn’t always get the hype. I didn’t.”
- Credit Where Credit Is Due: “After I got in the ring with him three or four times this year, I can’t take it away from him. Trust me, I would love to. I would love to sit here and bash him for the next 10-15 minutes, but in the ring, I can’t take it away from him.”
Social Media Mind Games Recreate Iconic Title Tradition
While respecting Punk’s in-ring work on the podcast, Zayn wasted no time poking fun at the former champion on social media.
Zayn took to X to post an uncaptioned photo showing the Undisputed WWE Championship resting inside his refrigerator. The move served as a direct jab at Punk, who famously originated the photo after winning the title at Money in the Bank 2011 and recreated it when he defeated Zayn on RAW earlier this summer.
Zayn’s post signaled a clear message: he intends for this reign to last far longer than his previous run.
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