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WWE 'Raw': CM Punk becomes WWE Champion
CM Punk returned from months away and ended Sami Zayn’s nine-day reign after Cody Rhodes was ruled out, WWE officials said.
- On Monday, July 6, 2026, CM Punk returned to Raw, replacing Cody Rhodes to defeat Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Championship in his first match since WrestleMania 42.
- WWE had known "for a while" that Punk would return to capture the title, aiming to set up a headline match against Rhodes for SummerSlam, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported.
- Zayn's reign lasted just nine days, sparking fan frustration; WWE officials do not consider him a "money player" on the roster, Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio.
- Gunther attacked Cody Rhodes backstage at the start of Raw, leaving the American Nightmare medically unable to compete and forcing WWE to call in Punk as a replacement.
- Punk's victory suggests a move to SmackDown, as the Undisputed title is unique to the blue brand while Roman Reigns holds the world title on Raw.
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Total News Sources24
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Center
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources are Center
72% Center
14%
C 72%
14%
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