CM Punk made a stunning return to WWE television on Monday, July 6, 2026, capturing the WWE Undisputed Championship at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.
The former champion defeated Sami Zayn in the main event of Monday Night Raw, ending Zayn's brief nine-day title reign.
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The title match was set after Cody Rhodes, originally scheduled to challenge Zayn, was attacked by Gunther during the opening segment of the show, according to Forbes.
Nearly 12,000 fans packed the Chicago-area arena, with ticket sales surging after unconfirmed online rumors of Punk's potential appearance earlier in the day, as reported by wrestling-online.
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Punk had been absent from WWE television since the post-WrestleMania 42 broadcast, amid reported creative discussions about his upcoming storylines and a planned move to the SmackDown roster.
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Zayn's first world title reign on the WWE main roster lasted only nine days, after he previously defeated Rhodes in Saudi Arabia.
