Sami Zayn cuts scathing promo blasting CM Punk after WWE title loss on Raw in Chicago
(Courtesy : Getty)
The loss ended Sami Zayn’s title reign at just 9 days.
Cody Rhodes, after defeating Jey Uso in the main event of SmackDown, secured a title shot against Sami Zayn on the July 6 edition of Monday Night Raw in Chicago. This was going to be a rematch from Night of Champions, where Sami pinned Cody to capture the title in a match also involving Gunther.
However, Gunther attacked Cody during the opening moments of the show, slamming him through a merchandise table backstage and kicking his head into a card door.
Following the attack, Rhodes was not medically cleared to compete, and Raw General Manager Adam Pearce was scrambling for a replacement when SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis secured one, and it turned out to be none other than Chicago’s own, CM Punk.
Punk returned for the first time since April. In his last in-ring appearance, he dropped the World Heavyweight title to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42. However, in his return, with the Chicago crowd behind him, Punk managed to deliver the Helluva Kick and followed by GTS to pin Sami and capture his 8th World title.
The loss not only ended Sami’s historic first World title reign, but also shattered his dreams of being on top after just nine days since WWE Night at Champions, where he captured the title.
Sami Zayn questions CM Punk getting the title shot despite a long absence
In a social media exclusive posted by WWE, an irate Sami Zayn voiced his anger and frustration after working so hard to finally capture the World title and lose it in less than two weeks. He also questioned Punk getting the title shot after being absent from WWE programming.
“I have a question. How is it that after 24 years of 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 sh*t 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*cker! He has no business!”
After the promo, Sami broke down in tears, signalling that his story is far from over and the ‘last real nice guy’ might retaliate. This has made the road to SummerSlam even more intriguing for fans as reports have hinted at Punk defending the title against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam, and Sami will definitely have something to say about that.
The 39th edition of SummerSlam will air as a two-night spectacle on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
When and where will WWE SmackDown take place this week?
The upcoming July 10, 2026, edition of SmackDown will air live from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
When and where will SummerSlam 2026 take place?
The 39th edition will air as a two-night spectacle on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.