Much like in 2011, CM Punk ended the night with the WWE Championship following a huge win in his hometown of Chicago.
Competing in the main event of the July 6 WWE Raw, Punk pinned Sami Zayn to become the new Undisputed Champion. Punk pinned Zayn after hitting the GTS to pick up the pinfall victory, much to the delight of the Chicago crowd. Michael Cole declared that the second summer of Punk was now underway following the result.
Punk also won the championship inside the Allstate Arena, the same venue where he famously won the title from John Cena back at Money in the Bank 2011. Punk is now an 8-time World Champion following his latest win.
Punk’s return was the culmination of the show-long storyline. Originally, Zayn was set to defend the championship against Cody Rhodes. However, Rhodes was attacked by Gunther, and was deemed unfit to compete in the match. Instead of having the night off, Zayn was informed that he would still be defending the gold. Shortly before the main event, Nick Aldis, who is on administrative leave, made an appearance and informed Adam Pearce that he secured a replacement. The cameras then showed Punk backstage and followed Chicago’s own as he made his entrance.
This was the first time Punk has been on WWE TV since the Raw after WrestleMania. After losing the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns, Punk spoke with then WWE Champion Rhodes. The American Nightmare told Punk that if he wanted a title match, all he had to do was ask.
CM Punk Brings Sami Zayn’s WWE Championship Reign To An End
Following the title change, Zayn sees his time as champion come to an end at just 9 days. Zayn won the title back at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia. Rhodes earned his title match by defeating Jey Uso on the next episode of SmackDown. Rhodes is still owed a title opportunity following the win.
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