Sami Zayn lashes out at CM Punk after the WWE Raw main event in Chicago

The Canadian wrestler breaks down in tears after his brief reign of nine days

Sami Zayn criticizes CM Punk for getting a free shot after months of absence

WWE Raw
Photo Credit: WWE
Antonio Rubio
Antonio Rubio
Published 07/07/2026

CM Punk surprised the world by winning the WWE Undisputed Championship on the latest episode of Monday Night Raw. "The Best in the World" returned to the company's television programming over two months after his last appearance to replace Cody Rhodes, who was originally scheduled to fight Sami Zayn for the top gold of the SmackDown brand.

The match kept fans on the edge of their seats, especially those present in the arena, who witnessed a heart-stopping ending, with both wrestlers stealing each other's finishers, until CM Punk managed to surprise the Canadian with a Helluva Kick. "The Best in the World" then went on to execute a definitive GTS to seal his victory and add a new title to his record.

The fans' reactions were immediate, with many criticizing WWE for mistreating Sami. However, no one is more furious than the Canadian himself at this moment. This was the reaction of the former champion backstage right after the match ended.

"I have a question, come here," he said to one of the cameramen. "How is it possible that, after 24 years of crawling and fighting tooth and nail to get the WWE Championship, when I finally achieve it, NINE DAYS AFTER HAVING ACHIEVED IT!, that piece of sh*t can come back here, after months and months of not showing up, and just walk in and take it? That son of a b*tch. He has no business being here, no business!", exclaimed Zayn before breaking down in tears while CM Punk continued to celebrate in the arena.

CM Punk's victory will likely lead the wrestler to join the ranks of SmackDown, as had been rumored in recent weeks. It is expected that the new champion and Zayn will have some kind of interaction in this Friday's episode of the blue brand, where Cody Rhodes could also be involved, who theoretically still has a title opportunity in his hands.