CM Punk returned to WWE on Monday’s Raw in Chicago and won the Undisputed WWE Championship, defeating Sami Zayn in what became the show’s main event after Gunther attacked Cody Rhodes before the match and put him through a table with a powerbomb, then slammed a car door on him, leaving Rhodes unable to be medically cleared.
With Rhodes out, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis — present in the building despite being on administrative leave — arranged for a replacement opponent. CM Punk emerged.
Punk defeated Zayn to win the Undisputed WWE Championship for the first time. The match took place in Punk’s hometown area, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Zayn’s reign lasted nine days, beginning with his shock triple threat win at Night of Champions on June 27.
Gunther told Zayn after the attack that he was “welcome” and that Zayn was “his problem now.”
Also on the show: Sol Ruca retained the Women’s Intercontinental Championship over Raquel Rodriguez in a chaotic match that involved Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan, and IYO SKY at ringside. Seth Rollins opened the show. Paul Heyman appeared on behalf of Brock Lesnar to respond to Oba Femi’s challenge, calling the upcoming Hell in a Cell match “the Brocktagon.” Femi interrupted Heyman.