CM Punk captures WWE Undisputed Championship, prompting backstage response and Sami Zayn's mental health break

On the July 6 episode of WWE RAW, returning star CM Punk defeated Sami Zayn to win the Undisputed WWE Championship, ending Zayn’s nine‑day reign that began at Night of Champions. Punk’s victory, highlighted as the night’s top match, sets up a SummerSlam title defense against Cody Rhodes.

Following the loss, Sami Zayn was absent from the subsequent SmackDown taping. General Manager Nick Aldis explained on air that Zayn is taking a week‑long mental‑health break, expressing frustration at being sidelined immediately after his championship win.

Backstage reaction to Punk’s title win was largely amicable, according to Sean Ross Sapp, though “some people with sour feelings” remain. Wrestler Seth Rollins publicly criticized Punk, describing him as “a real a**hole” and noting a strained relationship that may be “tough to repair.”

The storyline continues to build toward Punk’s SummerSlam clash with Cody Rhodes, while Zayn’s return date remains unannounced.