The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 07/06/26 Review
It’s WWE Monday Night Raw, featuring Sami Zayn facing Cody Rhodes, words from Seth Rollins & Oba Femi, The Street Profits taking on The Vision, and more.
The Undisputed WWE Title is on the line this week on Raw, even though it’s technically a SmackDown title these days. What brand extension? Anyway, Sami Zayn won the WWE Title 9 days ago at Night of Champions, and now he’s defending it against the former WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. With SummerSlam less than a month away, some people think Zayn could have a very short title reign. Tonight’s Raw faces tough sports competition from the United States’ World Cup match against Belgium. The US games have been drawing huge numbers, so the Raw audience will be hurt by the World Cup this week for sure, but the World Cup game should be done by 10 p.m. ET, which means the last 30 minutes or so of Raw won’t be against it. Anyway, I’ll have the World Cup matchup on another screen because I’m focused on this Raw review.
Last week’s Raw saw Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns set up their SummerSlam match for Roman’s World Heavyweight Title. We also found out that Oba Femi will face Brock Lesnar in a Hell in a Cell match at SummerSlam.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1728 of Monday Night Raw, taking place at Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
A video package aired about the Sami Zayn-Cody Rhodes match for the WWE Title.
There was some pre-show superstar walking shown of Oba Femi, The Judgment Day, The Street Profits, and Sami Zayn was shown in a convertible driving in with the WWE Title.
Sami Zayn spoke to Cody Rhodes backstage. Zayn said Cody thinks that tonight, Cody is going to be WWE Champion again. Zayn said it’s not happening because he’s walking out of Chicago still WWE Champion. Cody said that he was there to say good luck and see him out there. Cody told Zayn he is right. Zayn said we’ll see about that. Gunther hit Cody with a forearm to the back. Gunther picked up Cody and hit a Powerbomb through the table. Gunther told Zayn that Cody is not his problem anymore. Gunther said he’s going to come for Zayn and when he does…Gunther kicked a car door into Cody’s head. Cody was bleeding on the side of his head.
Analysis: There’s some controversy to start the show since Gunther attacked Cody Rhodes and bloodied him. It sets things up for the Zayn-Rhodes match later, and if Rhodes is able to compete.
It was Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.
Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins
Seth “Freakin” (or Franklin) Rollins made his entrance dressed in all black, and the fans were singing his song. Rollins will challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Title at SummerSlam.
Seth welcomed us to Monday Night Rollins and went over his nicknames as usual. Rollins said he loved this building. The fans chanted “CM Punk” at him. Rollins said he couldn’t care less about that guy right now because he’s not his business right now. Rollins said his business is winning the World Heavyweight Title from Roman Reigns at SummerSlam. Rollins said his business is continuing to own Roman Reigns. The fans chanted “OTC,” so Rollins said Reigns is not there tonight. Rollins said Reigns didn’t think it was worth it to be there or that the check wasn’t big enough. Rollins said that who Reigns is. Rollins said since day one, Reigns has been the chosen one.
Rollins said that The Shield was three men, but it was clear that Reigns was the Chosen One. Reigns said it didn’t matter if Reigns couldn’t cut a promo or wrestle his way out of a wet paper bag because it was always going to be Reigns. Rollins said that didn’t sit right with him. Rollins pointed out a little boy in the front row, somebody pointed out that he’s 9, there’s another who is 5 and they have another 5 year old. Rollins said he was that boy and all he ever wanted to do his entire life was to walk down that ramp, hold this microphone and get into this ring to main event WrestleManias. Rollins said he wanted to be the biggest star in this industry. Rollins said those were his dreams, but seeing those dreams handed to somebody else broke something in him. Rollins claimed that when he broke up The Shield, it was to try to catch up to Roman Reigns. Rollins cashed in Money in the Bank in the WrestleMania main event so he could stay close to Roman Reigns. Rollins said he believed he was running the same race as Roman Reigns, but he was wrong.
Rollins claimed that Reigns said something about him that changed everything for Rollins. Rollins said Reigns worked less and made ten times more, and he said that while making Rollins want to puke. Rollins said that the reward was the work. Rollins said that it was the hustle, the grind, and making something of yourself. Rollins said Reigns has to beat him because Reigns has to justify that he’s not a fraud. Rollins said he needs to beat Reigns at SummerSlam to prove to himself and to that 5-year-old Seth Rollins that through hard work, sacrifice, and dreams, you still can achieve greatness. Here comes LA Knight.
Analysis: I like Seth Rollins and his promos are fine, but this one dragged on perhaps a bit too long. Rollins was making the point that he’s a hard-working guy who was living a dream, while Roman Reigns was handed everything and isn’t a hard worker like Rollins is, so it’s supposed to make us like Rollins more.
LA Knight got in the ring with Seth Rollins, and the fans were happy to see him. Knight said there was no way for two weeks in a row he was going to listen to this again. Knight said that Reigns and Rollins bored everybody to sleep with the same old trash. Knight complained about Reigns and Rollins…yippy skippy! Knight said all you had to do was talk about how great you are, and all of a sudden, you get a title shot. Knight mentioned you used to have to earn a title shot or win a tournament for a title shot. Knight said Rollins lost in the King of the Ring tournament and Knight admitted he did too. Knight imitated Rollins and Reigns talking to eachother and how they think they were the greatest. The fans chanted for “LA Knight.”
Knight said that he hasn’t been here as long as Rollins and he’ll credit Rollins for being an ironman with a lot of title shots. Knight talked about how a couple of years ago, it wasn’t Roman Reigns or Seth Rollins, it was everybody saying…LA Knight. He gave credit to Cody Rhodes, too. Knight said he was cut off by The Bloodline and the numbers with Roman Reigns. Knight said he was cut off by Seth Rollins and The Vision. Knight said that Reigns is trying to shut down Knight again. Knight said that Reigns and Rollins cannot stop him. Knight said he will rise because he must rise.
Rollins asked if he was done. The fans chanted, “LA Knight.” Rollins told Knight he didn’t like him, but he respects him. Rollins said that Knight is hard work, grind, and hustle, and he believes Knight’s time will come. Rollins said that he can’t worry about Knight because he has to go to SummerSlam to take back the World Heavyweight Title that he never lost. Rollins said when he’s done with that, Knight can come for him and he can be the first person that Rollins puts in the dirt. Rollins left.
When LA Knight turned around, Jimmy Uso was in the ring, and he superkicked Knight to drop him in the ring. Jimmy left to boos even though he’s a babyface. Jimmy told Knight to keep his family’s name out of his mouth.
Analysis: That was a great promo from LA Knight. LA was full of energy, the fans were strongly behind him because they want to see him get more opportunities, and I thought Knight made his points well. Rollins and Knight had a rivalry in the past, but now they are both babyfaces, so it was more about Knight talking about wanting opportunities. I hope Knight gets that spotlight.
Gunther was backstage with Raw GM Adam Pearce and security. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was there as well. Gunther trashed Nick for being a failed wrestler. Pearce told security to get Gunther out of there. Pearce bragged about running both shows, and Alids said you’re not doing a great job because Cody is hurt and that’s on Pearce, Mr. Both Shows.
The Street Profits made their entrance as the World Tag Team Champions, and the first match is up next. They went on a break for some fans as the Profits continued their entrance.
The Vision’s Bron Breakker, Austin Theory and Logan Paul (with an arm brace on his left arm) were interviewed by Jackie Redmond. They were in the backstage area. Paul Heyman walked up to the group and told Jackie to leave. Heyman told Bron not to worry about the thing with the barricade. Heyman said Bron didn’t take out Seth Rollins and Austin Theory didn’t take out Joe Hendry. Heyman told Austin Theory to come back with the World Tag Team Titles or don’t come back to him at all.
Analysis: The problems in The Vision continue. I wouldn’t mind if the plug were pulled on the group. Just keep Breakker with Heyman.
WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins vs. The Vision – Bron Breakker & Austin Theory (w/Logan Paul)
It was 33 minutes into Raw at the start of the first match. That is much later than usual, even though we are used to talking at the start of Raw. Breakker hit some shoulder tackles on Ford, but then Ford came back with a dropkick on legal man Theory. Dawkins was in for his team with a leapfrog and a jumping back elbow. Bron tagged in, Dawkins kicked him and hit a dropkick. Bron ran the ropes quickly and hit a lariat to knock Dawkins down. They went on a break there as the heel challengers were in control for a few minutes.
The match continued with Ford getting the hot tag and worked over Bron with kicks, including a step up enziguri kick. Ford kicked Bron and jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Bron tossed Ford in the air and hit a popup powerslam. Ford hit a jumping knee on Theory. Dawkins tagged in, put Theory on his shoulders and Ford hit a Blockbuster off the top. Dawkins covered for two because Bron made the save. Bron sent Ford over the top to the floor. Dawkins hit a spinning splash and kick on Bron. Dawkins hit a double underhook neckbreaker on Theory. Paul tried to slide brass knuckles to Theory, but the referee stopped that. Paul had a second set of brass knuckles that he tossed to Bron. Dawkins got back up and punched Bron before Bron could use it. Ford hit a somersault dive over the top onto Bron on the floor. Dawkins got the brass knuckles, but Maxxine Dupri went into the ring and hit a low blow uppercut on Dawkins. The referee was distracted by Paul. Theory covered Dawkins for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall AND NEW World Tag Team Champions: The Vision – Austin Theory and Bron Breakker
Analysis: *** It was the numbers game coming into play yet again, and this time it was with Maxxine Dupri turning heel to help Austin Theory get the win. There’s a title change that I didn’t see coming since The Street Profits only won the titles a few weeks ago, so I’m surprised they lost them so quickly. I was hoping the Profits could help carry Raw’s tag team division as champions, but now they are without the gold, so we’ll see if they can get them back.
After the match, Maxxine Dupri jumped into Austin Theory’s arms and kissed him on the lips. Theory and Breakker held up their titles.
Analysis: There’s the payoff to the Austin Theory-Maxxine Dupri story that has been going on for a few months. Dupri got married to NXT’s Kam Hendrix a few months ago, and now she’s kissing Theory on Raw. It’s just a show, of course. Dupri wasn’t getting much of a reaction as a face, so turning her heel and aligning with Theory could be good for both of them.
Cody Rhodes was getting checked on by the WWE Medical Team. Adam Pearce was there, and the doctor said he couldn’t sign off on Cody wrestling tonight until he gets some scans. Cody claimed he was fine. The doctor left with Cody while Pearce told the doctor to get the scans done.
Sol Ruca was shown getting ready for her match later.
Joe Hendry was interviewed by Byron Saxton for an interview during the break. Hendry sang his song about Logan Paul getting fired. Joe said he’s been a TNA World Champion and NXT Champion, but he wants more – he wants the Intercontinental Championship. Joe said he believed he could do it and the fans believe he can do it. Joe ended it by saying we believe.
They showed The Vision walking backstage. Logan Paul said he was so proud of Bron and Austin. Paul said he loved them. Bron Breakker and Austin Theory walked up to Paul Heyman, who said it was the first step. Heyman said it was just the first step. Heyman said at least somebody accomplished something tonight. Theory said thank you. Heyman said he was talking to her – referring to Dupri. The Vision drove off in a truck (without Heyman). Otis and Akira Tozawa looked sad as they saw their pal Dupri leave.
Analysis: That means The Vision is still together, for now, since they won the World Tag Team Titles. Otis and Tozawa aren’t put in matches often, but they can certainly have a TV match against The Vision soon.
A replay was shown of The Judgment Day trio beating up Iyo Sky last week.
Raquel Rodriguez and The Judgment Day were backstage. Liv Morgan fired Raquel Rodriguez up. Raquel said that tonight, that title is as good as hers.
Sol Ruca made her entrance. They went on a break while showing Stephanie McMahon’s interview with Rich Eisen. Raquel Rodriguez was up next on her own.
Next week on Raw has a Gauntlet Match for a shot at the Intercontinental Title: Dragon Lee, Chad Gable, Joe Hendry, Je’Von Evans, Dominik Mysterio, Ethan Page and Rusev.
Analysis: I want Chad Gable to win that and win the IC Title in his home state of Minnesota at SummerSlam.
Penta was interviewed by Jackie Redmond, but the interview was interrupted by Ethan Page and Rusev. Page bragged about putting Rey Mysterio on the shelf. Dragon Lee walked in to warn them about what they say about Rey Mysterio. Chad Gable walked in, wondering if there was a problem here. Page calmed Rusev down and said they could have a tag team match later. Penta told Chad to go out there with Cero Miedo, meaning no fear.
Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Sol Ruca vs. Raquel Rodriguez
The powerful Raquel was able to catch a leaping Ruca and sent her face-first into the top turnbuckle. Raquel worked over Ruca with elbow smashes to the face. Ruca sent Raquel out of the ring. Ruca went for a moonsault on the floor, Raquel avoided it and Ruca hit a running kick while on the apron. Ruca hit a springboard corkscrew cross body block on Raquel on the floor. Back in the ring, Ruca went for a springboard move, Raquel caught Ruca and then Raquel hit a lefty clothesline for two. They went on a break for some fans as Raquel was in full control with a hard whip into the turnbuckle. Raquel splashed Ruca against the ropes and hit a body slam. Raquel hit another body slam. Ruca ran the ropes and Raquel hit a shoulder tackle. Raquel slammed Ruca into the turnbuckle.
Ruca connected with a springboard cross body block on Raquel for a two count. Ruca hit a running shoulder tackle two times in a row. Ruca hit a missile dropkick off the middle turnbuckle. Ruca hit a running knee for two. Ruca went for a springboard splash, but Raquel moved. Raquel hit a boot to the face for two. Roxanne Perez went to ringside. Ruca hit a hurricanrana into the turnbuckle. Perez was on the apron, so when Ruca went for the Soul Snatcher, Liv grabbed her stopped that. Raquel hit a spinning sidewalk slam for a two count. That is not her finisher. Iyo Sky’s music hit, and Sky was already at ringside with a cross-body block on Perez. Sky superkicked Liv. Sky hit a springboard moonsault onto Liv and Perez. Raquel was looking at Sky, so Ruca hit a Sol Snatcher on Raquel for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Sol Ruca
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match with Raquel controlling a lot of the match, but then Ruca doing a nice job of selling and making the comeback. It could have been another title match decided by the wrestler with the numbers game advantage, but this time it was Iyo Sky neutralizing The Judgment Day, and that allowed Ruca to hit the Sol Snatcher for the win. I’m glad that Ruca is still the champion.
A video package aired about the Oba Femi-Brock Lesnar segment on Raw last week. It set up their Hell in a Cell Match at SummerSlam, which should be awesome.
Paul Heyman was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.
Je’Von Evans was interviewed by Byron Saxton. Evans talked about being in the Intercontinental Title gauntlet match. Evans spoke about hanging in the ring with Jey Uso and Seth Rollins. Evans said that at SummerSlam, he was thinking he would be against Penta for the Intercontinental Championship. Evans said after he wins the title, everybody will say that boy is bouncy.
A sneak peek aired about WWE Unreal Season 3 debuting on Netflix on July 21st.
Let’s Hear from Paul Heyman…and Oba Femi
Paul Heyman was in the ring for a promo. Heym was doing his usual promo about Brock Lesnar. Heyman said that Oba Femi has compelled and motivated Brock Lesnar. Heyman claimed that Femi made the biggest mistake of his life by accepting Lesnar’s challenge. Heyman said that there’s no way Femi is coming out of Hell in a Cell, and here comes Oba Femi.
The strutting King of the Ring, Oba Femi, made his entrance to a big ovation from the fans. Femi slowly made his way down to the ring with the fans chanting “Oba” as usual. Femi said that he was there to give him a face to talk to.
Heyman said that you learned last week, if you talk shit, then you get hit. Heyman claimed he was valuable in preventing people from making bad mistakes. Heyman said that at WrestleMania, Femi proved Lesnar is beatable. Heyman said at Clash in Italy, Lesnar proved Femi is beatable too. Heyman talked about Femi is stepping into Hell in a Cell with Brock Lesnar. The fans chanted for Femi again. Heyman talked about Lesnar being a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. Heyman said that Lesnar didn’t just beat Undertaker once inside Hell in a Cell, but he did it twice. Heyman claimed Hell in a Cell is the Brocktagon. Heyman said that Lesnar is the bringer of pain and Lesnar is the mountain that Femi cannot climb. Heyman said only one man will leave SummerSlam and Hell in a Cell as the man who can prove he’s unbeatable. Heyman said that it will be Lesnar and the beatable one will be Oba Femi. Heyman dropped his microphone.
Oba Femi said that after weeks and weeks of calling Brock Lesnar out, he finally showed up. Femi said that every word that he said got to him. Femi said that what he said about Lesnar got under his skin. Femi said that Lesnar can pretend like he doesn’t watch the show, but he definitely watches the show. Femi said Heyman is here to tell us what Lesnar can do. Femi said Heyman is less than an advocate – he’s just a mouth. Femi talked about how the men that Lesnar beat in the past are not Oba Femi. Oba claimed that Heyman is scared, so he’s here for damage control. Femi said that this is the end, this is the final chapter, this is Oba Femi versus Brock Lesnar – Hell in a Cell. Femi said that in front of his friends, family, wife and children – Femi will beat him. Femi said that he learned the lesson that you have to walk through hell in order to get to heaven, so tell Lesnar that Femi will see him in hell.
Analysis: I thought it was a strong promo from Oba Femi, which doesn’t surprise me because I have seen him do that in NXT in the past. Paul Heyman did his usual promo about Brock Lesnar. I think Femi beating Lesnar at SummerSlam is pretty much a lock.
The Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn was interrupted by Jackie Redmond, who said it is confirmed that Cody Rhodes is out tonight. Zayn was surprised by it. Zayn said that this night truly felt cursed from the beginning. Zayn said they can wait until SmackDown to figure this out. Adam Pearce walked in and said he is delivering a WWE Title match tonight. Pearce said Zayn needs to prepare to defend the title tonight. No opponent was named. The fans were chanting “CM Punk” because they know where it’s going.
Analysis: There’s the angle to bring back CM Punk in Chicago by taking Cody Rhodes out. The fans were smart enough to pick up on it.
Chad Gable made his entrance for tag team action. The other guys in the tag team match entered after that.
Ethan Page & Rusev vs. Chad Gable & Dragon Lee
The team of Page and Rusev was in control of Lee early on. Lee managed to break free with a kick on Page, and Lee broke free. Gable tagged in with overhead suplexes on both opponents. Gable caught Rusev’s foot for an Ankle Lock. Lee dropkicked Page into the turnbuckle. Rusev pulled Page out of the ring, so Lee ran the ropes and Gable launched Lee over the top onto Page and Rusev on the floor. That led to a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too.
Rusev was in control of Gable with three clotheslines in a row. Gable fought out of the corner and hit Rusev with a DDT. Lee tagged in against Page with some kicks and a Tornado DDT. Lee kicked Page, and Lee jumped off the top with a double foot stomp for two because Rusev punched Lee to break up the pin. Gable was in there with an Angle Slam on Page and Rusev hit a Machka Kick on Gable. Lee rolled up Rusev and hit a superkick to the face. Lee went up top, jumped off, Rusev caught him and hit a uranage slam. Rusev hit a Machka Kick on Lee and Rusev applied the Accolade submission, so Lee tapped out to give Rusev the win. It went about 9 minutes.
Winners by submission: Ethan Page & Rusev
Analysis: *** A competitive match with the heel duo of Page and Rusev working well together for the win. Lee doesn’t win that often, so it’s more of the same for him, with Rusev making him tap out. I’m not worried about Chad Gable failing to continue his positive momentum because I think he’ll win next week.
After the match, Rusev held onto the Accolade. Gable went into the ring to try to suplex Rusev, but Page attacked Gable with punches. Rusev applied the Accolade on Gable. Joe Hendry made the save and he unloaded with strikes on Rusev and Page. Hendry sent Rusev out of the ring and Hendry hit a fallaway slam on Page. Rusev was back in with a Machka Kick. Page hit the Ego Plex on Hendry. Rusev applied the Accolade on Hendry, while Page talked smack. Officials went into the ring to stop Rusev.
Analysis: A dominant showing from Rusev and Ethan Page to make them look like favorites in the Intercontinental Title number one contender’s match. I’m still picking Chad Gable to win.
Jimmy Uso was shown leaving the building when Jackie Redmond tried to interview him. Jimmy claimed he was going to step up for The Bloodline and he was going to SmackDown to get Solo Sikoa. LA Knight was in the background, looking like he was going to attack Jimmy, but Jacob Fatu showed up to knock down Knight with a forearm. Jacob and Jimmy left.
Adam Pearce was on the phone saying this is the third time he’s called tonight and he hoped the person on the other end called him back.
The Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez were interviewed by Byron Saxton, who wondered if their momentum is gone. Liv did her usual bit about being the greatest of all time. Liv complained about what Iyo Sky did because this was supposed to be Raquel’s night. Raquel said it’s not over until she says so. Raquel said she’ll get what belongs to her. Roxanne Perez said she’ll make a statement against Iyo Sky and she’ll show why she’s The Prodigy and why The Judgment Day runs Monday Night Raw.
A video package aired about Bayley talking about how Lyra Valkyria once waited at a store to meet Bayley. Bayley said she watched this girl who was a fan become her best friend and stand beside her at WrestleMania. Bayley said that Lyra brought out the best version of Bayley every single week. Bayley claimed she never questioned Lyra, and then Lyra used it all against her. Bayley wondered why they couldn’t have an honest conversation. Bayley said she wants to meet her face to face next week.
Next week on Raw in Dallas:
* Brock Lesnar returns
* Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match
* Iyo Sky vs. Roxanne Perez
* World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns is back
Adam Pearce was on his phone texting somebody when SmackDown GM Nick Aldis walked up behind Pearce. Aldis said he completed a call and he secured a replacement to face Sami Zayn in the main event. Aldis said that superstar is in the building, so all that’s left for Pearce to say you’re welcome. Aldis left. The fans were chanting “CM Punk” again.
Sami Zayn was shown walking backstage for his WWE Title match up next.
The team of Rusev and Ethan Page were interviewed by Byron Saxton during the break. Rusev bragged about their big win. Page claimed this is where you cheer. Page bragged about how he and Rusev took out everybody. Rusev claimed he would take the belt from Penta. Page wondered if Penta enjoyed the show because next week, the show continues in this Gauntlet Match. Page said that the two of them will be left standing in the ring. Rusev claimed he’ll destroy everybody in the Gauntlet Match. Saxton asked what would happen if Page faced Rusev next week. Page said that the best man will win…trust him.
The Judgment Day’s JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio did a promo about JD’s match with Danhausen at Saturday Night’s Main Event. JD said he didn’t care who Danhausen’s friend is. Dominik wanted Danhausen to give them their money back and uncurse JD. Dominik wanted Danhausen to do what’s right.
Sami Zayn made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion for his first match as the WWE Champion. Zayn was smiling and greeted some fans on his way to the ring.
The fans chanted “CM Punk” as Zayn waited in the ring wit the WWE Championship. The garage lifted in the back of the building and there was CM Punk making his entrance for his first match since the WrestleMania 42 main event three months ago.
CM Punk made it into the arena and got a huge ovation as “Cult of Personality” hit. Punk said we are all shocked that CM Punk was there, even though the fans knew it was him since they were chanting his name multiple times throughout the show. Punk posed with his fellow Chicagoans in the crowd as he made his way into the ring.
Undisputed WWE Championship: Sami Zayn vs. CM Punk
It was Punk in control early on, then Zayn managed to get some offense going. After Punk sent Zayn on the floor, Zayn hit a suicide dive onto Zayn on the floor. They went on a break for some fans as the match continued. Punk hit a Russian legsweep for a two count in the ring. Zayn hit an atomic drop and a clothesline. Zayn was slowly in control with strikes. They did a spot where they battled over a suplex and Punk hit the suplex. Punk was kicked right in the face by Zayn.
Zayn worked over Punk with punches and knees. Zayn sent Punk into the turnbuckle. Zayn jumped off the ropes with a double axhandle. Punk connected with two clothesline and a jumping heel kick. Punk hit the running knee, but Zayn blocked a bulldog attempt. Punk hit a spinning neckbreaker for two. Punk signaled for a GTS, Zayn slipped behind and wanted a Blue Thunder Bomb, but Punk blocked it. Punk hit a short-arm clothesline for two. The fans chanted for Punk as usual. Punk went up top, but Zayn stopped that with a punch to the ribs. Zayn stood on the top rope and hit a superplex into the ring. They were both down as the show went on another break. There wasn’t much action during the break as they were down selling for most of it. Punk hit a cross body block for a two count. The fans were chanting for Punk again. Punk and Zayn exchanged punches. Zayn and Punk ran the ropes, leading to a double cross body block.
They were selling the fatigue as they exchanged strikes. Punk and Zayn each tried moves, but neither man could connect. Punk hit the running knee against the turnbuckle. Punk tried a bulldog, but Zayn countered that into a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Punk blocked a suplex, and Punk hit another step-up knee, followed by the bulldog. Punk went up top and hit a Macho Man Elbow for the two count. Punk applied the Anaconda Vice on the left arm, but Zayn was not going to tap out. Zayn managed to use his feet to slip out of the hold. Zayn kicked Punk, who was trying to grab the legs for a Sharpshooter. Zayn was able to roll up Punk and sit on top for a pin attempt, but it was just a two count. That’s the move that Zayn used to beat Cody Rhodes to win the title. Punk went for a GTS, Zayn got out of it and Zayn hit his own version of a GTS for a two count. Zayn set up for a Helluva Kick, but Punk caught him and Punk hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. When Zayn got back up, Punk tried a kick, but Zayn was back up. Zayn hit another GTS and another Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Zayn trash-talked Punk while punching and slapping him in the face. Punk fought back with punches. Punk hit another running knee against the turnbuckle. Punk avoided a Helluva Kick by Zayn. Punk hit his own Helluva Kick on Zayn. Punk picked up Zayn and hit the Go To Sleep for the 1…2…3 to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion! It went about 22 minutes. Sami Zayn’s title reign only lasted 9 days.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW Undisputed WWE Champion: CM Punk
Analysis: ****1/2 That was an awesome match for the WWE Championship. You don’t get many 4.5* (out of 5) matches on WWE TV, yet here we are getting spoiled again. CM Punk’s last match was at WrestleMania 42 and that may be the WWE Match of the Year. This wasn’t at that elite level, but it was certainly close to that level. It was one of the best WWE TV matches of the year with Punk and Zayn pulling out all the stops to deliver a classic match in the main event. I love how Zayn hit the GTS twice to nearly win with it, yet Punk kept on coming back and got the clean win. I think perhaps maybe Zayn should have tried to cheat to win as a way to get some heat. Anyway, what they did worked really well and it was an awesome performance by both of them.
CM PUNK IS UNDISPUTED WWE CHAMPION!!!! 🏆
CHICAGO HAS ERUPTED!!! pic.twitter.com/FFKaN4zk7o
— WWE (@WWE) July 7, 2026
CM Punk is now an 8-time WWE World Champion. Punk celebrated with the WWE Title, and there was pyro going off at the entrance. Sami Zayn was seated against the ring apron looking sad about the loss.
Analysis: I don’t know what is next for Sami Zayn, but I feel bad for him losing the title after 9 days and being the definition of a transitional champion. I would have liked to see Zayn get more of a shot as champion. I don’t mind Punk at all, and I like Punk as champion, but I’m just saying it would have been nice to see Zayn getting more of the spotlight as WWE Champion.
CM Punk had the WWE Title and blew a kiss at the camera, just like he did 15 years ago at Money in the Bank 2011 in the same building. Punk went into the crowd and walked up the stairs to celebrate with the fans. Punk held up the WWE Title with the fans around him. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: Will this lead to CM Punk against Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam? I think so, but they have some time to get there.
This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2:36 on Netflix. Last week was 2:34.
===
Three Stars of the Show
- CM Punk
- Sami Zayn
- LA Knight, Sol Ruca
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The Scoreboard
7.75 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2026 Average: 7.52
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
The outstanding WWE Title match in the main event really stood out on this show. Other matches were fine, and nothing really bothered me, but I thought the Punk-Zayn match was absolutely one of the best WWE matches of the year. As I wrote earlier, it’s nice to be spoiled by so many great matches in this era. With that said, I do feel a bit sad about Zayn losing the WWE Title after just 9 days. I don’t have any issues with CM Punk, whom I like a lot. I just think giving Zayn more of a run as champion would have been nice to see.
Anyway, the Chicago crowd was awesome, and I thought promos like the Seth Rollins-LA Knight exchange and the Oba Femi-Paul Heyman interaction both worked well in terms of advancing those stories.
The next WWE PLE is SummerSlam on August 1 & 2 from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Here’s the lineup so far:
* WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Seth Rollins
* Hell in a Cell Match: Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
* Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Iyo Sky
You can watch SummerSlam, a special two-night event STREAMING LIVE, Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan in the United States and on Netflix internationally.
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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Blue Jays. My contact info is below.
John Canton
Email [email protected]
Twitter/X @johnreport