Sami Zayn Reclaims WWE Title for 2nd Time in 2026, Ending CM Punk's Reign
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 12
Sami Zayn Reclaims WWE Title for 2nd Time in 2026, Ending CM Punk's Reign
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 12
Summary
Sami Zayn won the Undisputed WWE Championship on Friday Night SmackDown, pinning CM Punk in Mexico City to begin his second reign of 2026.
Ringside interference drove the finish: Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae disrupted the match, then Kevin Owens accidentally struck Punk before Zayn landed a Helluva Kick.
The victory came weeks after Punk beat Zayn for the title on Monday Night Raw, and after Zayn's first championship run this year lasted only 9 days.
The belt has now changed hands 5 times in 2026, leaving a crowded title picture with Punk, Owens, Cody Rhodes, Gargano, Randy Orton and returning Drew McIntyre all possible challengers.