Sami Zayn captures Undisputed WWE Championship in chaotic ‘Friday Night SmackDown’ finale vs CM Punk
Chaos reigned supreme in the main event of “Friday Night SmackDown” and when the dust settled, Sami Zayn was the new Undisputed WWE champion.
CM Punk put the title on the line against Zayn, weeks after beating him for the title on “Monday Night Raw.” Zayn’s first reign only lasted a few days when he initially pinned Cody Rhodes at Night of Champions. But Zayn has been hungry to get another shot at the title.
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Sami Zayn delivers a Helluva Kick to CM Punk during SmackDown at Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico, on Sept. 11, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)
He delivered but needed a mess at ringside to do it.
Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae appeared to be in Zayn’s corner for the match. LeRae distracted the referee, at one point, which allowed Gargano to try to hit Punk with the belt. He missed completely and Punk nailed him with a Go to Sleep. As the referee tried to roll Gargano out of the ring, Kevin Owens appeared and tried to hit Zayn with the belt.
Owens nailed Punk instead, which he didn’t seem to be too concerned about. Owens put his attention on Zayn before he was hit with a low blow. Punk stumbled to the corner, setting Zayn up for the Helluva Kick.
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Zayn was dead on and pinned Punk for the win.
CM Punk celebrates with the crowd during SmackDown at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on Sept. 11, 2026, in Mexico City, Mexico. (WWE via Getty Images)
It’s the second time in his career – and second time this year – that Zayn has held the Undisputed WWE Championship. The first reign only lasted nine days. Here’s to hoping that the reign lasts a bit longer than that.
It’s the fifth time this year the title has changed hands.
Drew McIntyre won it back in January with Rhodes winning it back in March. Zayn beat Rhodes in June before losing to Punk in July. Now, in September, with several premium live events around the corner that have major implications for the title, Zayn is the champion.
But the title picture is as murky as it gets.
Sami Zayn celebrates winning the WWE Championship during SmackDown at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on Sept. 11, 2026, in Mexico City, Mexico. (WWE via Getty Images)
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Punk, Owens, Rhodes, Gargano and Randy Orton could all become challengers for Zayn immediately. McIntyre, who has been out of the ring for months, could also pose a threat whenever he comes back.
