Sami Zayn refused to be ignored during the September 4 episode of WWE SmackDown, eventually securing another opportunity to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Zayn began the evening by confronting Gunther from within the crowd. He insisted he had been robbed of the championship and turned his attention towards CM Punk, describing the titleholder as an “arrogant snake” while presenting himself as the “real working-class hero.”

Still convinced the championship had been unfairly taken away from him, Zayn demanded another match. He also declared that there would be no number one contender matches until he received his opportunity.

Finn Bálor interrupted and made it clear that he also wanted to settle matters with Zayn. Kevin Owens soon joined the pursuit, while Gunther became involved as tensions continued to rise.

Later in the show, Punk was discussing the title picture with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis when he noticed Johnny Gargano.

Punk praised Gargano, referencing his “Johnny Wrestling” nickname and status as Cleveland’s favourite son, before offering him an immediate Undisputed WWE Championship match.

Gargano appeared uncertain at first, but Candice LeRae encouraged him to accept the opportunity. Before the contest, Zayn also spoke with Gargano backstage and advised him to take the chance. However, Zayn warned that if Gargano defeated Punk, he expected to receive the first title match.

Gargano produced an impressive performance in the main event and pushed Punk throughout the contest. He survived several major attacks and came close to achieving the biggest victory of his career.

A superkick and slingshot spear earned Gargano a near fall, while Punk responded with a Blue Thunder Bomb. Gargano continued fighting, but the match descended into chaos when Zayn appeared at ringside.

Punk immediately went after Zayn, who entered the ring and distracted the referee. LeRae used the opportunity to hit Punk with a hurricanrana.

Outside the ring, Zayn picked up the championship before Owens attacked him. Gunther then took down Owens and confronted Zayn, only for Bálor to enter the fight and catch Gunther with a Sling Blade.

Zayn eventually used the championship as a weapon against Bálor, Gunther and Owens.

Punk later caught Gargano with the GTS, but another distraction from LeRae allowed Zayn to strike the champion with the title. Gargano nearly capitalised on the interference, although Zayn was eventually ordered backstage.

Once the distractions ended, Punk connected with a second GTS and pinned Gargano to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Zayn continued arguing with Aldis on the entrance ramp following the match. Punk then took a microphone and gave Zayn exactly what he had demanded, challenging him to an Undisputed WWE Championship match next week in Mexico City.

Madness.

CM Punk is still the Undisputed WWE Champion! 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/XSuknDVqX5

, WWE (@WWE) September 5, 2026

CM Punk has had enough of Sami Zayn! 😤

It will be PUNK vs. ZAYN for the Undisputed WWE Championship NEXT WEEK on #SmackDown in Mexico City!! 🇲🇽 🔥

📍: @ArenaCdMexico
🎟️: https://t.co/6DqFK19X8G pic.twitter.com/3ly5YyizwB

, WWE (@WWE) September 5, 2026

Zayn may have caused chaos to secure the opportunity, but he must now prove that he can defeat Punk when the championship is officially on the line.