Add as a preferred source on Google CM Punk will make his first appearance as Undisputed WWE Champion on this week’s SmackDown, just four days after winning the title in surprising fashion on Raw.
On social media, WWE announced that the new champion will be appearing on Friday’s show, which will take place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
“BREAKING NEWS New Undisputed WWE Champion @CMPunk will be live in Oklahoma City this Friday!”
Punk won the title on the July 6 episode of Raw in Chicago after replacing Cody Rhodes in the main event against Sami Zayn. Rhodes was originally advertised to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship, but he was pulled from the match after being attacked by GUNTHER backstage.
In the closing moments of the match, Punk hit Zayn with a Helluva Kick, followed by the GTS, to end the Canadian star’s reign.
Zayn’s short run at the top has reignited discussion about how WWE views him internally. On a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said the company does not see Sami as a “money player.”
“I saw a lot of people upset about it. This is what it was going to be. The 2 major men’s titles are in the hands of the people who the perception is ‘are the money players’ and Sami’s not in their mind one of those people.”
Along with Punk’s appearance, this Friday’s SmackDown already has Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes set for a non-title match. Finn Bálor vs. Tama Tonga is also among the matches announced for the show.