CM Punk Defeats Sami Zayn by Disqualification
Sami Zayn retains his title after an interference-filled matchup in Palm Desert.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Wrestling
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CM Punk secured a disqualification victory over Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn during a live event at Acrisure Arena. Despite the loss, Zayn remains the champion.
Why it matters
The disqualification finish preserves Sami Zayn status as champion heading into his upcoming title defense. This event highlights the intensifying rivalries as major pay-per-view matchups approach.
Sami Zayn retains the Undisputed WWE Championship following a match concluded by the referee after a belt strike. The event featured outside interference from Johnny Gargano before the bell was called.
The players
CM Punk
A veteran professional wrestler known for his technical submission skills including the Anaconda Vise.
Sami Zayn
The current holder of the Undisputed WWE Championship who frequently defends his title against top challengers.
Johnny Gargano
A professional wrestler who interfered in the match at Acrisure Arena.
Roman Reigns
A prominent professional wrestler slated to challenge for the championship at the upcoming Crown Jewel event.
The details
During the match at Acrisure Arena, CM Punk applied the Anaconda Vise while the referee was distracted by Johnny Gargano. Following an attack from CM Punk on Gargano, Sami Zayn struck CM Punk with the championship belt, forcing the referee to end the contest.
Timeline
The match took place on October 22, 2026.
Sami Zayn is scheduled to face Roman Reigns on November 7, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This match shifts the momentum for the Undisputed WWE Championship as the promotion moves toward its next major international event. The outcome maintains the current titleholder's position while escalating physical tensions ahead of the Crown Jewel card.
Fans tracking the title picture should note that Sami Zayn remains the Undisputed WWE Champion despite the disqualification loss. The interference by Johnny Gargano adds a new layer to the narrative tension heading into the match against Roman Reigns.
The takeaway
Disqualification finishes are often used to protect the champion during non-televised live events while advancing storylines. Fans can expect increased physical friction between contenders as the calendar approaches the next major championship bout.
What happens next
Sami Zayn is scheduled to face Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 7, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of the professional wrestling scene, visit our Wrestling section.
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