Drew McIntyre's two-month world title reign ended in April, and now Sami Zayn faces Cody Rhodes in his first title defense on July 6, 2026.
What happened?
Drew McIntyre dethroned Cody Rhodes on Raw from Berlin, Germany in January, but his run was short-lived.
Why it matters for Drew McIntyre
Sami Zayn's title win has sparked panic among fans, with many assuming his first world title run will be short, similar to Darby Allin's run in AEW.
Drew McIntyre's experience is being used as a reference point, with his two-month reign ending when Cody regained the title shortly before WrestleMania.
What comes next?
The WWE Undisputed Championship is being defended on Raw, despite being a SmackDown title, due to SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis' suspension.
WWE is looking to boost ratings, with one of the most important World Cup games airing head-to-head.
A possible Sami Zayn loss would inflame a vocal minority within WWE's fanbase, especially if Cody once again dethrones an internet wrestling darling.
The event is taking place at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, with 11,245 tickets sold and 1,193 available.
CM Punk return rumors have sparked after WWE Raw from Chicago, with Punk rumored to have bulked up.
Pictures of a more muscular Phil Brooks have gone viral online, fueling speculation about his return.
WWE Raw ratings have been steady, with 2.3 million global views on June 22, 2026, and 2.4 million on June 15, 2026.
The event on July 6, 2026, will be closely watched, with fans eager to see if Sami Zayn can retain his title.
Drew McIntyre's past experience will be closely watched, as fans wonder if history will repeat itself.
The WWE Championship match on Raw will be a key test for Sami Zayn, with the pressure on to deliver.
The outcome of the match will have significant implications for the WWE universe, with fans eagerly awaiting the result.