Zayn borrowed Punk’s celebration after regaining the WWE Championship
Summary
– Sami Zayn recreated CM Punk’s iconic WWE Championship refrigerator photo
– CM Punk previously used the celebration after defeating Zayn in Chicago
– Zayn regained the title from Punk on September 11 to become a two-time champion
Sami Zayn has borrowed one of CM Punk’s most recognizable celebrations after taking the Undisputed WWE Championship back from him.
On September 15, Zayn shared a photo on Instagram recreating Punk’s famous WWE Championship refrigerator picture. Zayn used the title he regained during the September 11 episode of SmackDown.
The photo carried extra meaning because Punk had recreated the same image after defeating Zayn for the championship earlier this year. Punk beat Zayn on the July 6 episode of RAW in Chicago before posting his own version of the celebration.
Punk originally became associated with the picture after defeating John Cena at Money in the Bank 2011 and leaving the arena with the WWE Championship. He later brought the image back after winning the title again in Chicago.
Zayn regained the championship from Punk in a chaotic SmackDown main event involving Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and Kevin Owens. Owens accidentally struck Punk with the title, allowing Zayn to hit the Helluva Kick and win the match.
The victory made Zayn a two-time WWE Champion. Recreating Punk’s fridge photo added another layer to the rivalry and gave Zayn a chance to get the last laugh.
Punk has not publicly responded to Zayn’s tribute, so it remains to be seen whether he views the picture as humorous or another reason to target the new champion.
