In a stunning turn of events to close out WWE SummerSlam 2025, Seth Rollins made a surprise return and cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to win the World Heavyweight Championship, just moments after CM Punk had finally dethroned Gunther in a brutal title clash.
The main event saw CM Punk emerge victorious in a hard-fought battle against the dominant Gunther, capturing his first World Heavyweight Championship since returning to WWE. The emotional win capped off a war of attrition, with Punk and Gunther pushing each other to their physical and mental limits. Fans erupted in celebration as Punk stood triumphant, title in hand — but the celebration was short-lived.
As Punk barely had time to catch his breath, the arena lights shifted and shock reverberated through the crowd as Seth Rollins’ music hit. Despite months of speculation about his status — with Rollins last seen recovering from a knee injury and reportedly still on crutches — the architect stormed the ring, briefcase in hand.
Rollins officially cashed in his contract on the exhausted Punk, and in a matter of minutes, capitalized on the opportunity. After landing a quick sequence of signature offense, Rollins pinned Punk to claim the World Heavyweight Championship — executing one of the most opportunistic and dramatic Money in the Bank cash-ins in recent memory.
The moment drew immediate comparisons to Rollins’ iconic “Heist of the Century” at WrestleMania 31, once again proving his knack for delivering in high-stakes scenarios. Fans and analysts alike were left in disbelief, erupting on social media and hailing the shocking twist as an instant classic in SummerSlam lore.
As the broadcast ended, Rollins held the title aloft atop the turnbuckle, grinning amid a chorus of cheers and boos — the WWE Universe still processing yet another bold play from one of the company’s most cunning competitors.
With Rollins now reigning atop Raw as World Heavyweight Champion, and a fuming Punk staring up from the canvas, the road to Payback just got a whole lot more volatile.
WWE Superstar Becky Lynch gloated about her role in the deception.