Between the end of last year and the first part of 2025, CM Punk gave his best to make wrestling history once again and return to being world champion. The veteran from Chicago – who has changed in many ways since the early years of his career – has learned to accept compromises and waited with enormous patience to get a chance, unleashing memorable performances in the other MEWPs of the WWE calendar and participating in the main event of WrestleMania for the first time in his long career.
In recent months, the 'Second City Saint' had repeatedly expressed his desire to face a legend like John Cena during the retirement tour and the WWE management decided to satisfy him, scheduling a match between these two icons at Night of Champions. This event was staged in Saudi Arabia on June 28 and the most important moment was represented by the clash between Punk and Cena for the world title.
The former All Elite Wrestling star did not disappoint the expectations of fans in Saudi Arabia, but he failed to dethrone the leader of the 'Cenation'. In particular, the interference of Seth Rollins and his entire faction was decisive for the outcome of this match, with Punk who left the ring visibly heartbroken for the missed chance.
CM Punk's reaction
The day after this loss, the former world champion posted an Instagram story that portrayed Superman next to the phrase: “Perhaps, someday I will try again….but the time is not now – not yet.”
Everyone has understood that CM Punk will have another chance to compete for the world title in the future, but this is unlikely to happen by the end of this year.
In the second half of 2025, it seems clear that the 'Second City Saint' will continue his feud with 'The Visionary' that began shortly after the Royal Rumble.
Both had been protagonists of the main event of WrestleMania 41 'Night 1' together with Roman Reigns. The company's next huge event is SummerSlam, scheduled for August 2 and 3.