Remember how CM Punk ripped WWE for their Saudi Arabia partnership just a few years ago? Yeah, that guy. The outspoken “Second City Saint” didn’t hold any punches, calling the Saudi events “blood money” and even launching a verbal attack on The Miz over it. Fast forward to today — and here’s the twist: Punk is not just showing up; he’s stepping into the ring at Night of Champions on June 28, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Crazy, right?
From Critic to Competitor — How Did This Happen?
From Tweets to Pay-Per-View
Back in early 2020, CM Punk called WWE’s Saudi shows “blood money,” challenging competitor The Miz and slamming the company’s alliance with the Gulf kingdom . But in a story twist worthy of Hollywood, Punk didn’t just back off — he signed his name on the dotted line to wrestle there.
Months in the Making
Industry insider Dave Meltzer revealed that this move didn’t happen overnight. Punk’s involvement was planned months ago, even before being included and then removed from early promotional materials. Meltzer told Wrestling Observer Radio:
“He was going months ago… It’s been known that he’s going for months, probably all along.”
In other words, Punk’s participation wasn’t a last-minute pivot — it was a strategic decision that’s been in play for a while.
The Build-Up – Punk vs. Cena at Night of Champions
Setting the Stage on RAW
The match was cemented during the June 9 episode of Monday Night Raw. John Cena challenged Punk on live TV, tying the bout to Saudi Arabia as a way to pull at Punk’s earlier criticisms. Punk responded by accepting the challenge — but only if Cena would match him in Riyadh. Cena, always game, said “yes.”
Now, Punk will fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cena in front of a global audience, live on Peacock in the U.S. and Netflix internationally.
Hypocrite or Hero? Fans Weigh In
The Backlash
Many fans are accusing Punk of being hypocritical — after all, he slammed Saudi shows as “blood money,” and vowed to “change the culture.” Now he’s actively working in one of those shows. The internet fanbase has not held back, voicing their disapproval loud and clear.
The Other Side of the Coin
But hold on — others argue that Punk isn’t sold out. He’s playing the game smart. By embracing this high-profile gig, he’s getting a platform to speak and wrestle, while staying true to his outspoken brand. And hey, making money isn’t the sin — selling out your principles is. Wrestling isn’t just scripted drama — sometimes, life choices give us plot twists worthy of the spotlight.
What’s on the Line at Night of Champions?
The Stakes and Stakes Table
Night of Champions isn’t your average PLE. It’s stacked:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title Bout | CM Punk vs. John Cena — Undisputed WWE Championship |
| King & Queen of the Ring Finals | Winners get a world championship match at SummerSlam |
| Venue & Date | Kingdom Arena, Riyadh — June 28, 2025 |
On top of that, this event marks Cena’s final WWE PLE in Saudi Arabia, ahead of his planned in-ring retirement by the end of 2025.
Why WWE Needs This Match in Riyadh
Putting Punk vs. Cena in Saudi Arabia accomplishes multiple goals:
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Global Buzz: Aligns Punk’s edgy persona with an event designed for maximum attention.
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Saudi Connection: Reinforces WWE’s lucrative deal with Saudi Arabia, tied to Vision 2030.
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Story Power: Cena vs. Punk is a legacy showdown — perfect marquee clash.
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Strategic Momentum: Integrates Night of Champions into WWE’s big-ticket summer storyline, leading to SummerSlam.
Final Thoughts — Bigger Picture or Belt Drama?
Is Punk bending his values for the paycheck? Or does this moment reflect savvy business, seizing the chance to speak his truth on a giant stage? The cynics cry hypocrisy; the believers see audacity and opportunity.
One thing’s certain: this showdown isn’t just a match. It’s a cultural moment. For better or worse, CM Punk vs. John Cena in Riyadh will be a defining snapshot of WWE in 2025 — and the headlines in the aftermath will write the story.
Conclusion
Let’s wrap this up:
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CM Punk once publicly dismissed Saudi deals — but he’s on the Night of Champions roster in Riyadh on June 28.
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WWE, in cahoots with Saudi Arabia, planned Punk’s inclusion for months.
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Cena will defend the title against Punk — their clash comes with heavy stakes and the weight of fan scrutiny.
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Whether Punk is a shrewd tactician or has compromised his values is for fans to decide. But this is sure to be one of the most talked-about wrestling events of the year.