WWE fans are buzzing with anticipation as the stage is set for one of the most thrilling matchups in recent memory: John Cena versus CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions. Scheduled for June 28, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this bout marks a historic moment as CM Punk will be competing in Saudi Arabia for the first time in his professional wrestling career.
The announcement came during the June 10 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, where John Cena opened the show with a fiery promo. Fresh off a tag team loss at WWE Money in the Bank on June 7, 2025—where R-Truth's interference cost him and Logan Paul a match against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso—Cena expressed his frustration with the current WWE locker room. He emphasized his legacy and reminded fans that he only has 19 appearances left for the year, hinting that his time in the ring is winding down.
"I’m counting down the days," Cena declared, signaling that he intends to take the Undisputed WWE Championship home with him and leave a lasting mark on professional wrestling. However, his promo was cut short by the unmistakable entrance of CM Punk, who came out with a microphone in hand and a determined look.
Punk criticized Cena's recent attitude, accusing him of hypocrisy and ego-driven performances. "You used to fight for respect," Punk said, "now you fight for ego. If you’re the Last Real Champion, then maybe it’s time someone ends your reign of fiction." He made it clear he wasn’t representing WWE’s corporate interests or TKO but was instead fighting for the fans who still believe wrestling can be real.
In a bold move, Punk challenged Cena to a title match, suggesting they settle their rivalry that very night in Phoenix, Arizona. Cena, however, declined the immediate challenge but proposed a high-stakes showdown at WWE Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia. "If Punk wants a match for the title," Cena said, "he’s going to have to follow me to Saudi Arabia and fight me at Night of Champions." This challenge was met with surprise, given Punk’s historically vocal opposition to WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia.
Back in 2020, Punk famously told The Miz to "go suck a blood money covered dck in Saudi Arabia you fcking dork," a comment that underscored his disdain for the Saudi events. Miz later stated that Punk apologized for the remark, but Punk has yet to perform in any WWE event in Saudi Arabia—until now.
On a recent Instagram Live Q&A, Punk addressed questions about his feelings toward Saudi Arabia, clarifying, "I've never been to Saudi Arabia. I don’t hate coming to Saudi Arabia." This nuanced stance adds depth to the upcoming match’s narrative, as fans wonder what has changed to bring Punk to the Kingdom Arena.
Raw General Manager Adam Pearce officially confirmed the match shortly after the on-air confrontation, setting the stage for a monumental clash between two of WWE’s most iconic figures. This will be their first one-on-one encounter in over 12 years, with their last singles match dating back to 2013, a World Heavyweight Championship contenders match. Fourteen years ago, they battled for the WWE Championship at Money in the Bank 2011, making this upcoming bout a long-awaited rematch with even higher stakes.
The match carries additional significance as Cena is on a retirement tour, with only 18 dates remaining in his career. He aims to cement his legacy by retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship one last time. Conversely, Punk is determined to win the title to prevent its permanent retirement and to restore the championship's prestige for the people, not the corporate powers behind WWE.
Aside from the headline match, WWE Night of Champions will also feature the finals of the King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring tournaments. On June 10, 2025, Roxanne Perez and Sami Zayn advanced to the semi-finals of their respective tournaments, edging closer to competing in the finals set for the Saudi event.
Monday’s RAW also saw some notable moments beyond the Cena-Punk saga. Former Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett filled in for Pat McAfee on commentary, and the event drew a crowd of 14,361 fans in Phoenix, Arizona. Additionally, Niño Hamburguesa officially announced his signing with WWE, promising fans big things ahead despite visa issues that prevented his earlier debut at Worlds Collide. Hamburguesa has been a staple in AAA since 2016 and is now set to plant his flag in WWE.
Meanwhile, former WWE announcer Jonathan Coachman recently reflected on WrestleMania 41, criticizing The Rock’s absence and its impact on the event’s momentum. Coachman argued that The Rock’s no-show overshadowed the entire pay-per-view, including John Cena’s championship victory over Cody Rhodes, calling it a disservice to the talents involved.
As the countdown to Night of Champions continues, speculation swirls around the Cena-Punk matchup. Will Cena, the Greatest of All Time, hold onto his title and retire as champion? Or will Punk, the Best in the World, reclaim the championship and send Cena on his farewell tour with a final apology? The wrestling world waits with bated breath.
With the match officially set but still weeks away, WWE fans are left to ponder the implications of Punk’s decision to compete in Saudi Arabia and what this historic bout means for the future of the Undisputed WWE Championship. One thing is certain: Night of Champions promises to be a landmark event, bringing together legacy, rivalry, and high drama on a global stage.
