CM Punk has made headlines once again with his dramatic return to WWE during the January 6, 2025, premiere of WWE Raw on Netflix. After more than 11 years away from the squared circle, Punk faced off against Seth Rollins and emerged victorious, marking one of the most talked-about comebacks in wrestling history.
Punk's return was not just marked by his competitive spirit but also by his confidence, as he announced his entry for the upcoming Men’s Royal Rumble match, setting the stage for what could be another exciting pursuit of WWE glory. His post-match declarations were nothing short of extraordinary as he expressed intentions to go after the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, and the World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther.
“46 is just a number. Royal Rumble, you’re next on the list. Gunther, I’m coming for you. Cody, I’m coming for you. I’m Mr. October. I’m Game 7. I am clutch. I am the best in the world,” Punk exclaimed immediately following his victory, clearly setting his stakes high for this year’s Royal Rumble and indicating he has no plans of slowing down.
The night was historic not only for Punk but for WWE as well. The premiere on Netflix was poised to be groundbreaking for WWE, and Punk's match against Rollins headlined the event. This match was both personal and deeply competitive, featuring signature moves and thrilling near-falls, culminating with Punk hitting the GTS for the win. The atmosphere was electric, with fans recalling Punk's legacy and eagerly anticipating what he would do next.
During the post-show interview with Jackie Redmond, Punk dedicated his hard-fought match to two significant friends: TNA wrestler Chris Bey, who is recovering from neck surgery, and musician Chad Gilbert, who has battled cancer. “This match is for Chad Gilbert. This match is for Chris Bey. And this match is for me. Anybody who ever said I wasn't s*it, look at me now,” emphasized Punk, highlighting his dedication to resilience both personally and within the wrestling community.
Reflecting on his comeback, Punk stated, “If your dreams don’t scare you, you need to find bigger ones. Main eventing the first Raw on Netflix is a pretty big deal, though. Nobody else can say they did it.” With these words, he painted not only his ambition but also the gravity of his momentous return. Punk's return to WWE has brought back memories of his past stints, and fans are excited to see if he can replicate the magic he once had.
Punk's declaration of intent for the 2025 Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41 has heightened expectations and speculation about his future involvement with WWE. With legends like John Cena also entering the Rumble, the competition is fierce. The potential for Punk to once again hold championship gold—and to do it on the biggest stage of them all—is thrilling for fans and could bring renewed attention to WWE's programming.
This commotion surrounding Punk's comeback not only marks his personal turnaround but also signals WWE's intent to reclaim its prominence on streaming platforms like Netflix. By combining legendary veterans with the dynamic energy of returning stars, WWE has set the stage for exciting moments and narratives leading up to WrestleMania.
Overall, CM Punk's return and his bold statements about pursuing glory have reinvigorated the wrestling world. His ambition and dedication reflect not only his personal battles and victories but also resonate with fans and wrestlers alike. This makes for one of the most anticipated Royal Rumble matches to date, with Punk's impressive statements lighting the path forward to WrestleMania’s main event.