CM Punk made his long-awaited return to WWE during the debut episode of WWE Raw on Netflix, delivering a thrilling main event against Seth Rollins and leaving fans eager for more. The night was filled with high stakes, intense matches, and unforgettable moments, setting the stage for what could be the beginning of something monumental for both the WWE and its fans.
The opening match featured Roman Reigns squaring off against Solo Sikoa for the title of Tribal Chief. The match went beyond regular wrestling rules, incorporating chairs, tables, and kendo sticks during the chaotic 'Tribal Combat' format. Fans witnessed shocking interference with various contenders attempting to aid Sikoa, only for Reigns to pull through, scoring the victory with two powerful spears. Reigns was crowned with the ula fala, symbolizing his position as Tribal Chief, by none other than Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who acknowledged the event's significance and even made references to Squid Games.
The excitement continued with Punk taking the stage for his highly anticipated match against Seth Rollins. Their rivalry had been brewing ever since Punk's return at Survivor Series, and the match showcased their heated history. From the moment the bell rang, it was evident this wasn’t just any wrestling match; it was personal. The two competitors displayed raw athleticism and aggression as they exchanged strikes, quickly moving the action out of the ring and even battling atop the commentary desk.
Throughout the match, both men exhibited their signature moves, with Rollins hitting Punk with his own Go To Sleep (GTS) and Punk retaliated with Rollins' famous stomp. The match retained its high stakes as the audience gasped and cheered at every near fall, only for Punk to eventually find himself countering Rollins’ superplex and securing the win with another GTS, solidifying his place as the "Best in the World."
After the match, Punk wasted no time addressing the locker room, issuing a warning to potential rivals. "46 is just a number, and so is number one. That's exactly what I am and exactly what I have been saying since I got here," he stated emphatically, dedicatng his victory to friends going through tough times, including guitarist Chad Gilbert and wrestler Chris Bey, both of whom have faced serious health challenges. Punk's bravado continued as he claimed, "I'm coming for all the gold in 2025," displaying his ambition and setting the tone for the upcoming seasons. His exhilaration was palpable as he noted, "Netflix, biggest thing I've ever done in my entire life."
Meanwhile, the night featured multiple exciting matchups, including Rhea Ripley regaining the Women’s World Championship from Liv Morgan and Drew McIntyre unexpectedly falling to Jey Uso. John Cena also made a notable appearance, kicking off his farewell tour and contemplating another chance at championship gold, hinting at the Royal Rumble with expectations high among fans.
Of course, not everything went smoothly. Hulk Hogan's return was met with disdain from the audience, who booed his promotional appearance for his newly branded beer. This segment reportedly contrasted sharply with the effortless nostalgia and cheers for established stars like The Rock and Cena.
All things considered, the inaugural episode of WWE Raw on Netflix was nothing short of spectacular. CM Punk's return was not just meaningful for fans hoping to see him at WrestleMania; it also laid the groundwork for future feuds, invigorated long-standing rivalries, and set the bar high for upcoming episodes. Punk's win over Rollins is sure to be remembered as one of the highlights of the evening and could signal the start of many more battles to come this season.
This landmark event solidified Netflix's role as the new home for wrestling entertainment and established CM Punk back at the forefront of WWE, not just as a contender, but as the main attraction.