The dates for the highly anticipated match between John Cena and CM Punk have been confirmed as part of Cena’s WWE Retirement Tour. Cena, who declared 2025 as his final year in wrestling, has many fans eager for a showdown with Punk, given their well-known rivalry from over a decade ago, including a memorable bout at WWE Money in the Bank in Punk’s hometown of Chicago.
During the June 9th episode of WWE Raw following Money in the Bank, Cena was interrupted by Punk, who, speaking for his fans, criticized Cena for negatively impacting wrestling. Punk challenged Cena to a match on that night’s show, but Cena countered by setting the stakes higher: Punk must face him in Saudi Arabia at the Champions event on June 28th to earn a WWE title shot. This stipulation plays into Punk’s previous anti-Saudi comments, making the storyline more intense by forcing Punk to travel there if he wants the title opportunity.
Michael Cole noted during commentary that Punk verbally accepted Cena’s challenge, though the match isn’t completely official yet. The segment concluded with Seth Rollins holding the Money in the Bank briefcase, reminding both Cena and Punk that their title shots could also be cashed in anytime, adding further excitement to the rivalry.
Fan Take: This confirmed matchup is a huge deal for WWE fans hungry for a blockbuster finale to Cena’s storied career, offering a nostalgic yet fresh chapter in one of wrestling’s greatest rivalries. It also sets the stage for high drama on a global platform, signaling big moments for WWE’s future storytelling and fan engagement.
