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The Journey So Far: John Cena vs. CM Punk at WWE Night of Champions
In a memorable Q&A session in September 2012, CM Punk remarked, "I want to think about it when John Cena ended saying my career was my best opponent." Many consider this quote timeless, akin to fine wine.
On June 28, 2025, John Cena and CM Punk will clash for the WWE Championship at the Night of Champions Premium Live Event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This highly anticipated bout marks their first one-on-one match in over 12 years, eagerly awaited by fans since Punk’s return at Survivor Series 2023. The anticipation grew even higher when Cena announced his in-ring retirement at the close of 2025.
While younger audiences may be unfamiliar, the rivalry between Cena and Punk transformed the wrestling landscape, inspiring countless wrestlers within the industry. WWE presents these two as polar opposites, akin to yin and yang, and there is a strong argument that they share more similarities than most realize, a truth that has endured since their first encounter.
Let’s take a look back at the historic rivalry that shaped professional wrestling before the final chapter unfolds.
2011: The Summer of Punk
Cena and Punk have crossed paths numerous times, including a brief feud leading up to the 2011 Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View. However, it was in 2011 that Punk expressed a commitment to honesty that shook WWE. After declaring himself the number one contender for the WWE Championship following a victory over China, Punk announced his intent to defeat Cena in his hometown during the Money in the Bank event on July 17.
The anonymous "RAW" general manager mandated that Punk win a triple threat match against Alberto Del Rio and Rey Mysterio to claim the title shot. He further proclaimed that he intended to leave the company with the championship in hand, believing his contract would expire on the night of the event.
During an iconic "Pipe Bomb" promo on June 27, 2011, Punk laid out Cena in the ring, delivering grievances that resonated with fans. Vince McMahon’s reaction was to suspend Punk, setting the stage for a thrilling match, which included the stipulation that Cena would be fired if he lost.
Money in the Bank Fallout
After failing to reach an agreement, McMahon attempted to mend ties during the July 11 episode of "Raw." Punk emerged victorious, capturing his first WWE championship and preventing Del Rio from cashing in his briefcase. This moment solidified Punk’s departure from the WWE, as he famously blew a kiss to McMahon while exiting the arena.
Over the next few months, the WWE Championship changed hands multiple times, ultimately returning to Punk at the Survivor Series.
The Battles of 2012
Punk’s first reign began at Survivor Series 2011, leading to significant rivalries against wrestlers like Dolph Ziggler and Chris Jericho. However, when he faced John Cena again in July 2012 for WWE’s 1000th episode, tensions flared. Punk won a triple threat match at SummerSlam but faced significant challenges from both Cena and The Big Show.
In subsequent months, Cena and Punk competed in high-stakes matches, including at Night of Champions in 2012, where they both exhibited extraordinary skill, resulting in Punk retaining his title.
Punk’s Last Year in WWE
After holding the title for an impressive 434 days, CM Punk lost the WWE Championship to The Rock at the 2013 Royal Rumble. Cena, who won the 2013 Royal Rumble, set the scene for a rematch at WrestleMania. Punk had further opportunities to challenge for the title but faced numerous setbacks.
Eventually, Punk’s rivalry with Cena culminated in a series of intense encounters, concluding with Punk’s departure from WWE in early 2014.
Reuniting After 12 Years
Following Punk’s return at Survivor Series 2023, circumstances delayed a direct confrontation with Cena until the Elimination Chamber in 2025. Their latest match was a thrilling moment, with Cena securing victory but leading to a surprising twist when he turned heel with help from The Rock.
As Cena snatched a victory against Cody Rhodes, tensions escalated with Punk. The interactions between Cena and Punk drew parallels to their original feud, igniting passion among longtime fans and setting the stage for an epic rematch at Night of Champions.
Fan Take: This impending matchup isn’t just a nostalgic clash; it symbolizes a significant chapter in WWE history that fans have longed to see revisited. The renewed rivalry showcases the evolution of these iconic figures and could significantly impact the future direction of professional wrestling.
