The long-standing CM Punk and John Cena rivalry appears to be drawing to a close after Night of Champions 2025, as hinted during WWE’s latest SmackDown episode. This significant development in the company’s storyline signals that fans may witness the last clash between the two at the upcoming Saudi Arabia event, making the CM Punk and John Cena rivalry ending after Night of Champions 2025 a major topic among the WWE Universe.
Recent Developments Signal the Rivalry’s Closing Chapter
During a recent SmackDown show, CM Punk confronted John Cena in a tense in-ring promo, where both superstars referenced past conflicts and iconic moments from their storied rivalry. The heated exchange saw Punk, also called the Best in the World and the Voice of the Voiceless, draw attention to how Cena’s current persona mirrors elements from Punk’s own character in previous years. The Second City Saint delved into the irony by noting that Cena now sounds like a “PG” version of himself, raising eyebrows among fans familiar with both veterans‘ careers.
Punk also pointed out that Cena’s recent storyline—one involving a possible departure from WWE with a championship—mirrors the way Punk dramatically left the company with the world title in 2011. This marked a significant callback for those who have closely followed both men’s journeys in the wrestling world. With all these references, WWE appears to signal that no rematches will take place after Night of Champions, underscoring that the upcoming Saudi Arabia showdown could be their definitive encounter.
Insiders and observers have long speculated that this rivalry, one of WWE’s most celebrated, was heading toward its conclusion. The current trajectory suggests Punk may capture the championship from Cena at Night of Champions. Some anticipate that the story could stretch to SummerSlam, with the Cenation Leader possibly regaining gold there, but recent updates point to no further direct singles rematches after the Saudi event. As a result, the iconic conflict between these two legendary figures seems poised to come to an end following this high-stakes battle.
John Cena Scheduled for a Major Match Before the Final Showdown
Before locking horns with CM Punk at Night of Champions, John Cena has another challenge awaiting him on WWE programming. On the latest blue brand episode, R-Truth, also known as Ron Killings, surprised fans by attacking Cena, igniting a new conflict. This prompted Nick Aldis to announce a rematch between Truth and the Franchise Player for the next episode of SmackDown.
This upcoming match on Friday’s show will not be for a championship, but it carries potential implications for Cena’s future as the world champion. If R-Truth manages to secure a victory, speculation is brewing that he could be in line for an Undisputed WWE Title opportunity down the line. The contest is made more intriguing by Killings’ recent transformation, marking a significant character shift that’s captured viewers’ interest.
In addition, the possibility of CM Punk interfering in this bout has been raised, which could tilt the outcome and add another twist to the evolving storyline. Any involvement by Punk could further stoke the tension leading up to his climactic encounter with Cena at Night of Champions. The next SmackDown therefore promises high stakes, especially as the rivalries between these top stars intensify.
What the End of the Cena-Punk Rivalry Means for WWE
For over a decade, CM Punk and John Cena have been at the center of some of WWE’s most memorable storylines, each shaping the company’s major events with their fierce rivalry. As WWE appears set to close this chapter after Night of Champions 2025 in Saudi Arabia, fans and analysts are left to wonder how the company will fill the void left by two of its most influential veterans.
Nick Aldis’s involvement, R-Truth’s challenges, and the ongoing speculation about the future world championship picture all underscore that the company is transitioning into a new era. As the Night of Champions Premium Live Event approaches, the attention turns not only to the final outcome between Punk and Cena but also to who might step up in a landscape about to change forever.
