WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart has publicly recognized CM Punk as the best wrestler in the world, praising his skills and contributions to the sport. This endorsement comes ahead of Punk’s highly anticipated World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd, at SummerSlam.
Although CM Punk fell short in his bid to capture the WWE Championship from John Cena at Night of Champions, he quickly bounced back by securing a main event spot for the World Heavyweight title at SummerSlam, the premier event held at MetLife Stadium. Punk expressed confidence and ambition about the match, aiming to make a lasting impression throughout the weekend.
CM Punk’s Ambitions to Dominate SummerSlam Weekend
In a recent interview, CM Punk highlighted the significance of main-eventing SummerSlam and his determination to overshadow every other event during the weekend. Punk described Gunther as not only the current champion but also someone who represents wrestling’s finest traditions, transcending eras and styles with ease.
“Me main eventing, I think it’s important. It’s important for the title. I think it’s important for Gunther. I’m looking forward to not only main eventing SummerSlam but stealing the whole weekend. This dude is the best wrestler in the world. He’s got the gold to prove it, too. He’s a guy who represents the business to me… You could take him and you could drop him into a territory in the 60s and he would thrive… He transcends decades to me. He’s one of the best right now.”
Bret Hart’s Longstanding Respect for CM Punk’s Wrestling Craft
Bret Hart, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, has been an outspoken supporter of CM Punk for many years. Known also for his admiration of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Hart has seen Punk honor him by incorporating signature pink attire and moves linked to Hart’s iconic style.
During an interview with Complex Sports, Hart was asked to identify the best wrestler currently active. Despite acknowledging the talents of others like Rey Mysterio and Roman Reigns, Hart singled out CM Punk as his top pick.
“There’s a lot of really good wrestlers. I’m a forever Rey Mysterio fan, you know, like I always—I love watching Rey, even now today, especially as he gets older. But I’m also a big fan of Roman Reigns. I think if I had to answer the question, I’d say CM Punk.” —Bret Hart, WWE Hall of Famer
When questioned about Punk’s chances against Gunther at SummerSlam, Hart expressed confidence in Punk’s ability to win, simply stating, “Oh yeah, I think so.”
Context and Significance of the SummerSlam Main Event
SummerSlam is set to be a landmark event in WWE’s calendar, with the match between Gunther and CM Punk serving as the headline attraction. Taking place at MetLife Stadium, this will be the first night’s main event, spotlighting the high stakes involved in the World Heavyweight Championship.
Punk’s rise toward this moment marks a strong comeback after his recent loss, proving his resilience and top-tier status in professional wrestling. Gunther, already holding the championship, is widely respected for his dominance and skill, making this a compelling clash between two of wrestling’s elite.
Other Key WWE Storylines Ahead of SummerSlam
In addition to CM Punk’s headline match, SummerSlam will feature several prominent storylines. Nikki Bella recently revealed she suffered a painful breast implant injury during a WWE Monday Night Raw match. John Cena has also been mentoring hopeful WWE Superstars, offering passionate advice during tryouts.
A WWE legend has declared readiness to challenge Becky Lynch for the Intercontinental Championship, while Lyra Valkyria continues a heated feud with Lynch after WrestleMania 41. Meanwhile, new reports confirm Seth Rollins was planned for a major SummerSlam role, and Bray Wyatt’s former partner has hinted at future activity involving the enigmatic Wyatt Sicks faction.
The Undisputed WWE Championship match between John Cena and Cody Rhodes is another highly anticipated bout, with some experts offering surprising predictions about the outcome.
Looking Ahead: What CM Punk’s Recognition Means for WWE
Bret Hart’s endorsement of CM Punk as the best wrestler currently active underscores Punk’s enduring impact on professional wrestling. This recognition from a legend adds weight to Punk’s status heading into SummerSlam and highlights the importance of his match against Gunther as a critical moment for both wrestlers and the WWE brand.
Should Punk succeed, it could elevate his standing even further, solidifying his reputation at the top of the business. The SummerSlam event itself promises to deliver intense competition and dramatic storylines, reinforcing WWE’s role as a global leader in sports entertainment.
