CM Punk challenges John Cena and insults The Rock as tensions soared during Monday Night RAW at BOK Center, just days before the Money in the Bank event on June 7, 2025. The evening saw CM Punk reignite his rivalry with Cena and publicly target Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, further escalating anticipation in the WWE Universe.
CM Punk Targets John Cena and Calls Out The Rock
During this week’s Monday Night RAW, CM Punk revived the heated memories from Elimination Chamber 2025, making clear his intentions to pursue John Cena’s WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The crowd in the arena was captivated as Punk asserted it was time for him to reclaim championship gold, hinting at a new chapter in his storied feud with Cena. Fans in attendance cheered loudly at the thought of a final, high-stakes confrontation between the two icons.
However, Punk did not stop at Cena. Addressing past grievances, he revisited the dramatic events of Elimination Chamber 2025, directing harsh words at Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, whom he labeled as the “bald fraud” of WWE. This statement electrified the audience, with supporters both at BOK Center and watching via livestream expressing excitement and support for Punk’s bold stance. The reference to The Rock highlighted the lingering conflict and unresolved history among WWE’s biggest names.
As anticipation builds for the Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, Punk mapped out his intentions during an interview before his qualifying match, promising to usher in a “summer of Punk.” Reminding everyone that he had cashed in Money in the Bank contracts twice before, he declared plans for a historic third win and identified John Cena and The Rock as prime targets.
Punk also spoke with respect about Jey Uso, the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion, describing his interest as business rather than personal. With Cena in his sights, Punk remarked upon how dramatically circumstances had changed, reminding fans that Cena—now a 17-time champion—had
“sold his soul to The Final Boss, Dwayne Johnson.”
The most compelling moment arrived when Punk went after The Rock’s character, offering no restraint in his live attack on The Brahma Bull’s persona, before turning his attention to resolve unfinished matters with Cena. He left the audience buzzing with the declaration:
When I win Money in the Bank, if I so choose, John Cena, I’ve always had your number. I’m going to come pick the bones, you little b*tch.
The crowd erupted, sensing the possibility of witnessing another epic clash between Cena and Punk—where Cena’s legacy and Punk’s quest for retribution would collide in a pivotal encounter.
Fans React and WWE Universe Embraces the Controversy
CM Punk’s history of controversy and his critical take on top stars such as Cena and The Rock is not new. Previously, he mocked The Rock for his over-the-top reactions during sporadic appearances, but this week the intensity—and the stakes—had reached a higher level. The promo segment swiftly set social media abuzz, especially after clips circulated on platforms like X, drawing fierce engagement from longtime wrestling fans and newcomers alike.
They can’t get through a promo without mentioning the Final Boss. They mad when he’s there. They mad when he’s gone. Which is it? 😂 pic.twitter.com/kLdjx5S8wK— VZA. (@VZA_94) June 3, 2025
The wrestling community expressed nostalgia for the energetic days of spring and summer 2011, observing that Punk’s recent momentum recalls his earlier heights. Social media users openly advocated for Punk’s return to the title scene, reflecting the emotional investment and affection many still feel for the superstar despite his confrontational tactics. Fan remarks revealed split loyalties and excitement for prospective matchups, further amplifying the sense of anticipation among those following every twist in the story.
Chaos Unfolds in Money in the Bank Qualifier
Not all expectations were met as the night progressed. CM Punk’s Triple Threat qualifying match for the Men’s Money in the Bank ladder contest, facing AJ Styles and El Grande Americano, ended in chaos. Just as Punk delivered his signature GTS to Americano and went for the pin, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed stormed the ring, yanking Punk out and shattering his victory hopes.
The sudden brawl involved Sami Zayn and Jey Uso, escalating the disorder at ringside. AJ Styles seized the moment to leap onto the group outside the ring before attempting his Phenomenal Forearm, only to be countered by a well-timed headbutt—leading to a surprising finish and disappointment for Punk and supporters hoping for his advancement. The results denied fans immediate gratification but intensified the storylines heading into Money in the Bank.
What Lies Ahead for WWE’s Top Superstars
The countdown to Money in the Bank continues, with the 2025 event scheduled for June 7 on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally. With CM Punk openly challenging John Cena and reigniting animosity toward The Rock, the narrative for the summer promises unresolved rivalries and unpredictable twists in WWE’s landscape. The involvement of key figures such as Jey Uso, Bronson Reed, Bron Breakker, AJ Styles, Sami Zayn, and others ensures that the stakes remain high and the path to championship glory is as tumultuous as ever.
CM Punk’s scathing comments and dramatic in-ring setbacks add layers of tension, positioning him both as an adversary and a symbol of conflict within the WWE. As the arena audience, the “WWE Universe,” and the broader fan community continue to respond to Punk’s provocations, all eyes remain fixed on future encounters—particularly a potential showdown between Punk and Cena that could redefine careers and the company’s direction this summer.
