Following John Cena‘s final WWE appearance at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington, tributes to the wrestling legend continue to emerge. Recently, at a WWE house show in Mannheim, Germany, CM Punk surprised the crowd by performing a variation of Cena’s iconic Five Knuckle Shuffle during his match against Bronson Reed. This unexpected homage demonstrated how WWE superstars honor John Cena’s legacy in creative ways beyond televised storylines.
House shows, typically designed for fan enjoyment without altering major ongoing narratives, provided the perfect setting for CM Punk to respectfully acknowledge his former rival. Punk incorporated his own flair into Cena’s signature move while competing against The Colossal, a moment that entertained fans and helped secure his victory over Reed. With WrestleMania 42 approaching in Las Vegas, Punk’s tribute highlights the camaraderie and ongoing connections among WWE’s top performers.
Recalling the Final Chapter of the Cena-Punk Rivalry
John Cena and CM Punk’s paths crossed notably during Cena’s heel run last year, culminating in a final showdown at Night of Champions 2025. The match, fought for the Undisputed WWE Championship, ended with Cena retaining the title, aided by interference from The Vision. After transitioning back to a fan-favorite role, Cena did not face CM Punk again nor did they team up, as their trajectories diverged prior to Cena’s ultimate in-ring retirement following his last match against Gunther.
Now 48 years old and retired from active competition, Cena’s influence remains strong in WWE. Meanwhile, CM Punk is in the midst of his fifth World Heavyweight Championship reign on Monday Night RAW. His next title defense is set for Belfast, where he will face Finn Balor of The Judgment Day faction. The developments in Punk’s career promise to keep WWE fans closely watching the evolving landscape.
Implications of Punk’s Tribute and Future WWE Storylines
CM Punk’s nod to John Cena at an international WWE event underscores the deep respect shared among superstars. Such moments reinforce the enduring impact Cena has had on the promotion and its audience. As Punk prepares to defend his championship and potentially overcome challenges like Bronson Reed and Finn Balor, his tribute signals both homage and confidence heading into WrestleMania 42.
This interaction also reflects the blending of history and new chapters within WWE, where past rivalries and friendships continue to influence current events. Fans can expect that the respect shown between Cena and Punk will add emotional resonance to upcoming matches and storylines, adding deeper layers to the ongoing drama in the ring.
“In the end, Cena escaped with the title, thanks to The Vision.” – Source Content
“While the 48-year-old legend is now retired, CM Punk is in his fifth reign as the World Heavyweight Champion on Monday Night RAW.” – Source Content
CM Punk’s new silly version of John Cena’s Five Knuckle Shuffle 😭
📸: @LeyLaDona pic.twitter.com/PjUwOK9L2g
— Teffo (@Teffo_01) January 14, 2026
