CM Punk is scheduled to make a rare WWE appearance in Tokyo, marking his first event in Japan in 14 years. The Second City Saint, who rejoined WWE in late 2023, will participate in the Supershow on October 17th and 18th, providing Japanese fans with a unique opportunity to see him live.
After wrestling in Saudi Arabia earlier this year and taking part in WWE’s European Tour, CM Punk’s upcoming matches in Japan highlight his worldwide presence on WWE programming. WWE Japan officially announced the events on X (formerly Twitter), confirming Punk’s participation at the Ryōgoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo. This will be WWE’s first shows in Japan since July 2024.
As fans anticipate these matches, it’s noteworthy that Punk last competed in Japan during a live event in 2011. The upcoming Supershow dates represent a significant return to the Japanese wrestling scene for the former World Heavyweight Champion.
Details on CM Punk’s Scheduled Tokyo Events
The two shows in Tokyo will be part of WWE Japan’s Supershow series and are expected to attract considerable attention. The Ryōgoku Sumo Hall, a historic venue for wrestling events, will host Punk and other WWE talents. The announcement on social media expressed excitement about Punk’s presence, stating,
“CM Punk is coming to Tokyo🤩 October 17th (Fri) and 18th (Sat) event📅.”
—WWE Japan (Translated via Google translate)
CM Punk’s Recent Storylines Leading into Wrestlepalooza
Earlier in the year, CM Punk nearly captured the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Paris during a Fatal Four-Way match featuring Seth Rollins, LA Knight, and Jey Uso. Though he was poised to win with a GTS on Rollins, Becky Lynch intervened by attacking Punk with a low blow, helping Rollins retain the title.
Following the incident, Lynch confronted Punk on RAW, slapping him multiple times and daring him to respond. This confrontation continued on SmackDown, where Lynch initiated another slap, only for Punk to exit the ring, hinting at upcoming assistance. This led to the unexpected return of Punk’s wife, AJ Lee, making her WWE comeback after a decade away.
This storyline culminated with the announcement of a Mixed Tag Team match for Wrestlepalooza on September 20, where CM Punk and AJ Lee will face Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins.
What This Means for WWE and Its Fans in Japan
CM Punk’s return to Japan for the Supershow events is a rare and valuable occasion for WWE’s Japanese audience, given his lengthy absence from the country’s wrestling stage. His presence at the Ryōgoku Sumo Hall signals WWE’s intent to maintain and expand its engagement with the Japanese market. Fans can expect high-profile matches that showcase some of the promotion’s top talents.
Overall, Punk’s continued prominence in WWE events, combined with his recent storylines and international appearances, reinforces his role as a significant figure in wrestling. The Tokyo shows in October are likely to generate substantial interest and excitement, further highlighting WWE’s global reach in 2024.
