CM Punk returns to major promotion action after nearly a decade away from professional wrestling, creating a buzz with a passionate promo and a scheduled title match later this month. His recent appearance marks a significant comeback following a long absence that began after his controversial WWE departure in 2014.
Following his exit from WWE, CM Punk shifted his focus to mixed martial arts, signing with the UFC in December 2014. He made his professional MMA debut in 2016 at UFC 203, where he was quickly defeated by Mickey Gall via Rear-Naked Choke. In 2018, Punk fought Mike Jackson, lasting the full match but losing by unanimous decision. This result was later overturned to a no-contest after Jackson tested positive for banned substances.
After a seven-year break from fighting, CM Punk reappeared on UFC television during UFC 319, held in his hometown of Chicago. In this return, he delivered an impassioned promo celebrating the city and hyping the Middleweight Championship clash between reigning champion Dricus Du Pleissis and challenger Khamzat Chimaev. Although reports hinted at Punk’s attendance for the pay-per-view event, he was not shown in the crowd, suggesting he was possibly backstage throughout the show. Earlier in the year, he appeared at UFC 311 as part of the audience, performing his notable “Go to Sleep” gesture on camera.
Upcoming Title Match at Clash in Paris Featuring CM Punk
Looking ahead, CM Punk is slated to compete in a major title match at WWE’s Clash in Paris event on August 31, hosted at the Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre, France. He will face Seth Rollins, Jey Uso, and LA Knight in a multi-competitor contest for the World Heavyweight Championship. This event also includes high-profile matches such as John Cena versus Logan Paul and Naomi challenging Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship.
CM Punk’s return to a major promotion and his scheduled championship match signal a remarkable resurgence for the star known as The Best in the World. His presence is expected to energize fans and impact the dynamics of upcoming WWE events significantly, as he reclaims his place among wrestling’s top competitors.
