CM Punk finally struck back after enduring weeks of relentless assaults, delivering a shocking counterattack during the Wrestlepalooza event held on September 21, 2025. The intense moment unfolded as part of a mixed tag-team match featuring Punk and AJ Lee against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, marking a turning point for the Second City Saint after a series of attacks by female wrestlers.
Escalation Leads to Punk’s Fierce Retaliation
Leading up to Wrestlepalooza, CM Punk appeared vulnerable, repeatedly targeted by multiple female competitors. Notably, Roxanne Perez launched attacks at various live house shows, while Becky Lynch continued the aggression on televised episodes. Despite these ongoing confrontations, Punk endured the onslaught quietly until finally deciding to respond during the high-profile match.
In a dramatic twist, Punk countered one of Becky Lynch’s signature submission holds, the sharpshooter, by locking her in the same painful maneuver. The former World Champion’s sudden reversal stunned audiences worldwide, as he seized control by applying the sharpshooter directly to Lynch. The submission hold was only broken when Seth Rollins intervened to save Lynch, intensifying the rivalry between the teams.
As the match progressed outside the ring, chaos ensued when both Rollins and Punk collided amidst the wreckage of a broken announcer’s table. Concurrently, AJ Lee successfully trapped Lynch in her finishing move, the ‘Black Widow,’ forcing Lynch to submit and adding another twist to the intense confrontation.
Punk Voices Criticism Over Wrestlepalooza Naming and Format
Following the event, CM Punk opened up about his views on the newly branded Wrestlepalooza during a candid interview on Pardon My Take. He expressed his discomfort with the event’s name, highlighting the challenge in transitioning from traditional pay-per-view terminology to the new “premium live event” model.
“Yeah, it’s a big deal mainly because it’s our first PLE–I’m still trying to warm up to not saying pay-per-view. My entire life, it’s been pay-per-view. But these are premium live events because pay-per-views are a dead technology. It’s a big deal because it is the first one on ESPN. So, new partnership with ESPN. And it’s a big deal. It’s why I’m here. We’re doing media and trying to get everybody aware that you got to get the ESPN to see all our PLEs. And I’ve been doing my best to not say the word Wrestlepalooza the entire time. That might actually be the first time I’ve said it. [Really? Why?] It’s a ridiculous name. Well, La La Palooza. You add ‘Wrestle’ to it, and you kind of understand what you’re getting. It’s pretty self-explanatory. [A sh** load of wrestling.] Yeah. Yeah.”
– CM Punk, Professional Wrestler
Impact and What to Expect Next in the Wrestling Scene
CM Punk’s decisive action at Wrestlepalooza sends a clear message about his endurance and refusal to remain a passive target amid ongoing assaults. This moment is likely to escalate tensions further between Punk, Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, and other involved stars, potentially shaping storylines and rivalries in upcoming events.
The emerging partnership between the wrestling organization and ESPN, highlighted by the premiere of Wrestlepalooza as a premium live event, represents a shift in how major wrestling events are presented to fans. Punk’s remarks about pay-per-view’s obsolescence suggest continued evolution in delivery and branding strategies within the industry.
As these dynamics unfold, fans can anticipate heightened drama and new conflicts in the months ahead, with CM Punk’s recent bold retaliation marking a significant turning point in ongoing narratives. Meanwhile, the wrestling community awaits further developments surrounding top stars and upcoming matchups, maintaining the energy and tension that define the sport’s gripping appeal.
This is what it's all about 🥹
What a moment for CM Punk and AJ Lee!
Stream Wrestlepalooza RIGHT NOW on the @espn App: https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxt pic.twitter.com/vL3MjWkJlx
— WWE (@WWE) September 21, 2025
A SHARPSHOOTER FROM CM PUNK TO BECKY LYNCH!#Wrestlepalooza
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) September 21, 2025
