The long-standing CM Punk vs John Cena WWE rivalry history is set for a dramatic revival, as both superstars will face each other after a twelve-year hiatus at the upcoming Night of Champions 2025. This anticipated singles match reignites one of the most heated feuds in championship wrestling, drawing intense interest from wrestling fans and spotlighting the next phase of John Cena’s storied farewell tour.
Renewed Tensions in WWE Ahead of Night of Champions
CM Punk and John Cena last met over a decade ago in a match that left a lasting legacy in WWE history. Their confrontation is especially significant now, given the context of Cena defending his title during his ongoing farewell tour, which began after overcoming Cody Rhodes, and then successfully defending the title against Randy Orton at WWE Backlash. The latest confirmation arrived during WWE RAW, officially announcing Cena and Punk’s Night of Champions clash.
CM Punk, meanwhile, has faced considerable challenges since his return. Following a betrayal at WrestleMania 41 by his longtime ally Paul Heyman, Punk has endured repeated attacks from Seth Rollins and his faction. In spite of these setbacks, Punk shifted his focus back to his legendary rival, setting up the highly anticipated bout in the 2025 Night of Champions.
The Iconic 2013 Encounter: Remembering Their Last Singles Match
The final one-on-one meeting between John Cena and CM Punk occurred over twelve years ago and was widely regarded as one of the greatest matches ever aired. Their rivalry had fizzled after Elimination Chamber 2025, where Cena eliminated Punk in an intense multi-competitor showdown. Despite Punk’s verbal digs at Cena in subsequent promos, a direct encounter had not materialized until now.
The history between these wrestlers is marked by high-stakes clashes and intense animosity. Their most memorable singles bout unfolded while building up to WrestleMania 29, when they squared off in a match to determine who would proceed to face The Rock in the grand event’s main event. Spanning twenty-six minutes, this contest saw both men unleash their distinct arsenals—Cena delivered signature moves like the back body drop and fisherman suplex, while Punk responded with agile dropkicks, slick counters, and persistent suicide dives, refusing to yield momentum.
Signature finishing moves punctuated the drama, with attempts by both wrestlers to end it early stymied by lightning-fast reversals. Punk foiled Cena’s initial Attitude Adjustment (AA) by switching it into a DDT, only for Cena to convert Punk’s Go To Sleep (GTS) effort into an STF. As the intensity escalated, Punk missed a diving elbow in homage to Macho Man, allowing Cena to land a frankensteiner and a decisive AA. Without hesitation, Cena executed the pin, clinching victory and his spot at WrestleMania 29’s main event. This match not only broke records for televised excellence but also deepened a rivalry that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
The announcement of their 2025 Night of Champions matchup has rekindled old debates, with both Cena and Punk aiming to assert supremacy once again in a contest for the Undisputed title—adding yet another chapter to their storied confrontation.
CM Punk’s Tense Alliances and Hostilities Since His Return
Following his comeback at Survivor Series 2023, CM Punk quickly shaped WWE’s ongoing narrative by sparking feuds with several top names. Seth Rollins immediately voiced displeasure at Punk’s return, a sentiment culminating in Rollins defeating Punk at WrestleMania 41. Punk’s rivalry with Drew McIntyre became deeply personal, with Punk ultimately triumphing over the Scottish wrestler to avenge his earlier loss.
The discord with Rollins, often known as “The Visionary,” has also been a focal point of WWE programming. In an interview on the Up and Adams Show, Rollins candidly expressed his feelings about Punk, stating, “Punk wasn’t a good dude.” —Seth Rollins, WWE Superstar. He further explained that his animosity contributed to ensuring Punk did not win at Money in the Bank.
Drew McIntyre offered his own sharp perspective, previously telling the Gorilla Position podcast,
“Punk and notorious cult leader Charles Manson.”
—Drew McIntyre, WWE Superstar, while drawing a bold parallel. He emphasized the genuine antagonism this comparison represented, highlighting the real-life intensity fueling their in-ring contests.
Despite clashing with several prominent figures, CM Punk has remained a major fixture in WWE since his return, making a significant impact on the current wrestling landscape. As Night of Champions approaches, fans and commentators alike await another defining collision in the history of rivalry between Punk and Cena.
Lasting Impact and What Lies Ahead for WWE Legends
The revival of the CM Punk vs John Cena WWE rivalry history for Night of Champions 2025 signals both an homage to a classic feud and a turning point for the organization. Cena’s farewell tour, interwoven with his pursuit of championship glory, represents an era-ending moment, while Punk’s continued resilience and headline-grabbing rivalries underscore the complexity of his second WWE run.
With the upcoming encounter now set, the WWE universe will witness two of sports entertainment’s most compelling personalities wrestle not just for the title, but also for supremacy in one of the industry’s most memorable rivalries. Their next meeting may well define the course of WWE’s narrative and leave another indelible mark on wrestling history.
