On the July 14 episode of WWE Raw, CM Punk secured a stunning victory in a Gauntlet match, earning a World title challenge against Gunther at SummerSlam 2025. The thrilling contest featured five competitors battling to become the number one contender for Gunther’s World Championship.
Intense Gauntlet Match Determines Next World Champion Challenger
The night’s main event saw a grueling Gauntlet match kick off with Bron Breakker facing Penta. Breakker swiftly defeated Penta within minutes to advance to the second round. LA Knight then entered the fray, rushing the ring for a chance at the title, but Breakker quickly eliminated him to move into the third round.
Next, Breakker went head-to-head with a fresh Jey Uso. Both wrestlers exchanged powerful spears and came close to pinfalls, but Breakker ultimately delivered a decisive spear to secure his place in the final round. Awaiting him was CM Punk, who entered last and appeared well-rested compared to his opponent.
Despite Breakker’s impressive endurance as the match’s ‘Iron Man,’ CM Punk overcame interference from Bronson Reed, executing his signature GTS move to defeat Breakker and capture the opportunity to challenge Gunther at SummerSlam.
CM Punk’s Rare Gauntlet Success Marks a Major Career Moment
This victory marked only CM Punk’s second time competing in a Gauntlet match on Raw, the first happening in 2011. Although he lacked extensive experience in this format, entering last gave Punk a strategic advantage over a fatigued Breakker. The conclusion of the broadcast saw Punk and Gunther exchange intense looks before Breakker and Reed ambushed Punk, only to be thwarted by the surprise return of Roman Reigns, who cleared the ring in a dramatic comeback.
Dominik Mysterio Critiques CM Punk’s WrestleMania Main Event Spot
Earlier this year, Dominik Mysterio spoke openly about his tensions with CM Punk and the struggle Punk faced before reaching his WrestleMania 41 main event. In an interview with The Wrestling Classic on Casual Conversations, Mysterio expressed his disdain:
“I think we just both mutually hate each other, equally. I fucking hate CM Punk. I don’t know what it is about that guy. I don’t know if it’s because he looks like Eddie Munster and I want to kick him in the fucking face, or the fact that everyone is like, ‘He finally did it, he finally got his WrestleMania main event.’ Good for you, old man. 60 years old, it took you what, 45 years to accomplish your one goal? It’s about time.It’s what they say about babies. When they have tantrums, you give them what they want so they shut the fuck up. I’m pretty sure that’s what happened. That’s why he needed a favor from Paul Heyman.There is a reason he was never in the main event. You call yourself the Best in the World. I don’t need to go around calling myself the Best in the World. People know I’m better than the best. I don’t need to call myself Best in the World at 70 years old. People do it for me. You have [John] Cena talking about me, JBL, AJ Styles, legends talking about me. I don’t need to do it for myself or say these things about me because people say it for me. My work speaks for itself. Here you go with CM Punk. I could go on this rant forever but I need to stop myself.”
Mysterio highlighted a deep rivalry with Punk and suggested Punk’s WrestleMania main event was less about merit and more about external support, particularly from Paul Heyman. He emphasized his own reputation, claiming widespread recognition without self-proclamation, contrasting it with Punk’s need to declare himself “Best in the World.”
Additional Developments Ahead of SummerSlam 2025
In other announcements, WWE has confirmed a major matchup featuring Becky Lynch for the upcoming SummerSlam, increasing anticipation for the event where CM Punk will undoubtedly seek his first World Championship reign since returning to the ring.
CM Punk’s Gauntlet victory not only surprises WWE fans but also significantly alters the championship landscape heading into SummerSlam. His ability to overcome multiple contenders, including the resilient Bron Breakker, sets the stage for a highly charged showdown with Gunther. Roman Reigns’ unexpected return adds even more intrigue, suggesting potential shifts in alliances and rivalries as the event approaches. This World Title Challenge showcases Punk’s enduring presence in WWE’s main event scene and raises questions about how the rivalry with Gunther will unfold in front of the SummerSlam crowd.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did CM Punk have surgery?
A. WWE has announced that CM Punk had surgery to fix his torn triceps. Punk claims he plans to make an incredible return to wrestling.
Q. Does CM Punk support LGBTQ?
A. “I support trans kids, trans adults, gays, and lesbians because I felt out of place when I was young,” Punk explained. “I didn’t belong because of my clothes, hairstyle, and the music I enjoyed.”
Q. What surgery did CM Punk have?
A. CM Punk recently had surgery to fix his torn triceps. This wrestling icon is now getting ready for an amazing return. During this evening’s WWE RAW episode, there was a short update about Punk, which featured a video showing him after the surgery.
Q. Was CM Punk actually hurt?
A. Even though Punk seemed injured, his fall was planned. On the other hand, McIntyre did get hurt and needed 16 stitches.
