CM Punk WWE pipebomb promo reaction has become a major talking point in wrestling circles after John Cena delivered a searing on-mic takedown reminiscent of Punk’s original. The clash between Cena and Punk is set for Night of Champions in Riyadh, where they will compete for the Undisputed WWE Championship and tensions are reaching a peak.
John Cena’s Latest Promo Sparks Debate Among Fans and Commentators
John Cena, known as The Cenation Leader and a 17-time World Champion, recently surprised the WWE Universe with a direct and skillful pipebomb promo targeting his long-time rival CM Punk. The moment unfolded on SmackDown, capturing the attention of fans and experts alike by echoing the legendary original pipebomb delivered by Punk over a decade ago.
Matthew Rehwoldt, who wrestled as Aiden English and now serves as a TNA commentator, shared his insights on the REBOOKED podcast regarding Cena’s recent performance. Rehwoldt compared Cena’s approach favorably, drawing distinctions between how both stars handled their respective moments on the microphone.
“This was John Cena’s best promo of his heel run. I think it was arguably better than the original pipebomb. I do think so. But part of that is, and I think it is a little unfair, because the ‘pipebomb’ of [CM] Punk’s was like an original, like he kind of threw it out there,” Rehwoldt said.
Rehwoldt continued to explain that Cena’s ability to turn Punk’s words back on him, combined with clever wordplay, elevated the segment beyond the standard wrestling promo. He noted that while Punk’s original set the stage for this type of confrontation, Cena took it a step further during the latest exchange.

“I liked it better because of the way it rifted on it and the way he turned it on its head and made a hypocrite of Punk. All that wordplay was great, but you can’t do that without an original to riff on. So, Punk gets credit for laying out the carpet, but Cena gets extra credit for doing it so well with flip arounds and the way he kind of turned the mirror on Punk.” [From 01:17:26 to 01:18:20]
The current rivalry between Cena and Punk taps into years of history, creating anticipation for their upcoming showdown in Saudi Arabia. As this narrative evolves, it reflects the dynamic storytelling that WWE fans expect from big-event lead-ups, with outspoken stars like Brock Lesnar having previously added similar spontaneity to major shows.
CM Punk Addresses the Heat, Fires Back at Cena’s Accusations
Following Cena’s biting words on SmackDown, CM Punk made his first public comments during the SummerSlam Kickoff Show. The Best in the World, who also has an AEW history, provided a pointed response to his rival’s accusations, highlighting the differences he sees between Cena and another top star, Randy Orton.
“John [Cena] said one true real thing last night [in his pipebomb] and that is he’s jealous of me, and it doesn’t seem to make any sense because he is the Greatest of All Time, right? 17-time World Champion—I don’t know if anybody in this room is going to live long enough to see anybody else accomplish that. It could be Randy [Orton]— Randy is probably our best bet. The big difference between Randy and John is Randy didn’t sell his soul to The Rock,” he said.
Punk’s direct jab at Cena’s career choices and loyalty added intensity to their conflict, stoking further debate among the wrestling community on social media and analysis shows. The sentiments expressed by both men underscore why their rivalry remains one of the most compelling in WWE, with each using both history and personal attacks to gain an edge.
What’s at Stake as Cena and Punk Head to Night of Champions in Riyadh
The outcome of the upcoming title match on June 28 will not only determine the Undisputed WWE Champion but may also redefine legacies for both John Cena and CM Punk. With Cena seeking to maintain his dominance and Punk aiming to recapture the spotlight, spectators worldwide are waiting to see who will come out on top as the saga continues in Saudi Arabia.
This ongoing feud has become a showcase of both star power and microphone prowess, contributing fresh energy to the WWE landscape. Night of Champions is set to provide the next dramatic chapter in this storied rivalry, ensuring that fans and analysts alike pay close attention to what unfolds this Saturday.