John Cena’s heel move offering CM Punk a Saudi Arabia match has shaken up the WWE landscape, creating high-stakes drama ahead of Night of Champions. On Monday Night RAW, Cena challenged the outspoken CM Punk to a title bout in Riyadh, pressing on the tension between Punk and the controversial venue with a challenge that many saw as a masterclass in wrestling mind games.
CM Punk’s Outspoken Stance and Missing Opportunities
CM Punk has established himself as one of WWE’s most vocal personalities, never shying away from criticizing company management or speaking his truth, a trait evident since his iconic Pipebomb promo over a decade ago. Since his 2023 return, Punk has expressed open frustration about being overlooked for championship matches, fueling rumors about his relationship with WWE leadership. This discontent caught the eye of John Cena, now embracing a full heel persona, who decided to exploit Punk’s dissatisfaction for dramatic effect.
Cena’s High-Stakes Proposal at RAW Stirs Controversy
The complicated history between CM Punk and WWE events in Saudi Arabia intensified with Cena’s recent actions. Punk’s issues with wrestling in Saudi Arabia have often emerged in public statements, where he hasn’t hesitated to address the subject bluntly, including a heated Twitter exchange with The Miz in 2020 that put his feelings in the spotlight. In an Instagram Q&A relayed by Fightful, Punk sought to clarify his position:
I don’t hate coming to Saudi, I’ve never been to Saudi.
—CM Punk, Former Intercontinental Champion
Despite Punk’s claim of neutrality towards Saudi Arabia, he has not performed at any WWE events in the country. When Night of Champions was announced for June 28, 2025, fans questioned whether Punk would take part given his storied past with the location. Cena’s announcement on RAW ended all speculation. The former face of the company offered Punk a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship—with the stipulation that the match take place at Night of Champions in Riyadh. This maneuver forced Punk into a difficult decision and created a new layer of personal conflict.
Cena’s stipulation was crystal clear and designed to provoke, explicitly telling Punk:
You’re gonna follow me to Saudi Arabia
—John Cena, WWE Superstar
The challenge visibly unsettled Punk, but after some hesitation, he agreed to face Cena in Riyadh, setting the stage for one of the year’s most anticipated matches.
Fans Respond to Cena’s Tactics and the Escalating Rivalry
John Cena’s transformation into an unapologetic heel has drawn significant attention since his controversial alliance with Dwayne Johnson at the 2025 Elimination Chamber. Claiming the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 cemented his new approach—a method marked by bold, sometimes personal, provocations both inside and outside the ring. Offering Punk a title shot in Saudi Arabia is viewed by many as Cena’s most outrageous move in years, turning Punk’s previous opposition to Saudi events into an integral part of their storyline.
Social media quickly lit up with reactions to Cena’s antics. As one fan put it,
That smirk from John Cena when he said, “You’re gonna follow me to Saudi Arabia,” to CM Punk is evil.Choosing Saudi Arabia as the place to give Punk the opportunity is the ultimate heel move 😭#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/LxPWdbwrHT
—EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B), June 10, 2025
As the angle unfolded on air, fans interpreted Cena’s suggestion as a move both brilliant and risky. Another observer captured the mixed feelings by stating,
LOVE that they’re turning Punk’s Saudi hate into a story but it looks like Punk said yes right away which kinda lowers the impact of it lol
—Devon (39-23 Yankees) (@Dev2Trilll), June 10, 2025
Online discussions revolved around Punk’s facial expressions during Cena’s provocation, with many calling his reaction “priceless” and commending WWE for blurring the line between real-life controversy and scripted entertainment. The passionate fan base, including viewers across Peacock in the U.S. and Netflix worldwide, found themselves eagerly anticipating the fallout and the personal dimensions of this renewed rivalry.
The Growing Stakes for Night of Champions in Riyadh
With Night of Champions confirmed for June 28, 2025, in Riyadh, the event’s narrative has shifted from a standard championship showdown to a gripping personal battle. Cena’s calculated challenge ensures that not only is the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line, but so is Punk’s stance on performing in Saudi Arabia—a sore point for years now spotlighted by Cena’s cunning maneuvering.
This rivalry is not just about athletic pride or championship gold; it is a confrontation where long-buried issues about Saudi events, personal animosities, and legacy are all brought to the surface. WWE’s decision to channel real-world conflict into their storytelling has once again created a must-see match, blending layers of personal drama with high-octane entertainment.
Both John Cena and CM Punk have become focal points in this narrative, each representing different facets of WWE’s evolving relationship with international venues and controversial business decisions. Cena’s heel tactics and Punk’s willingness to accept his challenge in Riyadh set up a scenario with unpredictable ramifications for both men and the broader WWE universe.
The Night of Champions main event airs at 1 PM ET on Peacock in the U.S. and Netflix internationally. Fans and WWE insiders will be watching closely to see how this story, now laced with personal stakes and company history, will unfold when two of wrestling’s most polarizing figures meet in the ring once more.
