On the final 2025 episode of RAW, Paul Heyman stepped into the spotlight with The Vision to address a lingering controversy: why CM Punk was never included in the dominant group. The segment, featuring the season-long leading faction, unfolded before a crowd eager for answers about CM Punk and The Vision, setting an intense tone for the closing of the year on the red brand.
Throughout 2025, The Vision has reigned over RAW, becoming the most formidable stable in the WWE. With RAW airing on Netflix for the entire year and the highly-anticipated anniversary show just a week away, fan attention has increasingly turned toward the upcoming World Heavyweight Title clash between CM Punk and Bron Breakker. This matchup was set in motion after Survivor Series: WarGames, where Breakker pinned Punk, earning his shot at the championship. As Heyman began his promo, it became clear the crowd’s support was behind nearly every superstar except The Vision.
The Real Reason for the Divide
During the heated promo, persistent CM Punk chants rose from the audience. Responding directly, Paul Heyman delivered a blunt explanation for Punk’s exclusion from The Vision, stating that Punk bonded with the WWE Universe rather than following Heyman’s guidance. This disclosure threw a spotlight on the fractured relationship between Punk and Heyman and heightened tensions as the year concluded.
The breakdown between the two has deep roots. CM Punk, who had been allied with Heyman in the past, has little reason to heed Heyman’s influence now. Notably, Punk was betrayed by Heyman for the second time at WrestleMania 41, a move that left their relationship in tatters. This betrayal indirectly paved the way for Punk and long-standing rival Roman Reigns to make peace despite years of opposition, allowing them to shake hands and move forward.
Factions Collide and New Alliances Emerge
The possibility of CM Punk ever joining The Vision now seems remote. For the foreseeable future, Punk faces the challenge of holding his own against The Vision’s three remaining members, including the latest recruit, Austin Theory. As Punk navigates these obstacles, alliances are brewing across the roster, with veteran Rey Mysterio positioned as a potential ally.
Support for Mysterio materialized dramatically when Penta made a surprise return from injury, coming to Mysterio’s aid during an attack by Logan Paul and Austin Theory. The emergence of new allies on the RAW stage signals an escalating battle between The Vision and those standing in their way, anticipating dramatic confrontations as the anniversary show approaches.
Looking Forward to the Anniversary and Beyond
As WWE approaches the first anniversary of its Netflix era, the spotlight remains on CM Punk and Bron Breakker’s upcoming title match. The unresolved tension between Punk and The Vision continues to capture fan interest, with Heyman’s revelations amplifying the ongoing friction. With Punk’s rivalry with The Vision intensifying and unexpected partnerships forming, the coming weeks promise high drama on RAW, drawing significant attention to both the individual competitors and the powerful factions shaping WWE’s future.
THE VISION HAS ARRIVED WITH AUSTIN THEORY
THE AURA HERE IS LOWKEY CRAZY 🔥👀#WWERAW
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) December 30, 2025
