WWE is gearing up for what promises to be its biggest SummerSlam event ever, set to feature CM Punk in the main event. At SummerSlam 2024, Punk will challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship, aiming to capture the title for the first time since his return to WWE in November 2023.
CM Punk secured his opportunity to face Gunther by triumphing in a Gauntlet Match on Raw, while Gunther has been the reigning World Heavyweight Champion since defeating Jey Uso on June 9. This match marks Punk’s first World Title pursuit since his WWE Heavyweight Championship reign back in 2011.
CM Punk’s Return to the Spotlight at SummerSlam
In a recent appearance on the Good Guy/Bad Guy Podcast, Punk discussed the importance of his SummerSlam match and hinted strongly that it will be the event’s main attraction. He stressed the significance of main eventing both for the World Heavyweight Championship and for Gunther’s reputation.
“Me main eventing, I think it’s important. It’s important for the title. I think it’s important for Gunther. I’m looking forward to not only main eventing SummerSlam but stealing the whole weekend. This dude is the best wrestler in the world. He’s got the gold to prove it, too. He’s a guy who represents the business to me… You could take him and you could drop him into a territory in the 60s and he would thrive… He transcends decades to me. He’s one of the best right now.” —CM Punk, WWE Superstar
This encounter also holds personal weight for Punk, who wrestled his first televised singles match since returning at SummerSlam 2024, falling short against Drew McIntyre. Now, the focus shifts to what might be a pivotal moment in his second WWE run.
Complete Night One Card Highlights
- Gunther (c) vs. CM Punk – World Heavyweight Championship
- Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed
- Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill – Women’s Championship
- Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul
- Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross
- Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Tiffany Stratton – Women’s Tag Team Championship
The lineup presents a mix of title defenses and high-profile matches, with tensions running high across divisions. Besides the main event spotlight on Punk and Gunther, fans can expect intense battles involving some of WWE’s most prominent stars.
Jelly Roll’s Promising Future with WWE
Reports indicate WWE’s optimism regarding Jelly Roll’s future after his recent debut. His commitment to training and determination to deliver an impressive performance quickly caught the attention of WWE officials. It is anticipated that Jelly Roll will fully join the company by 2026, indicating plans for a sustained presence in WWE’s competitive landscape.
Additional Wrestling News Highlights
Outside of SummerSlam, recent developments have emerged that keep the wrestling world engaged. Fans have questioned the intent behind WWE’s docuseries “Unreal,” with accusations that it attempted to positively spin Triple H’s image. Meanwhile, Sami Zayn’s WWE future remains under speculation, as he seeks to build on his sole world title from his NXT tenure.
Other notable updates include the revelation behind Tony Khan’s delayed release of AEW tournament brackets and calls from a WWE Hall of Famer for Jon Moxley to take a break following his latest loss. In injury news, Cody Rhodes confirmed a painful encounter suffered during a confrontation with Travis Scott, adding further intrigue to wrestling storylines.
On a reflective note, Hulk Hogan’s declining health was candidly discussed by an ex-friend on Piers Morgan Uncensored, with Ric Flair recalling the advice he offered during their final conversations together. Such personal insights provide a deeper dimension to wrestling legends’ lives beyond the ring.
What SummerSlam 2024 Means for WWE’s Future
SummerSlam 2024 holds great significance as it could mark the beginning of a new World Heavyweight Championship era under CM Punk, affirming his return as a top-tier contender. The event’s pace and storytelling will likely influence WWE’s direction in the months ahead, especially with established wrestlers like Gunther and emerging talents stepping into critical roles.
With intense matchups and championship stakes, the outcome of SummerSlam’s main event will reverberate throughout WWE’s roster, shaping rivalries and title landscapes moving forward. For Punk, securing the World Heavyweight Championship would not only validate his comeback but also signal his readiness to reclaim a dominant position on WWE’s stage once again.
