CM Punk is facing significant backlash from the WWE Universe over his decision to compete at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia on Jun. 28, 2025. The controversy stems from Punk’s past criticisms of WWE’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. Notably a 2020 tweet where he told The Miz to “go suck a blood money-covered d**k in Saudi Arabia.”
CM Punk vs. John Cena Is Set for Night of Champions in Riyadh
Despite this, Punk is scheduled to face John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship, a match that has reignited fan discontent. The WWE Universe, known for its vocal presence on social media, has expressed disappointment and frustration, feeling that Punk’s participation contradicts his earlier stance.
This sentiment was echoed in a recent RAW episode where Punk challenged Cena for a title match. It was obvious that the bout could not be held at that place itself and needed to be scheduled somewhere in the future. However, a match worthy of SummerSlam was preponed to Night of Champions, which, too, was in Saudi Arabia, disappointing fans.
they’re doing john cena vs cm punk but it’s in saudi arabia…pic.twitter.com/cB4HU77UxA
— abbi (@abbipaperbag) June 10, 2025
The backlash is part of a broader discussion on WWE’s Saudi Arabia events, with fans and commentators questioning the ethics and consistency of wrestlers’ decisions. Also, the fact that Punk once questioned WWE’s all-business relationship with Saudi Arabia and is crawling around to one of those events is more than hypocrisy.
Fans voice their CM Punk criticisms on X
Just last week, WWE fans came together to show support and revolt against the release of R-Truth. They were eventually rewarded and got their wish fulfilled with Truth’s comeback. Fans now understand their importance more and are utilizing social media to show their opposition to Punk’s ‘last match’ with Cena at Night of Champions in Riyadh.
I can’t believe CM Punk is willing to wrestle in a country where abject horrors are happening on a daily basis plus I just heard he is now wrestling in Saudi Arabia.
— IVPvideos (@IVPvideos) June 10, 2025
One fan voiced, “That CM Punk hatred just re-entered my body.”
I can’t be fake mad at CM Punk for working Saudi Arabia when you look at what’s going on in his own country.
— Quan of A Show RNC (@TheComebackSpot) June 10, 2025
One fan took the charge and put up, “A reminder that CM Punk is the biggest hypocrite in the world.”
He shouldn’t have gaslighted all about never going there. Mr. Morales sold out for a buck.
— SLICK 2099 (@slick2099) June 10, 2025
However, a fan said the realest thing by letting WWE know what they do: “And we all move on with our lives.”
It is unlikely that WWE would listen to fans this time and somehow change their plans for Cena vs. Punk. This is a last-time opportunity, and WWE must have thought the best way to treat Saudi Arabia would be a legends’ match. It is only exciting to see how they would build the storyline going into Night of Champions.