CM Punk’s return to WWE has been one of wrestling’s biggest stories, but his upcoming match in Saudi Arabia raises questions. On Jun. 28, he’ll challenge John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions in Riyadh—a stark contrast to his past stance on the Gulf state.
Given his history of criticism, is his participation a choice or a corporate mandate?
What Did Dave Meltzer Say About CM Punk Performing in Saudi Arabia?
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Punk had the leverage to decline the Saudi Arabia appearance without facing professional repercussions.
“He could not go if he really wanted to not go. He was going months ago, I had already asked about that, it was a couple of months ago when the show was first talked about,” Meltzer noted, adding that Punk had been slated for the event for months and never voiced objections.
Meltzer’s reporting suggests that while WWE applies subtle pressure on mid-card talent to work Saudi shows—hinting that refusal could hinder their push—top stars like Punk operate under different rules.
“He is big enough, he could have said no, and it wouldn’t have impacted him. If you’re a mid-level guy and you said no, you would be able to not go, but it would impact you,” he added. [H/T Cultaholic.com]
This distinction is key. Punk’s status as a marquee name theoretically gave him the freedom to opt out. The fact that he didn’t—despite his past convictions—implies either personal growth, pragmatism, or a quiet acceptance of WWE’s expectations.
Tension Between Punk and Saudi Arabia
Punk’s history with Saudi Arabia is anything but quiet. In January 2020, during a heated online exchange with The Miz, the former WWE Champion didn’t hold back, telling him to “go suck a blood money-covered d**k in Saudi Arabia, you f*****g dork.”
The comment reflected Punk‘s then-unfiltered disdain for WWE’s partnership with the Saudi government, which critics have long tied to the country’s human rights record.
Yet, since returning to WWE in 2023, Punk’s tone has noticeably softened. By May 2025, he openly stated that he “doesn’t hate coming to Saudi Arabia,” framing it as just another stop on WWE’s global tour.
Punk’s past hostility contrasts sharply with his current compliance, suggesting WWE’s influence might have played a role in changing his mind about the Gulf state. Whether Punk is fully on board or simply fulfilling obligations, the corporate hand in this decision is hard to ignore.