Now Reading: ”He could have said no”- Backstage details on CM Punk being a ‘hypocrite’ and choosing to compete in Saudi Arabia
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”He could have said no”- Backstage details on CM Punk being a ‘hypocrite’ and choosing to compete in Saudi Arabia
”He could have said no”- Backstage details on CM Punk being a ‘hypocrite’ and choosing to compete in Saudi Arabia
Despite all the past heat, the infamous “blood money” line, and his very public stance, CM Punk is heading to Saudi Arabia. Why, you ask? Because:
CM Punk Set to Wrestle in Saudi Arabia… Against John Cena
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The Voice of the Voiceless will challenge John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions on June 28. The blockbuster match was officially locked in during the post-Money in the Bank edition of RAW — and just like that, history is being rewritten in real time.
While most fans wanted this mega match to take place at SummerSlam, they will have to make do with a Night of Champions bout. While not certain, it indicates that Cena will retain the title, as such big title changes usually happen only on the ‘Big Four’ PLEs.
Fans call CM Punk a ‘hypocrite’
Let’s rewind for a second.
Back in January 2020, long before his WWE return, Punk unloaded on The Miz with one of the most nuclear lines ever dropped online:
“Go suck a blood money covered d**k in Saudi Arabia, you f*ing dork.”
It was loud. It was clear. Punk wanted no part of Saudi shows. He often spoke against these shows and stated that a partnership with Saudi Arabia was not good. But since his 2023 comeback, something’s shifted. In May 2025, he straight-up said he doesn’t hate coming to Saudi Arabia.
The recent announcement of The Voice of the Voiceless heading to Saudi Arabia for a match has met with major fan criticism, and he has been called out for being a hypocrite.
Punk Could’ve Said No — But Didn’t, As Per Dave Meltzer
According to Dave Meltzer, Punk had every chance to decline this match. WWE wasn’t going to strong-arm him into making the trip. But the straight-edge superstar? He’s been on board for months.
“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.”
He further added:
”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.” (H/t: Cultaholic)
Meltzer also noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that while mid-card talent often feel subtle pressure to make the trip, top guys like Punk don’t have to. If he didn’t want to go, he wouldn’t be going.
Punk vs Cena — One Last Time?
The last time these two icons clashed in a singles match was in February 2013.
Twelve years later, Cena’s chasing immortality. Punk’s chasing redemption. And the world will be watching — from Saudi Arabia — as two legends collide for the Undisputed Title.
Oh, and don’t forget:
The King and Queen of the Ring tournament finals also go down on June 28. But make no mistake — the main event will be Cena vs Punk.
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