CM Punk’s Saudi Arabia WWE Return Planned for Months Despite Past Criticism

CM Punk is set to compete at WWE’s Night of Champions event on June 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, despite previously slamming the company’s partnership with the country. Punk will challenge John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship. This move has sparked fan backlash over a now-deleted 2020 tweet where Punk told The Miz to “go suck a blood money covered d**k in Saudi Arabia.”

Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer reported that Punk’s participation in the Saudi event has been planned for months. Addressing questions about Punk’s stance, Meltzer explained that the wrestler had the option to skip the event but chose to go.

“He could not go to Saudi Arabia/Night of Champions if he really wanted to not go,” Meltzer said. “He was going months ago. I had already asked about that a couple of months ago when the show was first talked about, and he was in the original promo package, and then he was taken out of the promo package. And I asked, am I supposed to see when Seth Rollins replaced him in that promo package that he’s not going, and it’s like, ‘Nope, he’s going.’”

Punk’s past criticism, resurfaced by the deleted tweet, has fueled fan speculation about his decision. However, Meltzer noted that Punk’s commitment to the event has been consistent, suggesting any prior concerns have not impacted his participation.

“So it’s been known he’s going for months, probably all along. I don’t know if he ever voiced any issue with going at any point since he signed, but he hasn’t in months. I know that,” Meltzer concluded.

As Punk prepares to face Cena in a high-stakes title match, the event is drawing significant attention. The showdown not only features two wrestling legends but also places Punk at the center of scrutiny regarding WWE’s Saudi Arabia events. Whether this reflects a shift in Punk’s views or a professional commitment remains a point of debate among fans.

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