A major championship encounter has been scheduled for Night of Champions on June 28, after CM Punk confronted Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena during the opening segment of this past Monday’s episode of WWE RAW. The heated exchange in Phoenix, Arizona, concluded with Cena accepting Punk’s challenge for a title match, which was immediately overshadowed by the presence of Seth Rollins, who appeared holding his Money in the Bank briefcase.
Cena kicked off the broadcast in a sour mood, a direct consequence of the events at Money in the Bank just two nights earlier. At that event, Cena participated in what was billed as his final match at the premium live event, teaming with Logan Paul against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. The partnership between Cena and Paul disintegrated during the match due to their clashing egos, leading to a shouting match that gave their opponents an opening. The situation was compounded by the shocking return of R-Truth, who emerged from the crowd just six days after his announced WWE release to interfere and ultimately cause Cena to be pinned by Rhodes.
Still fuming, Cena directed his anger at the audience in Phoenix, stating that the events at Money in the Bank proved “the truth is a lie.” He belittled the fans for their “we want Truth” chants, calling them “keyboard warriors” with no real influence. Cena dismissed R-Truth as a gimmick that fans would forget within a year, criticizing Ron Killings for building a career by mimicking him. “Truth will never use me to fuel one of his garbage pity parties again,” Cena declared, before noting there are only 19 dates left on his retirement tour. He then urged the fans to send him a real competitor, not the “freaking class clown.”
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This prompted the arrival of CM Punk, who stated he was prepared to speak with his fists but would first ensure Cena heard everything he had to say. Punk proclaimed he wasn’t there to defend corporate interests but to once again be the “Voice of the Voiceless.” He acknowledged Cody Rhodes as the “best we got” but accused Cena of cheating to defeat him. As fans chanted, “You Sold Out,” Punk insisted the audience was his true boss.
"a sideshow comedian whose greatest achievement is pretending to be me" pic.twitter.com/sJa9T8GP7N
— WWE (@WWE) June 10, 2025
A Monster to Stop a Monster
CM Punk declared it was his job to deliver what the people desired, and if they wanted R-Truth, he would facilitate it, starting by taking the championship from Cena. He referenced their previous encounter at Elimination Chamber, reminding Cena that he had apologized for using underhanded tactics to win.
Punk then explained that winning the top title was never on his list of goals because he feared the person it would turn him into. “Now, I have realized I must become a monster to stop the monster that Cena has become,” he stated. Punk challenged Cena for a match immediately, but the champion countered. Cena agreed to the fight, but declared it would happen at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia on June 28. Before the segment could conclude, Seth Rollins appeared on the ramp, silently hoisting his briefcase to remind both men that his guaranteed title opportunity could alter their plans at any moment.
The storyline involving R-Truth has a basis in reality, as his WWE contract had legitimately expired. He was brought back following significant fan support, a move that was reportedly kept confidential from many within the company. This new angle places both Punk and Truth at the center of Cena’s farewell run. CM Punk’s last televised match was a Money in the Bank qualifier on June 2, where he was defeated by El Grande Americano in a triple threat match that also included AJ Styles.
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