The Undisputed WWE Championship will be on the line when John Cena meets CM Punk at Night of Champions on June 28 in Saudi Arabia. This high-stakes match was set up when Punk confronted the champion during the June 9 episode of WWE RAW, delivering a verbal challenge that Cena subsequently accepted.
Cena currently holds the title he won from Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, having since defended it successfully against Randy Orton. His upcoming defense against Punk marks a collision between two of WWE’s most iconic rivals during Cena’s ongoing farewell tour, which will conclude with his retirement in 2025.
The event’s stakes intensify with the simultaneous King of the Ring tournament finals, where Orton will face either Rhodes or Jey Uso. A victory would grant Orton a future title shot at SummerSlam, while a loss could potentially trigger interference in the championship match. This scenario creates the possibility of Orton costing Cena the title against Punk, potentially facilitating a double turn where Cena would revert to a fan-favorite role while Orton embraces villainy.
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The Night of Champions bout represents a significant chapter in Cena’s final year of competition, which has seen him transition to a villainous character following his shocking alignment with The Rock at Elimination Chamber. His current reign as Undisputed WWE Champion has included high-profile feuds with Rhodes and Uso, along with a recent attack on Punk during the June 20 SmackDown that saw him mock Punk’s famous “pipebomb” promo.
Cena’s remaining schedule includes 18 announced appearances before his retirement, with Night of Champions standing as one of the final major title defenses of his career. The event will also mark Punk’s first WWE championship opportunity since his return to the company.
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