CM Punk entered the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble Match as a favorite but saw his hopes dashed when Logan Paul eliminated him from the 30-man contest. During an appearance on ESPN’s Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast, Punk reflected on this outcome and its potential narrative implications.
Early in my career, I would say yes. Now, I’m actually more inclined to pitch me losing things. Because I think there’s a broader story to tell. Oh, hundred percent, it’s all about the chase. The most recent example I can give you is Cody losing to Roman at WrestleMania 39. That was Cody’s time. He loses in the main event. He spends the entire year as a redemption arc, and he chases the title, and he wins it at 40.
The veteran competitor drew parallels to Cody Rhodes’s journey from WrestleMania 39 to the present, highlighting how defeat can strengthen a character’s narrative path.