The iconic rivalry between CM Punk and John Cena has reached its definitive conclusion. In a recent interview with ComicBook Nation, Punk confirmed that their match last month was the last time the two will ever share a ring, bringing an end to one of WWE’s most storied feuds.
The discussion arose as Punk reflected on their program leading up to Night of Champions, where he notably mimicked Cena’s “Doctor of Thuganomics” gimmick. Punk explained that the emotional weight of their final encounter motivated him to create a memorable build.
“That entire week was pretty emotional for me, being the last time I was going to get to share a ring with John Cena, and I wanted to make it special and memorable,” he said.
That final chapter took place at Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 28. The match was framed by Cena’s ongoing retirement tour, which saw him adopt a heel persona with the goal of “ruining wrestling” by leaving the sport as the Undisputed WWE Champion. CM Punk positioned himself as the hero aiming to stop him, but John Cena ultimately won the contest, retaining his title.
With Cena’s retirement planned for the end of the year, Punk’s statement solidifies that match as their last.
Since that event, both competitors have moved onto separate, high-stakes paths heading toward SummerSlam. On the July 14 episode of WWE RAW, CM Punk won a Gauntlet Match to become the number one contender for Gunther’s World Heavyweight Championship.
Meanwhile, John Cena has been embroiled in a violent feud with Cody Rhodes. During a chaotic contract signing on the July 18 edition of SmackDown, Rhodes attacked the champion and forced him to sign a contract for a Street Fight at SummerSlam. The divergent storylines for both men underscore that the book on the Cena-Punk rivalry is now officially closed.