The main event of SummerSlam is now set, as CM Punk will challenge Gunther for the World Championship. The Second City Saint secured his opportunity during the July 14 episode of WWE RAW, emerging victorious from a grueling five-man Gauntlet match.
The contest served as a showcase for Bron Breakker, who entered first and established immediate dominance. He made quick work of his first opponent, Penta, before overpowering LA Knight to advance through the initial rounds. Breakker’s momentum continued in a physical confrontation with Jey Uso. Despite a valiant effort from Uso, Breakker’s power proved to be the deciding factor, making him the iron man of the match as he advanced to the final stage.
His prize was a showdown with a relatively fresh CM Punk, who entered the match last. Despite his fatigue, Breakker fought on, but the dynamic shifted with an attempted interference from Bronson Reed. Punk fought off the distraction and capitalized on the moment, connecting with the GTS on Breakker to pin him and win the match. The victory came in Punk’s second-ever Gauntlet match appearance on WWE RAW, with his first taking place in 2011.
Following the match, Gunther appeared for a tense staredown with his new challenger, giving a preview of their upcoming title bout. The moment was cut short when Breakker and Reed launched a post-match assault on a celebrating Punk and his ally, Jey Uso.
Just as the duo was about to inflict more damage, the show concluded with a major surprise. Roman Reigns made his long-awaited return to WWE, storming the ring to clear out both Breakker and Reed, standing tall alongside Punk and Uso as the broadcast ended.