After the cameras stopped rolling at WWE Night of Champions, CM Punk remained in the ring, clearly showing the effects of a physically demanding main event. Despite having difficulty getting to his feet, he took the time to circle the ringside area, where he greeted and conversed with fans in attendance.
The show of appreciation followed his loss to John Cena in a 26-minute battle for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The match, billed as the final chapter in their historic rivalry, was their first one-on-one encounter in over a decade and was filled with intense, back-and-forth action. Both men survived multiple finishers before a chaotic scene unfolded.
The conclusion saw interference from Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed, who attacked Punk and put him through an announce table. While Sami Zayn and Penta emerged to even the odds, the damage was done. Rollins ultimately struck Punk with the Money in the Bank briefcase, allowing Cena to secure the pinfall victory and continue his retirement tour as champion.
Punk’s post-show interaction was highlighted by a moment where he hugged a fan he had previously apologized to during the event’s kickoff show, an act that resonated with the live crowd. His conduct underscored later comments from WWE CCO Triple H, who stated he was “incredibly proud” to have watched Punk’s growth as a human being. The non-clean finish protects Punk moving forward, while his actions after the bell provided a memorable moment for those in Riyadh.