Tonight’s episode of WWE Monday Night Raw kicked off with an in-ring confrontation between the World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther, and his SummerSlam challenger, CM Punk. The two competitors addressed the crowd and each other, laying out the stakes for their upcoming championship match.
CM Punk States His Intentions
CM Punk began the segment by addressing the Houston crowd. He stated that upon his return to WWE, he had two primary goals: to main event WrestleMania and to become a world champion. He acknowledged that the latter goal has remained unfulfilled due to personal rivalries that have sidetracked him.
Punk then turned his attention to his SummerSlam opponent. He referred to Gunther as one of the best wrestlers in the world and a “beast” for whom he has had little time to prepare. Punk noted Gunther’s historic 666-day reign as Intercontinental Champion and his current second run with the world title. Despite the odds, Punk asserted that he has been training his entire life for this opportunity and that he is not just any challenger, but is in fact, “the best in the world.”
Has Gunther met his match?
We'll find out at SummerSlam! pic.twitter.com/J3xtCu7EJ0— WWE (@WWE) July 22, 2025
Gunther’s Cold Rebuttal
Gunther then interrupted the promo, making his way to the stage. After a tense staredown, the champion addressed Punk’s claims with a cold and calculated demeanor. He stated that both men were in WWE for the same reasons: to make money and win championships. He agreed that both he and Punk possess massive egos, but he argued that his own ego is justified by his numerous accolades and championships.
In contrast, Gunther claimed that Punk’s ego is entirely based on the validation he receives from the fans. “The Ring General” concluded with a promise for their match at SummerSlam. He vowed to make Punk regret ever stepping into a wrestling ring and that he would dominate him so thoroughly that Punk would realize he will never again be a world champion. Gunther stated that the only thing Punk would have left for the rest of his life is the fans chanting his name.
The segment ended with Gunther leaving the ring as a defiant CM Punk watched on. The World Heavyweight Championship match between Gunther and CM Punk will be one of the main events of the two-night SummerSlam premium live event, which takes place on August 2 and 3 from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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