CM Punk has shared a tribute on his Instagram account dedicated to one of his most storied rivals, John Cena. The post reflects on their legendary feud, which defined an era of professional wrestling, and offers a final “thank you” as Cena’s in-ring career comes to a close.
The post from Punk was both respectful and reflective, acknowledging the depth of their history.
“Thank you for the stories, the memories, the lessons,” Punk wrote. “Thank you for the competition. The rivalries, and the teamwork alike. Side by side. The view changes. Thank you for the house.”
A Legendary Rivalry
Punk and Cena’s rivalry is widely regarded as one of the most important feuds of the modern era. It memorably blurred the lines between story and reality, ignited by Punk’s famous “Pipe Bomb” promo in 2011, which was tied to his real-life contract negotiations.
Their main event match at Money in the Bank 2011 in Punk’s hometown of Chicago is considered an all-time classic. The feud was a creative and commercial high point for WWE, creating a “Summer of Punk” that captivated the wrestling world and elevated both men.
This heartfelt message comes as Cena prepares for his final match. The 17-time world champion is set to retire at the Saturday Night’s Main Event premium live event on December 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C. His opponent will be the winner of the ongoing “The Last Time is Now” tournament.
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