A promotional trailer released in early May for WWE’s upcoming Night of Champions premium live event has ignited significant discussion and some criticism among wrestling fans due to the inclusion of superstar CM Punk. The event is scheduled to occur in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 28, 2025.
The brief appearance of Punk in the promotional video immediately caught the attention of the fans, largely because of his well-documented past criticisms of WWE’s business partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Before his return to WWE in late 2023, Punk was an outspoken critic of these international events.
In 2020, while responding to The Miz’s then-upcoming participation in a WWE event in Saudi Arabia, Punk made strong comments on social media, employing terms like “blood money” to describe the deal. Punk had also previously stated on record that he would “never go” to these events.
Miz later revealed Punk apologized for the tweet. As of now, WWE has not officially confirmed whether CM Punk will wrestle or appear at the Night of Champions event in Riyadh.
Punk was asked during an Instagram Live whether he hates Saudi Arabia. He responded, “I’ve never been to Saudi, I don’t hate coming to Saudi.”
CM Punk says he does not hate coming to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 (IG Live)
I’m glad he finally realized because Saudi Fans didn’t do anything wrong.pic.twitter.com/ojESNOn3Vi
— Pro Wrestling Dome (@pwd_offl) May 15, 2025
