25 Worst Wrestling Moments Of 2025
7. John Cena Vs CM Punk
The long-awaited final showdown between John Cena and CM Punk was theoretically a nailed-on match of the year and at very least a promotional highlight for the market leader.
Simultaneously a nostalgic callback for longtime fans who remembered their legendary battles and a fresh spectacle thanks to the dynamic switch between the two, this was a can't-miss that was somehow fired wide. Running the match in Saudi Arabia guaranteed controversy, especially considering Punk’s past criticisms of working there. Any story they tried to tell was doomed to be overshadowed by the perception that Punk was being forced to swallow his words, not least when Cena alluded to it, going as close to the line as he could without threatening the existing business relationship.
Even without the geographic complications, the creative direction was - in keeping with Cena's heel run in general - a clunky mess. Punk seemed begrudgingly at peace with his lot, as if chasing 'The Champ' was worth more than the various principles he once condemned. In response, Cena’s knackered and insincere recreation of Punk’s iconic 'Pipe Bomb' promo suffered from naff delivery and the preposterous sight of Punk selling a table bump for around five minutes while he got the words out. The 'Punk Life' response from the 'Voice Of The Voiceless' a week later spoke to a man who could neither check out nor lock in.
The match itself was something of an over-delivery, but it shouldn't have been given such a low bar to clear.