CM Punk

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

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Becky Lynch's Return Plans for Raw on Netflix Scrapped

WWE fans who were hoping to see Becky Lynch make her long-awaited return during the premiere of Monday Night Raw on Netflix were left disappointed when The Man didn't show up.

A new report from Bodyslam (h/t Steve Carrier of Ringside News) revealed the reason Lynch was left off the show. Lynch was reportedly in Los Angeles for the premiere event and was expected to make an appearance during the Women's World Championship match that saw Rhea Ripley defeat Liv Morgan to win the title.

However, the plans for Lynch's return were scrapped to make room for an appearance by WWE legend The Undertaker, who celebrated with Ripley after her victory in a passing-of-the-torch moment:

MAMI x UNDERTAKER#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/kC54ArwLSb

— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025

Lynch's last appearance in WWE was during the May 27 episode of Raw when she lost to Morgan in a steel cage match for the Women's World Championship. It was reported that he contract with the company expired on June 1 and she became a free agent.

After her hiatus, it appears Lynch was able to reach a new agreement with WWE. The report from Bodyslam added that despite her scrapped return plans for the premiere of Raw on Netflix, she's still expected to be back on WWE programming soon. She will likely play a major role in the buildup to WrestleMania 41.

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WWE 2K25 Teased During Raw on Netflix

Fans of WWE's famed 2K video game series got a taste of the next installment during the premiere episode of Monday Night Raw on Netflix.

After Roman Reigns defeated Solo Sikoa in a Tribal Combat match, he was seen talking with Paul Heyman backstage. He told Heyman that he'd celebrate his victory on Jan. 27 before entering a room with the WWE 2K25 logo on the door:

👀#WWE2K25 #RawOnNetflix #WWERaw
Add it to your Wishlist now on Xbox, PlayStation, & Steam!https://t.co/quca4Is1IQ pic.twitter.com/oX8eV2tPJY

— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025

While a release date has yet to be revealed, WWE announced that more details about WWE 2K25 will be unveiled the day after Reigns' celebration.

"WWE 2K returns bigger, bolder, and better than ever in a breakthrough year for the franchise! WWE 2K25 is preparing to charge down the ramp with all the authenticity and action fans love from the best in sports entertainment," a release stated. "Discover game-changing features, iconic Superstars, and more details on January 28th, 2025."

Following the logo reveal on Raw, WWE and Xbox provided a first look at the gameplay with some images on social media:

No better way to celebrate the debut of #RAWonNetflix than with a special first look at #WWE2K25 pic.twitter.com/yEaLXH2Wx4

— Xbox (@Xbox) January 7, 2025

The Real Role Model 💫 #FirstLook #WWE2K25 #RawOnNetflix @itsBayleyWWE pic.twitter.com/pDlfJJJUe3

— #WWE2K25 (@WWEgames) January 7, 2025

WWE 2K25 is available to add to your wishlist via PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store. The game will be able to be played on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam).

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CM Punk Teases Rematches vs. John Cena and The Rock

CM Punk defeated Seth Rollins in the main event of Monday Night Raw's premiere on Netflix, and he already has his eyes set on potential future opponents.

After emerging victorious in his first match on Raw in over a decade, Punk was asked during the post-show press conference about his interest in facing former rivals John Cena or The Rock again, and he said he would welcome the opportunity to share the ring with both of them again.

"I think I want gold around my waist, but both of those names come with big, fat paychecks, so I'm not gonna say no to it," Punk said (h/t H. Jenkins of Ringside News). "It could be interesting. I wouldn't say no to it. I mean, to the big, high-pressure money situations—that's when I come alive. I think I owe The Rock, I definitely owe John. I passed John Cena in the hallway. He looked a little tired. I think he needs to go to sleep."

Punk's win against Rollins indicates that he will be in the main-event picture going forward as WrestleMania 41 draws nearer.

CM PUNK delivered on the 🔥🎤! pic.twitter.com/aEn3nz8y8I

— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025

Both Cena and The Rock made appearances during the star-studded premiere event. Cena is embarking on his retirement tour this year, so it's not out of the realm of possibility for him and Punk to cross paths again.

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CM Punk defeated Seth Rollins in a grudge match on the first episode of WWE Raw on Netflix on Monday night.

A WINNER IS PUNK#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/oJFFmZG8cz

— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025

The two certainly battled with demons driving their actions, taking the match all over the arena in an attempt to gain an edge.

Rollins delivered a devastating pedigree on the announcer's desk before dragging Punk back into the ring and hitting him with another pedigree. Just when it seemed like the end for Punk, he kicked out just before the three count.

🗣️ LET'S GO ROLL-INS!
🗣️ CM PUNK!#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/KvnaxFSw5U

— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025

Rollins followed up with a crushing curb stomp on a battered Punk, seemingly sealing the match. However, Rollins misjudged his distance to the ropes, allowing Punk to place his leg on the bottom rope and break the count.

Out of nowhere, Punk delivered back-to-back GTS finishers, knocking out Rollins and securing the victory via pinfall.

GO TO SLEEP @CMPunk #RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/E01b96f9EQ

— Netflix (@netflix) January 7, 2025

Monday's bout was a long time coming, as it was clear from the time that Punk returned to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 that Rollins had an issue with him and wanted to get his hands on him.

All signs pointed toward a match between Punk and Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship happening at WrestleMania 40, but Punk got injured during the 2024 men's Royal Rumble match, which caused him to miss multiple months.

While Punk was out of action, he began feuding with Drew McIntyre, and he went on to have a trio of matches against McIntyre once he returned.

Punk returned to the ring at Survivor Series 2024 by teaming with Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso and Sami Zayn in a WarGames match, defeating the new Bloodline.

Zayn initially tried to recruit Rollins for the WarGames team, but Rollins turned him down due to his disdain for Reigns. Rollins then seemed to take issue with Punk agreeing to help Reigns out.

Rollins and Punk engaged in a war of words on multiple occasions, both on Raw and during the press conference to promote Raw's move to Netflix.

The Visionary criticized Punk for leaving WWE in 2014 and for trying to take some level of credit for WWE's success since he was among the company's top stars while Punk was out of the picture for nearly a decade.

Rollins also called Punk a "bootlicker," leading to the adversaries coming to blows in a wild brawl through the crowd on a recent episode of Raw.

Raw general manager Adam Pearce made a match between them official for Raw's Netflix debut, and although Punk was victorious, the rivalry is likely far from over.

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Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

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Cody Rhodes Could Lose WWE Championship in 2025; CM Punk Among Potential Opponents

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has looked dominant in his title run so far, but he reportedly could be in for some adversity soon.

According to a recent report from WrestleVotes (h/t Steve Carrier of Ringside News), Rhodes is expected to lose his title "at some point in 2025," depending on the company's creative plans. There reportedly isn't yet an exact date for Rhodes to drop the belt, but WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas on April 19-20 is being eyed as a potential "turning point."

To make things even more exciting, WWE is reportedly eyeing a star-studded list of potential opponents for Rhodes in Sin City, including CM Punk, Roman Reigns, John Cena and even The Rock.

Punk, in particular, is reportedly a Superstar the company wants to be involved in one of the two world title matches at WrestleMania 41. Also, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque and other top brass are reportedly "very high" on Drew McIntyre as the successor to Rhodes' reign.

Rhodes has held his title since defeating Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 40 this past spring. He most recently feuded with Kevin Owens and defeated him at Saturday Night's Main Event to retain his title earlier this month.

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Matt Cardona's AEW Future Uncertain

Former WWE Superstar Matt Cardona has been flirting with AEW for the past few weeks, but it doesn't sound like he will be added to the roster anytime soon.

During a recent episode of Fightful Select's podcast, Sean Ross Sapp revealed that Cardona isn't currently signed to AEW and isn't expected to sign a contract with the company anytime soon.

"There have been rumors that he has been offered a contract, but I don't know if that is to be true or whatever the case may be there," Sapp said (h/t Steve Carrier of Ringside News). "He has told people he wasn't signed and wasn't signing as of now with AEW. The details on that are very few and far between."

Cardona, who competed in WWE as Zack Ryder, has been a mainstay on the independent circuit for the past few years. When someone suggested that his status with GCW was preventing him from joining AEW, Sapp refuted that notion as well.

"Well, not necessarily. Cardona is not under a GCW contract; in fact, nobody is," Sapp said. "They kind of offered an honorary one to Nick Gage, but now that partnership has dissolved."

Cardona made some appearances in AEW and feuded with Chris Jericho and he also appeared in Ring of Honor, leading many to believe that he was on the verge of becoming a permanent addition to the company. However, it appears that the 39-year-old is not ready to be locked up with a contract just yet.

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WWE's Maxxine Dupri Engaged

WWE Superstar Maxxine Dupri has been a rising star on Monday Night Raw as part of the Alpha Academy, and while she's still working to improve her performance in the ring, she has a new ring to focus on for now.

Dupri took to Instagram to announce her engagement to NXT talent Anthony Luke with a series of photos showing off her sparkling new ring and the caption, "Status: Forever."

Maxxine Dupri and Anthony Luke announce their engagement 💍 pic.twitter.com/HRgENwQJrv

— WrestlingWorldCC (@WrestlingWCC) December 24, 2024

Per Felix Upton of Ringside News, Luke has been working live shows for NXT in preparation for his eventual television debut. Sean Reuter of Cageside Seats added that he played collegiate football at San Diego State University and spent time with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League before signing with WWE earlier this year

Dupri has become a fan-favorite as the valet for Alpha Academy's Otis and Akira Tozawa. Her patented reverse worm has given her a signature move that's endeared her to the WWE Universe.

Prior to joining WWE, Dupri worked as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Rams and a dancer for the Phoenix Suns.

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The idea of Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk at WrestleMania 41 has been gaining steam in recent weeks, if not months.

Fans see it, no doubt. Paul Heyman is back and right in the middle of those two, plotting and scheming while Reigns navigates the Bloodline saga and Punk deals with the likes of Seth Rollins.

One can do some simple reading between the lines to see that WWE is working hard to keep all of its options open. One of the benefits of the long-form storytelling and character work that defines the Triple H era is that the seeds planted now can have instant payoffs—or even years down the line.

Flexibility seems to be the theme, too, with Fightful Select (h/t Steve Carrier of Ringside News) reporting that a Punk-Reigns feud is a "drastically different direction than what had been planned," but that part of the problem is the question mark around The Rock's status for 'Mania.

So how does one book Reigns and Punk headlining a night of WrestleMania?

There are an almost overwhelming number of moving parts and possibilities. But at its most basic? Punk helped Reigns at Survivor Series via Heyman, who now owes the Best in the World a favor. Reigns was very clearly uncomfortable with not knowing what was going on, yet here we are.

Maybe the "favor" is the Original Tribal Chief being required to help Punk during a future match with Rollins. Or maybe it's to help him win Gunther's world title. In fact, WWE might want a world title on this feud, so Reigns throwing interference to put a title around Punk's waist would still make Gunther look strong in a loss—before he turns around and says he wants to take what he helped Punk win.

That's all pretty compelling stuff and would give fans a needed breather from Bloodline storylines in the main event scene.

But it doesn't have to end Bloodline stuff for good, either.

Maybe Reigns and Punk headlining a 'Mania is the perfect opportunity to have Solo Sikoa's faction self-combust and he gets a headline match with Jacob Fatu.

WWE could go simpler, too, having Sikoa's faction take on The Usos and Sami Zayn on a big stage. It would feel like filler perhaps, but a big turn or storytelling implication that sets up the next "season" of programming after 'Mania could make it work.

While WWE probably shouldn't rely on this too much annually, Reigns could also pull double duty at 'Mania. One night, he's in a Bloodline tag match, the next, he's in the match with Punk.

There is the Rock fact to ponder. Reigns-Rock might be more appealing (ok, it definitely is), but Rock and Cody Rhodes having a match is a story the company needs to wrap up, too.

Granted, this eats up a lot of other interesting opportunities. It potentially leaves Rhodes searching for something to do (although a feud with a heel Randy Orton would be amazing). It boxes out Rollins from a major program and perhaps main event yet again. And it also might leave the returning John Cena in a weird spot, considering his retirement tour is about to unfold.

Still, it's hard to blame WWE for opening the door and keeping it ajar—a match like Punk vs. Reigns doesn't make itself available, pretty much ever. Strike while both guys are still in their prime and healthy, right?

WWE can take its methodical time with the feud, too. Like with Rollins, at least from the perspective of fans, there's a little real-world tension to Reigns vs. Punk. The two go way, way back, and Punk happened to mention him a few times on a certain infamous podcast episode after he had left WWE.

Play into that, what Reigns has become since Punk left and where they're at now—never mind both are Paul Heyman guys—and well, there aren't many better reality-blending feuds out there as options.

For wrestling fans, this is a good problem to have. WWE picking from the best of a handful of amazing possible matches, no matter how predictable, is a good thing. That they have real-world tension built into them already and layered storytelling so that they don't feel random is even better.

If nothing else, WWE deserves a tip of the hat for planning ahead and giving itself options. It sure beats the tar out of last year when Rhodes won the rumble, then inexplicably decided to hand his main event to a part-timer—before otherworldly fan backlash.

Should this be the route, Reigns somehow being involved in Punk winning Gunther's title, then going after him would make for a really fun ride. It's merely a side quest of sorts before he gets back to Bloodline business and Punk goes and deals with other matters, sure.

The fact a "sidequest" like this could main event 'Mania, though, really speaks to the talent of the Superstars involved and just how great pro wrestling fans have it right now.

Given the uncertainty of The Rock's status for WrestleMania, WWE has an alternative plan in place for Roman Reigns on the biggest show of the year.

Per Fightful Select (h/t Steve Carrier of Ringside News), WWE has "adjusted" WrestleMania plans for the possibility of a Reigns vs. CM Punk match on the show:

"We'd heard a number of weeks ago that this wasn't particularly the plan, but had been adjusted of late. We're told that CM Punk had also hoped for the match. ... We're told that this is a drastically different direction than what had been planned for both talent even a couple of months ago, none of which involved the Rock. It was noted to us that if The Rock informs WWE of involvement in WrestleMania, much of the card could change, including this."

WWE is "keeping its options open" in the event The Rock's schedule lines up for him to take part in the show. There have been reports for some time that the Great One is not currently planning to be involved at WrestleMania.

There have been hints that WWE could be building toward a Reigns-Punk match at some point. They were on the same side in the main event at Survivor Series: WarGames, with their team beating the Bloodline when all five members of their squad hit Solo Sikoa with their finishing moves. Reigns pinned Sikoa to get the win for his team.

Despite being teammates in the match, there was some dissension early when Reigns prevented Punk from entering and ordering Sami Zayn to go in. They did come to a mutual respect at the end of the bout by shaking hands.

Paul Heyman would figure to be a huge part of any feud between Punk and Reigns. CM Punk has said he only took part in the WarGames match as a favor to Heyman, who now owes him a "favor."

Rock's entire situation is odd right now. He made a random cameo at the end of Bad Blood following Reigns and Cody Rhodes defeating Sikoa and Jacob Fatu, but there has been no follow-up to that at all thus far.

Prior to that, Rock's last appearance on television was the Raw after WrestleMania when he teased a match with Rhodes. The Bloodline angle makes sense for him to challenge Reigns at some point, but the entire timeline has been jumbled along the way.

If Rock were to take part in WrestleMania, it wouldn't be a surprise if Punk were swapped into a title match against either Rhodes or Gunter. Rhodes would be the bigger match of the two, but Gunther would be elevated into a more prominent position by working with Punk on the marquee show of the year.

All of these questions could start to get answered when Raw debuts on Netflix on Jan. 6. Reigns is wrestling Sikoa for the Ula Fala in a Tribal Combat match. If The Rock interferes in that bout, it could be a strong indication he will be at WrestleMania.

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