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CM Punk Sets Record Straight On Saudi Arabia "Hate" Ahead Of WWE Night Of Champions

Has CM Punk left the door open for an appearance at WWE Night of Champions next month in Saudi Arabia?
Rick Ucchino|
Will CM Punk work Night of Champions?
Will CM Punk work Night of Champions? | WWE.com

The working relationship between WWE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a controversial one dating back to the very first show a decade ago, and one of the company's biggest stars (and believed critics of the deal) may soon make his Saudi debut.

CM Punk has only been around for the last year and a half of this partnership, but he's yet to appear on any of the Saudi Arabia Premium Live Events since he's been back in WWE.

It's long been the belief that Punk was opposed to working the Saudi shows, but many fans have been left wondering if he has changed his tune after being briefly featured in the promotional video for WWE Night of Champions coming up next month in Riyadh.

During a recent Instagram live session, Punk was asked by someone in the chat about his hatred of traveling to Saudi Arabia. His response was short and to the point.

"I don't hate coming to Saudi, I've never been to Saudi."
CM Punk on Instagram

An appearance in a promotional video is hardly a firm confirmation that Punk can be expected at Night of Champions, but it certainly seems as though that door has been left open.

With Saturday Night's Main Event and Money in the Bank still ahead on the calendar, it's impossible to tell where the company will be - creatively speaking - once June 28 rolls around. Punk is just as likely to be in the main event as he is to miss the show entirely.

If Punk does continue his streak of missing out on Saudi Arabia Premium Live Events, his status for the start of WrestleMania season next year will be extremely interesting to monitor. Riyadh is set to host the 2026 Royal Rumble this coming January.

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Rick Ucchino
RICK UCCHINO

Rick Ucchino is the Assistant Editor & Content Coordinator for The Takedown on SI. He also works full-time for 700WLW Radio in Cincinnati, Ohio as a local news and sports anchor, in addition to his time covering the Cincinnati Bengals for Sirius XM. Rick has been on the professional wrestling beat since 2019, having provided coverage for a number of outlets, including Fightful, SB Nation’s Cageside Seats and the Bleav Podcast Network. With an educational background in theater, creative writing and journalism, Rick focuses primarily on the storytelling aspect of pro wrestling, but he’s no stranger to the squared circle himself. He had the privilege of training with former WWE & WCW cruiserweight Jimmy Wang Yang for nearly two years and retired early due to back issues with a perfect 1-0 record in singles competition. Rick is a married father of two incredibly adorable children, who are budding pro wrestling fans themselves. Much to the chagrin of their mother. You can reach Rick at rwucchino@gmail.com

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