Report: Update on CM Punk’s WrestleMania 40 status

CM Punk has spoken about his role at WrestleMania. Following his unexpected return at Survivor Series, many believed that Punk’s first Mania battle in nearly a decade would be memorable. With Punk previously expressing a desire to headline The Show of Shows, many expected him to do it in 2024, most likely against World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.

Unfortunately, CM Punk’s hopes of headlining the event were dashed during the Royal Rumble when the former World Champion sustained a torn tricep during the bout. Due to surgery, Punk announced that he will be unable to compete in Philadelphia. Despite the injuries, Punk will still appear at Lincoln Financial Field in April.

CM Punk will “be there” at WrestleMania 40

A video package airing during the March 18th Raw episode provided fans with an update on Punk’s rehabilitation journey. The former World Champion observed that Mania is in Philadelphia, and the persona’s creator, Phil Brooks, shares his name with the city:

Punk said, “WrestleMania is in Philadelphia. What are the first four letters in Philadelphia? Phil…whether or not I’m invited, it never matters to CM Punk, he’ll be there.”

Punk was going to main event WrestleMania if it wasn’t for the injury

CM Punk’s long-awaited comeback to WWE was interrupted by a torn triceps sustained in the men’s Royal Rumble match last month, which has far-reaching consequences for WrestleMania 40. Punk confirmed to Caroline Pearce of TNT Sports that he was scheduled to fight in one of the major events of the two-night spectacular on April 6-7.

“You know, fingers crossed, yeah, I was going to headline WrestleMania. Obviously, now I’m not. But, you know, it’s sports. It’s what happens to athletes. Mentally, I think it’s harder because the physical pain is whatever. But I look at it just like a bump in the road. This is an occupational hazard. It happens and I’ll be back bigger and better. I’m a clumsy idiot. I tore my left triceps about two years ago, so the right one was jealous.” (h/t Steve Carrier of Ringside News)

Punk went on to give the preliminary schedule for his rehabilitation, stating that his main priority is to get well and that he does not intend to hurry his return to the ring. With Punk unavailable for WrestleMania 40, WWE has resorted to The Rock to lend star power to the flagship event. It looks that he will be in the corner of WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, who will defend his title against 2024 Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes in the main event for the second consecutive year.

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