CM Punk Teaches John Cena About ‘Punkanomics’ With Epic Promo

CM Punk showed John Cena that he’s not untouchable.

This week’s episode of SmackDown took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ahead of WWE Night Of Champions. Earlier in the day, CM Punk appeared at the kickoff show, which included him apologizing to Saudi Arabia for his infamous “blood money” dig at The Miz. During his appearance, Punk also teased doing things differently, noting that he wasn’t just going to try and create a better “pipe bomb” promo.

Fans soon found out what that meant, as Cena and Punk took center stage during the main event of SmackDown. John Cena came to the ring and talked about having Punk’s number and that Night Of Champions was just a formality. To everyone’s surprise, “Basic Thuganomics” cued up and the crowd went nuts.

OH MY GOD CM PUNK CAME OUT TO BASIC THUGANOMICS!!!

"YOU WANT TO TAKE MY GREATEST HITS BITCH? LET ME SHOW YOU HOW IT'S DONE!"#Smackdown pic.twitter.com/3qJsv8E33S
— Shine Forever ✨ (@Marigold_Ace) June 27, 2025

CM Punk left John Cena speechless

CM Punk came to the ring dressed like Cena did in his “Basic Thuganomics” phase. Punk says Cena ripped off his Pipe Bomb, so he’s doing the same. Punk said this is “Punkanomics” and took shots about Cena getting older and WWE hiring his ex, among other things.

Punk said Cena was like a “fishbelly Hulk Hogan, but more problematic.” Punk kept taking shots, much to the delight of the crowd.

“Get it in while you can. In six months, he’ll be gone, but I’ll still be here having fun. He won’t have time for you little people anymore, and we’re looking at a washed-up bum.”

Punk said Cena tried to steal the pipe bomb from him, so he was stealing ‘Word Life.’ Punk then closed with a great reference to the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake hip-hop battle.

“When it comes to Best In The World, I’m your vessel. Because millions chant my name, and at you, they chant ‘You Can’t Wrestle,’” CM Punk said. “John, there’s one more wish to make. Tomorrow night, you’re going to lose to Kendrick because bitch, you’re my Drake.”

CM Punk will challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship at Night Of Champions. Check out everything that went down on SmackDown here.