CM Punk addresses possibility of following in John Cena’s footsteps with potential WWE retirement tour
(Courtesy : Getty)
The Second City Saint is set to defend the World title in his home town Chicago.
Although ‘The Second City Saint’ CM Punk is in the midst of a remarkable run as World Heavyweight Champion, consistently turning back top-tier challengers, time is inevitably a factor.
With several of his longtime peers in WWE already either stepping away from the ring or considering doing so, conversations about how much longer he plans to compete have naturally begun to surface, making the topic of his eventual retirement increasingly relevant.
During a recent appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Punk discussed a wide range of subjects, among them the idea of eventually embarking on a retirement tour.
CM Punk feels the time for retirement has not arrived yet
When asked about a potential retirement tour, CM Punk explained that such tours are a major tradition in Japanese wrestling but remain a relatively new concept for Western audiences. The World Champion also praised John Cena’s retirement tour as a noteworthy example.
“I really don’t know. I think it’s big in Japanese culture – Japanese wrestling, the retirement tour… like when Muta retired, they did it. They were just like, ‘Here’s a big dome show, here’s all these shows.’ They’ve done that over there for many, many years.
It was just new to Western wrestling fans. So Cena did it, and I thought it was brilliant. [To] say, ‘This is the last time you’re going to get to come see me, you get to see me put my boots on and wrestle or appear.’ With me? I really don’t know.”
Speaking further on his own plans, Punk admitted that he isn’t ready to consider retirement yet, emphasizing that he wants to stay active as he is currently doing the best work of his career.
“I almost don’t like talking about it because I don’t think it’s going to be anytime soon. And the way our business is, I like to keep some things shrouded in secrecy and mystery.
So we’ll have to wait and see. I’m just trying to keep myself in one piece because I think I’m on the run of my life and doing the best work I’ve ever done. Why would I want to step away now?”
[H/T: 411Mania.com]
A title defense before WrestleMania
The World Heavyweight Champion is set to take on ‘The OTC’ Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42. The match was set after Reigns won the 2026 men’s Royal Rumble match and picked Punk as his opponent for the ‘Grandest Stage.’
However, before his defense at Mania, CM Punk is set for a rematch against Finn Balor in Chicago. The title is on line for the second meeting between the two after Punk retained in their first clash back in January.
The two will lock horns at the 2026 Elimination Chamber, set for February 28 and airing live from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Apart from the World title showdown, AJ Lee is also set to take on Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, with the title on the line.
When and where will the Elimination Chamber 2026 take place?
Elimination Chamber is scheduled for February 28, 2026, and will take place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Is CM Punk planning on retirement?
No, on the contrary, CM Punk wants to stay active as he is currently doing the best work of his career.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.