Why WWE Isn’t Asking CM Punk to Work Saudi Arabian Events

WWE made headlines after announcing that the 2026 Royal Rumble will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, fans noticed that CM Punk wasn’t featured in the promotional video for the upcoming event and now it appears there was a reason for that as WWE won’t be asking Punk to be part of any Saudi Arabian shows.

While speaking during the Fightful Select’s Backstage Report, Sean Ross Sapp was asked about CM Punk’s absence from the 2026 Royal Rumble promotional video. Sapp reported that WWE will not be asking CM Punk to participate in Saudi Arabian shows.

Sapp mentioned that while it is uncertain if Punk will eventually agree to work those events, it seems likely that the company has decided to exclude him from those appearances. This decision could align with Punk’s personal priorities, which might make this an important matter for him.

“I was told they won’t be asking him to work Saudi shows. Whether or not he eventually does, I don’t know. But it’d be very easy to write him off for that. And yeah, I would imagine that’s something that’s very important to him.”

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CM Punk’s stance on WWE working with Saudi Arabia came to light back in 2020. The Miz appeared on WWE Backstage back in early 2020, where he had a few choice words for CM Punk. This led to a response from the Second City Savior where he said: “Go suck a blood money covered d*** in Saudi Arabia you f******* dork.” 

Many fans were outraged over WWE’s decision to hold the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia as well. Regardless, fans should accept the fact that CM Punk might not compete at any future Saudi Arabia show, especially the 2026 Royal Rumble and that may never change.

Do you agree with WWE’s decision to not ask CM Punk to appear on the Saudi Arabian shows? Should Punk set aside his personal stance for these high-profile events, or is his decision to stand firm admirable? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.

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