As WWE gears up for SummerSlam 2025, CM Punk has opened up in a recent interview about his highly anticipated World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther. The Second City Saint, who made a monumental return to WWE at Survivor Series: War Games last year and has since re-established himself among the promotion’s elite, highlighted Gunther as a standout talent and the “future of the business.” Alongside this praise, Punk named several high-profile WWE superstars with whom he hopes to share the ring before his in-ring career winds down.

Speaking on ComicBook Nation to promote his SummerSlam title opportunity, Punk acknowledged that time is limited in his wrestling journey but that he is determined to make the most of it. “Just being able to lace my boots and face him [Gunther] is more important to me than anything,” Punk explained. “The goal would be to win and that’s the cherry on top, but I’m surrounded every day by such talented people and I don’t think I’ll have the time to be able to work with all of them, especially to the extent that I want to.”

Among those Punk singled out were Gunther, who currently holds the World Heavyweight Championship and is widely regarded as one of WWE’s most imposing and technically proficient heels. Punk’s appreciation for Gunther’s abilities underscores why this matchup carries significant buzz heading into SummerSlam. “Gunther is on the top of the list and he’s a guy who I look at as the future of the business,” Punk said, emphasizing the champion’s role as a pillar for WWE’s next generation[2].

Beyond Gunther, CM Punk named an exciting roster of performers he wants to face in the ring, each representing a different style and generation within WWE’s evolving landscape. This roster includes powerhouse Bron Breakker, the experienced technical wizard Chad Gable, the dynamic Damian Priest, and several others, demonstrating Punk’s eagerness to create memorable bouts across WWE’s talent spectrum. “There’s all these guys I look at like, oh man I want to get in the ring with them, and I immediately start cooking up ideas,” Punk revealed[2].

This candid insight into CM Punk’s mindset reflects a strategic approach to his comeback run. Rather than rushing to collect titles indiscriminately, Punk appears focused on crafting high-quality matches with top stars while cementing his legacy during his remaining years in the ring. According to sources close to WWE, Punk’s recent performances and these comments have resonated backstage, where his blend of veteran savvy and passion continues to inspire younger talent.

The build toward SummerSlam has intensified, with WWE programming showcasing several verbal confrontations and promos between Punk and Gunther. Their rivalry has taken on a highly personal edge, emphasizing the clash between Punk’s rebellious babyface persona and Gunther’s ruthless heel dominance. Fans can expect a physically intense and psychologically charged championship contest on the grand stage of SummerSlam[4].

Meanwhile, industry insiders and wrestling analysts remain divided on Punk’s future as a champion. Wrestling veteran Vince Russo recently suggested that CM Punk turning heel could be a pivotal moment for his run, especially if he captures the undisputed title. Russo contends that a heel turn might better position Punk and maintain audience investment, particularly in major international venues[1]. However, Punk’s own comments indicate he remains focused on delivering in-ring excellence as a babyface, cherishing the opportunity to face premier opponents.

With his SummerSlam clash mere weeks away, CM Punk is poised to elevate not only his own status but also to spotlight a new generation of WWE superstars he regards as the future of the industry. As he prepares to challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship, fans and experts alike are eager to see if Punk’s blend of experience and ambition will culminate in capturing a world title for the first time since his return to WWE[2].

For further updates on CM Punk, Gunther, and SummerSlam 2025, stay tuned to WWE.com and follow official WWE programming across streaming platforms and social media.

Sources: Interview on ComicBook Nation (Transcribed by Wrestling Inc.), WWE Raw highlights, analysis from Sportskeeda, industry insider reports.