As CM Punk gears up for his highly anticipated World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther at WWE SummerSlam 2025, he has revealed insights into his mindset, the wrestlers he respects as the future of WWE, and those he is eager to face in the ring. The “Second City Saint,” known for his sharp promos and in-ring prowess, is positioning himself not only as a top champion contender but also as a guiding voice for the next generation of WWE superstars.

CM Punk Calls Gunther the Future of WWE

During a recent interview shared on WWE.com and highlighted in several wrestling podcasts, CM Punk praised current World Heavyweight Champion Gunther as the “future of the business.” Punk emphasized Gunther’s hard-hitting style, commanding presence, and technical brilliance as qualities that set him apart in today’s WWE landscape. His respect for Gunther is evident despite their ongoing heated rivalry leading into SummerSlam.

According to Punk, Gunther embodies the best traits of a modern champion who can carry WWE forward. “Gunther is not just a wrestler; he’s a technician who makes every match feel real. That’s what WWE needs to keep growing, and I’m excited to share the ring with him at SummerSlam,” Punk said in the interview[3].

Potential Future Opponents: Chad Gable, Damian Priest, Bron Breakker

Beyond Gunther, CM Punk has expressed interest in facing several rising stars and established names, signaling his desire to work with a mix of veterans and future main-eventers. Among those he called out were:

• Chad Gable – Praised for his technical wrestling skills and versatility, Punk acknowledged Gable as a worthy opponent who could deliver exciting matches with a focus on pure wrestling craft.

• Damian Priest – With his unique blend of charisma and athleticism, Priest is seen by Punk as a strong performer whose star is on the rise.

• Bron Breakker – Punk pointed to Breakker as one of the brightest young talents in WWE, noting his impressive physicality and potential to be a future world champion.

A WWE insider shared that Punk’s interest in these opponents “reflects his intent to help elevate young talent and keep the WWE product fresh and competitive” as he continues to build his legacy[1][2].

CM Punk’s Championship Pursuit and Heel Debate

Punk’s path to SummerSlam was paved by winning a gruelling Gauntlet match earlier this month, earning his shot at Gunther’s coveted title[2]. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching to see if Punk can capture the World Heavyweight Championship once again.

Wrestling veteran Vince Russo recently weighed in, suggesting that a CM Punk title win might not benefit WWE long term. Russo argued the company should focus on elevating younger stars instead of putting the belt on established veterans like Punk. Despite this, Punk’s popularity with the WWE Universe remains sky-high, and many expect his championship run to bring high-profile matches and storylines.

A notable topic buzzing backstage and among fans is whether Punk should turn heel, especially if he wins the title. Russo and some commentators have voiced opinions that a “heel CM Punk” could inject fresh narratives and heat into his character, pointing out that his last heel run prior to returning in 2023 was a defining era for his career[1][4]. Meanwhile, Punk has been primarily a face since his WWE comeback, embodying the rebellious, outspoken hero fans connect with.

Intense Verbal Exchanges with Gunther Build Anticipation

The buildup to SummerSlam featured several intense verbal confrontations between Punk and Gunther on WWE programming. These promos have solidified the rivalry’s intensity and highlighted their contrasting styles — Gunther’s stoic dominance versus Punk’s brash confidence[3]. This narrative sets the stage for a high-stakes match that could define the next chapter of WWE’s world title scene.

Looking Ahead to SummerSlam 2025

Scheduled for August 17, SummerSlam 2025 promises one of the most significant championship matches of the year with CM Punk challenging Gunther. If Punk captures the title, it will mark another milestone in his comeback, further cementing his place among WWE’s most consequential stars of this era.

According to sources close to WWE creative, Punk’s future storylines could include clashes with the young stars he named, helping to bridge the gap between veteran leadership and new talent development—ensuring WWE’s growth and relevance over the coming years.

Final Thoughts

CM Punk’s candid remarks about Gunther as the “future of the business” and his call-out of younger talents like Chad Gable, Damian Priest, and Bron Breakker highlight a strategic mindset aimed at fostering fresh matchups and elevating WWE’s next generation. With SummerSlam around the corner, all eyes will be on whether Punk can claim the World Heavyweight Championship and how his journey intertwines with WWE’s evolving roster dynamics.

As WWE prepares for one of its biggest events of 2025, fans can expect explosive action, intense rivalries, and possibly, the dawn of new wrestling rivalries inspired by Punk’s vision for the future.

Sources: WWE.com, WrestlingInc, Sportskeeda Wrestling (Legion of RAW podcast), WWE Raw Highlights (July 21, 2025), insider information