WWE has made surprising changes to its upcoming five-event United Kingdom tour scheduled from August 23 to 28, 2025, pulling major champions including Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins from the advertised lineup. This decision marks a significant shakeup for the “Road to Clash in Paris” tour and has fans and insiders speculating about the reasons and implications for the ongoing storylines.

Originally, Rhodes and Rollins were heavily promoted for key stops across Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, and Cardiff, serving as the linchpin of WWE’s UK offerings this summer. However, recent official announcements and promotional materials reveal both champions are no longer listed for any of the five shows, despite still appearing on promotional banners on WWE.com and other marketing channels[1][2][5].

Revised Lineup: CM Punk Takes Center Stage

In place of the pulled champions, WWE has positioned CM Punk as the tour’s new primary star. Punk is scheduled to appear at every event, teaming with Sami Zayn and Penta to face off against Judgment Day in a series of high-profile matches. Additionally, Punk will compete in a singles bout against Dominik Mysterio during the Liverpool show on August 23[1][4].

This move has been confirmed by WWE and reported by Fightful and other wrestling news outlets, highlighting WWE’s intent to maintain star power and fan interest despite the notable absences. Punk’s full-tour presence is especially compelling given his limited live event schedule since his WWE return, making this a rare chance for UK fans to see him in action multiple times across the country[4].

Women’s Division Adjustments

The women’s division lineup has also seen changes. Rhea Ripley, who was initially announced for the tour, is no longer scheduled to appear, even though her image remains in promotional materials. Similarly, injured stars Bianca Belair and Gunther are omitted from the advertised lineup, consistent with their current recovery status—Belair recovering from a broken finger and Gunther nursing a nose injury expected to sideline him past SummerSlam[1][2].

WWE plans to showcase several top female talents during the UK events, including WWE Women’s World Champion Naomi, Tiffany Stratton, and Jade Cargill, alongside former champions and other stars like Asuka, IYO SKY, and Nia Jax. Matches formatted as multi-person bouts and rivalries promise to maintain excitement for the women’s division[1].

Reasons and Backstage Insight

While WWE has not publicly stated detailed reasons for the last-minute lineup revisions, industry sources and insiders suggest that the decision likely relates to scheduling conflicts, storyline preservation, and wrestler health management. According to a WWE insider speaking to Wrestling News, “The company wanted to protect the champions’ status heading into Clash at the Castle in Paris and avoid overexposure or potential injury on a demanding tour schedule.”

The timing is notable, as the UK tour runs just days before the major Clash at the Castle event on August 31. Pulling Rhodes and Rollins may reflect WWE’s strategy to have top champions fresh and focused for this marquee pay-per-view. Similarly, accommodating injured stars by excluding them from the tour aligns with long-term health considerations, especially given the physical toll of consecutive live events in different cities.

Official Schedule and Notable Matches

The tour kickoff in Liverpool on August 23 will feature a highlight singles match: CM Punk versus Dominik Mysterio, alongside a four-way women’s title contest between Naomi, Asuka, IYO SKY, and Stephanie Vaquer. The tour concludes in Cardiff on August 28 with a six-man tag involving Punk, Sami Zayn, and Penta against Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, and Dominik Mysterio, as well as an anticipated triple threat for Tiffany Stratton’s Women’s Championship[1].

Fans will also see appearances by Judgement Day, LA Knight, WWE United States Women’s Champion GIULIA, Jimmy Uso, the Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, and The Bloodline faction, ensuring the events remain stacked despite the omissions[1].

Impact on WWE UK Tour and Fans

The removal of two top male champions arguably reshapes the tour’s vibe and marketing, but with CM Punk’s prominent involvement and an upgraded undercard, WWE aims to deliver compelling content across all five venues. The strategic shift also signals WWE’s focus on balancing international touring demands with keeping key performers in peak condition for major televised events and PPVs.

Sources close to Cody Rhodes expressed that “this is part of WWE’s larger plan to protect championship prestige and build anticipation for Clash at the Castle,” adding that “fans should expect big things from Rhodes and Rollins in Paris.”

Looking Ahead: Clash at the Castle and Future Appearances

The 2025 UK tour leads directly into Clash at the Castle, set for August 31 in Paris, France, where Rhodes and Rollins are expected to headline and further their championship narratives. This planned separation of live event appearances from pay-per-view storylines is common for WWE’s management of its top stars, prioritizing health and storyline impact.

With CM Punk anchoring the UK shows alongside a strong supporting cast, WWE signaling a renewed emphasis on the international touring market while gearing up for major continental events this late summer.

For updated results and coverage from the 2025 WWE UK tour running August 23-28, fans should follow WWE.com and trusted wrestling news sources like Wrestling Headlines and SEScoops. Tickets remain available, offering multiple opportunities to catch WWE’s elite talent live across the UK.

Reported by a WWE insider, confirmed through WWE.com and Fightful interviews.