WWE SummerSlam 2025 Outcome: CM Punk Clinches Victory Over Gunther, Setting Stage for Seth Rollins' Title Grab
After a gruelling title defence against CM Punk at WWE SummerSlam 2025, Gunther is set to undergo nose surgery and take an indefinite hiatus from WWE programming [2][4]. The match, an instant classic, saw Punk become the new World Heavyweight Champion, ending Gunther's reign.
Despite the loss, WWE still sees Gunther as a dominant champion, with sources suggesting that he was expected to retain the title at SummerSlam if the match had gone differently [1][3]. The promotion plans to keep him as a top star upon his return, continuing his winning streak and high-profile status.
In the meantime, WWE is looking for replacements on the RAW roster to fill Gunther’s absence, with names like Ricky Saints being considered to maintain the top-tier presence on the red brand [5].
From a storyline perspective, Punk's victory over Gunther may set the stage for a long-term feud or storyline involving the WWE Championship, rather than the World Heavyweight Championship, which is currently Gunther's domain. WWE may build towards Punk pursuing WWE title events in the following year, while Gunther’s reign and character remain strong post-surgery [1].
The match itself was dominated by Gunther in the beginning but ended with a comeback by Punk. Punk countered Gunther's powerbomb attempts multiple times, delivering a series of punches, a running knee, a clothesline, and a top rope elbow drop to a bloodied Gunther. Punk hit two GTS (Go To Sleep) on Gunther before securing the victory.
Just minutes after Punk's victory, Seth Rollins' music played, and he came out to interrupt the celebration. Rollins made his entrance at WWE SummerSlam 2025 and cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase to become the new World Heavyweight Champion, preventing Punk from leaving MetLife Stadium as world champion.
The rivalry between Punk and Rollins, which has been ongoing for the past two years, is expected to resume with Raw's biggest prize on the line. Punk's win at SummerSlam was his first world title victory in WWE since 2011. Gunther, who has put over both Punk and Jey Uso over the past several months, reportedly has a nose injury and is expected to take a hiatus from WWE.
Sports analysts are discussing the impact of Gunther's nose surgery and indefinite hiatus on WWE's roster, noting that his dominant champion status and winning streak could continue upon his return. In the interim, Seth Rollins, following his Money in the Bank cash-in at SummerSlam 2025 to become the new World Heavyweight Champion, is expected to renew his rivalry with CM Punk over the title.
