As CM Punk enters WWE SummerSlam, he is aiming for greatness more than merely a title. Punk talked candidly about his encounter with World Heavyweight Champion Gunther in a recent interview with TV Insider, describing it as a once-in-a-career chance. Let’s look at the reasons behind punk’s excitement and what this huge matchup portends.

The Earned SummerSlam Shot

Bron Breakker, Penta, LA Knight, Jey Uso, and CM Punk faced off in a high-stakes gauntlet battle on Monday Night Raw’s July 14 episode. Punk triumphed in a show of tenacity, gaining the opportunity to face Gunther at WWE’s main summer tournament.

Punk’s Praise for Gunther

Punk has nothing but admiration for his impending opponent:

“It’s exciting. A tremendous opportunity for me to work against arguably the best guy in the business right now,” he told TV Insider.

He emphasized that wrestling is subjective—”this is my favorite, that’s your favorite”—and thinks Gunther excels in all aspects of the craft: body control, ring psychology, promo ability, and in-ring chemistry.

Given that English is not Gunther’s first language, yet he makes statements that are just as strong—if not stronger—than those of native speakers, punk’s remarks carried more weight. Punk saw this trait as exceptional and uncommon.

Respect Earned Over Time

Gunther and Punk have previously had quiet arguments, both at home events and at overseas appearances like WWE Belfast, where Punk suffered a hard slap from “The Ring General” and clearly reacted. Mutual respect was established during such interactions, and Punk thinks this will help create an exciting SummerSlam match.

Why Gunther Is So Dangerous

Gunther had a strong title reign going into this match. He made a name for himself as a formidable opponent before forcing WWE veteran Goldberg to quit. He displayed confidence and self-belief with his Instagram taunt, “Let’s find out if he is the Best in the World.”

Even on social media, veteran Drew McIntyre made a lighthearted remark about the excitement surrounding Punk vs. Gunther, indicating that the locker room is buzzing about this fight.

Bigger Than Just a Title Match

For Punk, this isn’t a redemption story—it’s a collision of philosophies and styles.

Punk: The 46-year-old seasoned pro, self-assured in his abilities, is bringing his heritage and distinct attitude to this clash.

Gunther: The match killer, growing powerhouse, and technical expert who adds a nuanced but ruthless style to Punk’s ferocity.

Punk acknowledges that he has already shown himself. His current goal is to create a moment in which he performs at his best against the gold standard in the ring.

The Build to SummerSlam

Expect a tactical build leading to the big night:

Promos highlighting Punk’s legacy and Gunther’s unbeaten streak

In-ring confrontations—likely stiff and physical—to validate the stakes

Undercard actives between rivals like Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, and Bron Breakker—all adding depth to the narrative.

The Stakes and Storytelling

Securing a world championship against one of WWE’s most formidable champions would be a significant affirmation for Punk’s comeback. Punk is anticipated to perform well even in loss, boosting Gunther’s legacy and putting on a masterclass.

Final Take: Must-Watch Match in the Making

The match between CM Punk and Gunther at SummerSlam is an exception. It’s about two outstanding sportsmen ready to give a classic, not merely a veteran vs. champion plot. With Gunther’s supremacy and punk’s enthusiasm and admiration, we’re in for a fierce, high-stakes fight in the spotlight.