CM Punk. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

WWE receives brutal CM Punk injury news following Royal Rumble

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 1/29/24

CM Punk has reportedly suffered a torn triceps. The injury occurred during the Royal Rumble following a DDT from Drew McIntyre. Punk could be seen clutching his arm after the move but continued to wrestle through the pain.

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Punk's injury will require surgery. As such, the veteran superstar could likely be out of WrestleMania.

"PWInsider.com can confirm that Punk is believed to have suffered a torn triceps during the Men's Royal Rumble match," Johnson reported. "The severity of the tear has not been confirmed but Punk is believed to heading towards surgery after an appearance on tonight's Raw ...The belief among sources we have spoken with is that post-surgery, Punk would likely need in the area of four to six months of recovery and physical therapy. If correct, that would obviously put him out of WrestleMania as a wrestler."

Punk was believed to be heading for a WrestleMania showdown with Seth Rollins, who is also currently dealing with an injury. Rollins suffered a torn MCL during his most recent WWE World Heavyweight Championship defense against Jinder Mahal.

WWE has suffered a major blow with this news. Punk and Rollins would have been a headline-level event. The animosity between the two began to build from the moment Punk returned to the company with a surprise appearance at Survivor Series: War Games in November.

It will be interesting to see how WWE pivots in terms of creative and storyline. They will want Rollins at WrestleMania. Figuring out who his opponent should be and generating enough interest in the match will be difficult with the champion on the sidelines.

Punk has endured a difficult 18 months. His latest setback will likely be a difficult hurdle to clear. WWE fans will likely be hoping he comes back fully healthy and ready to take his place among the best wrestlers at the company.

For now, though, we will have to wait and see what he says during Monday's episode of Raw.

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