John Cena seemingly paid a subtle tribute to his former WWE rival, CM Punk, on Punk’s 48th birthday.
The GOAT shared a photo on Instagram showing Punk dressed in his iconic Doctor of Thuganomics-inspired outfit. The picture featured The Second City Saint wearing a blue Chicago Cubs jersey, a backward cap and a heavy chain around his neck, recreating the look Cena made famous during the early years of his WWE career.
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While Cena did not need a lengthy birthday message to greet Punk, the photo brought back memories of one of WWE’s unforgettable rivalries.
The image takes fans back to June 2025, when Punk appeared on WWE SmackDown dressed as the Doctor of Thuganomics ahead of his Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cena at Night of Champions.
Punk did more than simply copy his outfit. He also delivered some sick bars aimed at his longtime rival, taking shots at Cena’s actions and his controversial run as a heel. The segment became one of the most memorable moments of their feud.
Punk’s version of the gimmick was a clever way to get inside Cena’s head before their championship showdown. It also showed how well the two veterans understood each other after years of competing in WWE.
Cena defeated Punk at Night of Champions in June 2025, adding another chapter to their long-running rivalry.
John Cena and CM Punk have a special connection
Despite their intense on-screen rivalry, John Cena and CM Punk have developed a strong mutual respect over the years.
In July, the two Superstars reflected on their memorable interaction during the Doctor of Thuganomics segment in WWE Unreal Season 3. Cena revealed that Punk had quietly told him, “I’m going to miss you,” during the promo, making the moment more emotional than the fans initially realized.
Punk explained that he wanted to make the moment meaningful for Cena as he approached the end of his wrestling career. The 17-time champ later described the interaction as genuine and special.
John Cena retired from in-ring competition in December after facing Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Punk, meanwhile, has continued to compete in WWE and remains one of the company’s biggest Superstars.
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Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein
