Wrestling On FanNation

Live Updates: CM Punk Returns To The Ring In WWE

Live updates from WWE’s Madison Square Garden show, which features CM Punk’s first match for the company since 2014

Justin Barrasso

Live Updates: CM Punk Returns To The Ring In WWE
Live Updates: CM Punk Returns To The Ring In WWE /

NEW YORK, NY–WWE returned to Madison Square Garden for the annual day-after-Christmas show, and this year’s event exceeded all expectations.

Becky Lynch opened the show. Rhea Ripley dazzled in victory. Cody Rhodes won a bull rope match. Seth Rollins closed out the show with a successful defense of the world heavyweight championship.

If all that wasn’t enough, CM Punk wrestled his first WWE match since 2014.

It was an eventful night at the Garden. There was no moment greater than the return of Punk. Sharing the ring with Dominik Mysterio, who wrestled perhaps the most complete match of his career, Punk turned back the clock and looked outstanding in victory.

Much to the delight of the crowd, he was given the microphone after his win (typically reserved for the winner of the main event), and made his intentions clear: he is back to finish what he started.

WWE is finishing the year on an extremely high note, and this show at the Garden further cements their red-hot state as they enter the new year.

Main event: Seth Rollins defeats Drew McIntyre in no-DQ, no countout bout

Seth Rollins closed out the MSG show with a physical sprint of a match against Drew McIntyre.

The chemistry between these two continues to grow, especially since their match at Crown Jewel last month. McIntyre has brought a new element of intensity, which further enhances their matches.

Rollins put McIntyre through a table, then hit his Curb Stomp to successfully retain the world heavyweight championship.

Following the victory, Rollins dedicated the moment to the memory of Brodie Lee and Bray Wyatt.

Match #9: Cody Rhodes defeats Shinsuke Nakamura in a Bull Rope match

In a night that will be remembered for the return of CM Punk, there was an unforgettable performance by Cody Rhodes in his bull rope match against Shinsuke Nakamura.

Rhodes defeated Nakamura at the 9:04-mark, ending a physical, captivating bout against an opponent that suits his style extremely well.

Rhodes shook hands and signed autographs (similar to Punk) following the win, which paid respect to a match his father made famous.

Match #8: Ricochet makes quick work of Bronson Reed

Following the intermission, Ricochet needed only three minutes-and-fourteen seconds to defeat Bronson Reed.

Match #7: CM Punk defeats Dominik Mysterio

If you ever envisioned CM Punk returning to WWE in 2023, and wrestling his return match against Dominik Mysterio, make sure to start playing the lottery.

In a match that wrapped up in just under 13 minutes, Punk put the spotlight on Mysterio and Rhea Ripley. They took turns giving a beating to Punk, which made his comeback even that much more meaningful.

The crowd at Madison Square Garden was immersed in the entire match. To Mysterio’s credit, he shined in this moment. Playing the villain, he ate up the boos, controlled the majority of the action, and made Punk’s comeback that much more significant. Rhea Ripley was also outstanding, and it was clear that Punk enjoyed selling for the breakout star. From start to finish, this was a very entertaining match, and all three played their role to perfection.

Full of passion, Punk clearly enjoyed his return match. Paying respect to Bret Hart, he even locked in a Sharpshooter.

Punk escaped defeat to hit the GTS, defeating Mysterio, and causing the crowd to erupt. He then wanted the microphone, and he vowed to win the Royal Rumble. More than that, Punk promised that he was going to finish what he started.

“This isn’t me finishing my story,” said Punk. “This is me getting started.”

Match #6: The Judgment Day defeat Jey Uso and Sami Zayn

The Judgment Day are leaving Madison Square Garden with their tag team gold.

In the match of the night thus far, Finn Balor and Damian Priest defeated Sami Zayn and Jey Uso to retain the undisputed tag titles. The finish came at the 10:20-mark, and right after a hot tag from Zayn had the building rocking.

This four work exceptionally well together, and that was evident throughout the entire match.

Match #5: Rhea Ripley wins triple threat, retains WWE women’s championship

Rhea Ripley defeated Shayna Baszler and Ivy Nile in a triple threat match for the WWE women’s championship.

The majority of the action was controlled by either Ripley or Baszler, but Nile held her own with two of the best in the company.

Ripley capitalized on a weakened Baszler to win the match at the 8:22-mark, and her victory celebration began immediately following the win.

Match #4: Omos defeats R-Truth

R-Truth was ready to defend the honor of The Judgment Day and get a new Christmas present for John Cena.

Alas, it was not destined to be.

Omos squashed Truth in only 35 seconds. Had Truth knocked Omos off his feet, MVP was willing to pay handsomely, which led to a very compelling segment between Truth and MVP (and no, Truth did not make MVP break).

As for the match, it didn’t last long. Omos played the role of giant convincingly, and he made quick work of Truth.

Match #3: Women’s Tag Team Champions Katana Chance and Kayden Carter defeat Chelsea Green and Piper Niven

The reigning champions defeated the former champs in a match that clocked in at 6:21.

Niven took the pin, and the crowd enjoyed this match. The opening moments were full of CM Punk chants, but the two teams captured the crowd’s attention, which was especially difficult in a match that was under 10 minutes.

Match #2: Kofi Kingston defeats Ludwig Kaiser

Courtesy of a Trouble in Paradise, Kofi Kingston defeated Ludwig Kaiser at the 6:52-mark.

The layout of this match was well done. The two took turns controlling the action before Kaiser appeared to have the match won. But he stalled, providing the opening necessary for Kingston to hit his finishing move.

For fans of WrestleMania 35, tonight’s MSG show opened with Becky Lynch and then Kofi Kingston. Four years ago, both become world champion at WM 35.

Opening match: Becky Lynch defeats Zoey Stark

Stark controlled the opening moments of the match, working the body and grounding Lynch. She had the first three minutes of offense, before Lynch reversed course.

The finish came at the 8-minute mark, as Lynch hit the Manhandle Slam for the win.

NEW YORK, NY–For the first time since 2014, CM Punk is going to wrestle inside a WWE ring.

There were many, likely even Punk himself, who believed this would never happen, yet it becomes a reality tonight in a match against Dominik Mysterio.

Courtesy WWE
Courtesy WWE

The location is fitting for the occasion, as Punk is set to return at Madison Square Garden. Punk referenced a familiar industry adage yesterday in his IG story, noting, “So goes the Garden, so goes the business.” We’ll get a better look at the state of pro wrestling, led by WWE, later this evening during the annual post-Christmas show.

Advertised for the card is Seth Rollins defending the world heavyweight championship against Drew McIntyre in a grudge match. Cody Rhodes will take on Shinsuke Nakamura in a bull rope match, a match made famous by the legendary Dusty Rhodes. With origins that date back to 1974, the match was critical for “The American Dream”. He fought rivals like Harley Race, “Superstar” Billy Graham, and Terry Funk in the famed match, and it will mark Cody’s first time being a part of the famed bout in WWE.

Dusty Rhodes defeated Bruiser Brody in a bull rope match in 1982…
… but tonight it belongs to Cody Rhodes

Also on the card is Sami Zayn and Jey Uso challenging The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and Damian Priest for the undisputed WWE tag team titles. Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, Kofi Kingston, Omos, and Ricochet are all scheduled to appear.

This marks one of WWE’s most significant house shows of the past two decades. Live updates from throughout the night will be posted, with the action set to begin at 7:30pm ET.

Published
Justin Barrasso
JUSTIN BARRASSO

Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.

Home/Wrestling News