As WWE gears up for the highly anticipated World Heavyweight Championship match at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME) on November 1, 2025, former TNA President Scott D’Amore has publicly voiced his opinion on the booking direction. D’Amore believes it would be a mistake for WWE to crown CM Punk as the new champion, suggesting instead that Jey Uso deserves to walk away with the title.
Jey Uso vs. CM Punk: The Upcoming Championship Clash
This Saturday Night’s Main Event special from Salt Lake City is set to feature Jey Uso defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against CM Punk, who has been a dominant figure within WWE throughout 2025. The championship became vacant due to Seth Rollins’ shoulder injury, thrusting Uso and Punk into the spotlight in one of WWE’s biggest matches[3].
CM Punk’s return to the championship scene has energized fans eager to see if he can recapture the magic of his past WWE World title reigns. Meanwhile, Jey Uso has steadily established himself as a main event-caliber talent, carrying the championship with credibility on SmackDown. This matchup thus stands at a crossroads — a passing of the torch to Punk or solidification of Uso as the top guy.
Scott D’Amore’s Take on WWE’s Creative Direction
Scott D’Amore, whose experience running TNA/Impact Wrestling gives him a veteran’s eye for wrestling storytelling and talent development, recently shared his thoughts on the WWE booking decision. Speaking candidly, he advised WWE’s creative team to keep the World Heavyweight Championship on Jey Uso going forward, rather than crowning CM Punk at SNME.
According to D’Amore, Jey Uso’s momentum and character work warrant a strong push as champion, which would help establish WWE’s long-term main event landscape, especially with Survivor Series: WarGames just around the corner in San Diego. He warned that crowning Punk too soon could halt Uso’s rising star and disrupt WWE’s brand-building efforts[Reference Summary].
A WWE insider close to the creative team echoed this sentiment, noting, “There’s a real desire backstage to invest in Jey as a cornerstone champion. Punk is a huge draw, but the priority is ensuring the new generation has a solid foundation heading into the biggest shows of the year.” Such feedback suggests WWE may be weighing both options carefully[Reference Summary].
Why WWE Might Hesitate to Put the Title on CM Punk Now
While CM Punk remains a marquee name and proven draw, several factors may contribute to WWE’s hesitation to put the title on him at this juncture:
Long-term storytelling: WWE is building momentum for major events like Survivor Series and WarGames. Reserving a championship win for Uso can push fresh feuds and elevate SmackDown’s prestige.
Protecting rising talents: Jey Uso’s ascendance marks WWE’s focus on younger stars. Crowning him champion could solidify a top face for the brand.
Injury concerns and pacing: With Seth Rollins sidelined, WWE’s top title picture is already tumultuous. Opting for Uso’s reign might provide stability while keeping Punk in strong contender status for future rivalries.
Insiders suggest WWE plans to position CM Punk prominently regardless but may delay a title win until a proper storyline payoff at Survivor Series or beyond[3][6].
What’s Next After SNME: The Road to Survivor Series
Following SNME, WWE will shift full focus to Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29, 2025, at Petco Park in San Diego, California. This marks the first time Survivor Series will occur in an outdoor stadium venue, adding historic flavor to WWE’s big event lineup[5].
If Jey Uso retains at SNME, expect WWE to build him into an anchor of the WarGames festivities, potentially clashing with top RAW stars like Bron Breakker or Cody Rhodes. Conversely, if Punk somehow claims the title, WWE would likely craft a monumental Survivor Series main event feud centered on his championship reign, possibly involving Bron Breakker, who is rising as a top contender[1][3].
The championship picture remains fluid, but D’Amore’s call for Uso to keep the title reflects a backstage desire for continuity and freshness in WWE’s main event scene.
Backstage Buzz and Fan Reactions
Sources close to WWE report the locker room is split on the idea of Punk regaining the World Heavyweight Championship so soon. Some veterans argue that Punk’s star power is indispensable for drawing eyes, but others believe that elevating Uso aligns better with WWE’s goal of creating new icons.
A WWE creative team member, speaking under condition of anonymity, revealed, “We’re all excited about the Punk-Usos match, but there’s an understanding that Jey needs this win to break out further. It’s a delicate balance — giving fans what they want and investing in the future.”
Meanwhile, fan forums and social media show vibrant debate, with a portion eager for Punk to reclaim glory, while newer fans champion Uso’s rise as a refreshing main event presence.
Conclusion: A Decisive Moment for WWE’s World Heavyweight Championship
The November 1 WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event is more than just a championship match — it represents a strategic crossroads for WWE’s main event future. Former TNA President Scott D’Amore’s advice against crowning CM Punk right away underscores the weight of this decision.
WWE must carefully balance honoring established stars like Punk with promoting emerging talents like Jey Uso as it heads into the coveted Survivor Series: WarGames event. Whether WWE heeds this advice or opts for a more veteran-centric booking at SNME, the outcome will have ripple effects on storylines and brand dynamics through the end of 2025.
Wrestling fans worldwide will be watching closely, knowing this match could set the tone for WWE’s championship scene for months to come.