The recent injury to Seth Rollins has sent ripples through WWE’s world championship scene, prompting renewed debate about who should next hold the spotlight. On his podcast The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Matt Hardy weighed in on the situation, expressing strong support for CM Punk as a deserving candidate for a world title reign[4].
Seth Rollins’ Injury Leaves WWE World Title Picture Open
Seth Rollins’ unfortunate injury forced him to vacate the World Heavyweight Championship, creating a rare vacancy and uncertainty in WWE’s top tier. Rollins had just reclaimed the title from CM Punk in a dramatic SummerSlam moment but has now been sidelined, leaving the championship scene wide open.
Matt Hardy reflected on this recent shift, praising Rollins for his work ethic and dedication despite the physical toll. “Seth is the kind of guy who gives everything every time he steps in the ring. It’s tough to see him out, but it opens up new chapters for other wrestlers,” Hardy told listeners[4].
Why Matt Hardy Believes CM Punk Deserves Another Title Run
Hardy’s comments didn’t just praise Rollins; he made it clear that CM Punk, known for his lengthy 434-day WWE Championship reign in the past, deserves another major push. “Punk is one of the most gifted performers we’ve ever seen. His passion and connection with fans make him the perfect guy to carry the world title again,” Hardy said on his show[4].
This view gains relevance given Punk’s recent near misses. After winning the World Heavyweight Championship in August 2025 by defeating Gunther, Punk’s reign was famously cut short when Rollins cashed in a Money in the Bank briefcase, ending Punk’s reign after just over five minutes—the shortest in title history[2].
Still, Punk has remained a major player in the title picture, competing in several high-profile matches, including fatal four-way bouts and triple threat matches to regain the gold from Rollins[2]. Hardy’s comments reinforce the idea that Punk’s time to hold a world title for a meaningful period may be coming soon.
Backstage Buzz and WWE’s Title Plans
According to sources close to WWE, there is significant backstage recognition of Punk’s value and star power, especially as the company navigates the post-Rollins landscape. “There’s definitely talk about giving CM Punk a longer, more substantial run this time around. The company knows the fans want to see him at the top, and with Rollins out, it’s an opportune moment,” a WWE insider revealed[4].
However, some voices within WWE commentary and former insiders have expressed skepticism about Punk’s future title prospects. Industry analysts pointed to Punk’s brief disrupted reign in 2025 and questioned WWE’s current booking philosophy, which has sometimes sidelined or abruptly halted Punk’s championship runs[1].
Despite these doubts, Matt Hardy’s endorsement adds weight to the argument that Punk should be elevated. Hardy, known for his experience and insight having worked alongside many top stars including Rollins, believes Punk’s time to shine as world champion is still very much alive[4].
The Larger Context of WWE’s Championship Storylines
This situation emerges amid a dynamic era in WWE where championship transitions have been intensely dramatic. Rollins’ injury, while unfortunate, offers WWE a chance to spotlight other talents like CM Punk, Jey Uso, LA Knight, and others deeply woven into recent title storylines[2].
Hardy himself is also in the spotlight, as he and his brother Jeff prepare to officially debut the “Broken Hardys” tag team in a no-holds-barred “Broken Rules Match” at the upcoming NXT Halloween Havoc. This marks a return to Matt Hardy’s notable “Broken” persona in WWE after nearly a decade, signifying his ongoing relevance in the wrestling world[3].
With Matt’s strong praise for Punk, many fans and insiders are keenly watching who WWE will build around next as the World Heavyweight Championship is contested post-Rollins.
What’s Next for CM Punk and the WWE World Title?
CM Punk’s trajectory suggests he remains a top contender for WWE’s main prize. His recent wins to earn title shots against Rollins and ongoing feud with Rollins and Becky Lynch showcase his central role in WWE’s main event scene[2].
Given Matt Hardy’s public endorsement and the vacancy created by Rollins’ injury, WWE may soon embrace a longer-term world title reign for Punk, which fans have long awaited.
As one WWE insider put it, “The timing couldn’t be better for Punk to step up. He has the charisma, the skill, and the fan support to carry the company’s top championship again. Whether WWE fully commits to that remains to be seen, but the door is wide open.”[4]
Matt Hardy’s outspoken support for CM Punk adds a credible voice to the conversation about WWE’s world title future in the wake of Seth Rollins’ injury. With Halloween Havoc and other key events on the horizon, the wrestling world is watching closely to see if “The Best in the World” will get the reign he truly deserves.