CM Punk Near End; Faces Jey Uso Nov. 1

CM Punk, 47, said in a WWE vlog filmed during a Japan tour that he feels “near the end” of his in-ring career and is unsure how much time he has left, stressing the importance of celebrating wrestlers before handing things to the next generation. He took part in an emotional AJ Styles farewell in Japan and named his February 2013 Raw match with John Cena as his favorite, calling Cena his “wrestling soulmate.” Punk will challenge Jey Uso for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Nov. 1 after Seth Rollins’ injury led WWE to vacate the title and Jey won a Raw battle royal to become the contender. WWE sources say heavy online backlash to Jey’s elevation (YouTube dislikes) will not factor into creative decisions. Backstage opinion is divided: Hall of Famer Teddy Long and some pundits back Punk regaining the title, while veteran Scott D’Amore argues a heel Jey reign would be a better direction, and commentators expect possible Jimmy Uso interference. Punk briefly held the World Heavyweight Title at SummerSlam before Rollins cashed in Money in the Bank, underscoring the unsettled title landscape ahead of the match.