For the first time in over a decade, CM Punk will bring his signature entrance — “Cult of Personality” by Living Colour — to Salt Lake City, where he’ll compete for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the Delta Center this Saturday.
The 47-year-old wrestling icon, born Phillip Brooks, will headline Saturday Night’s Main Event in a one-on-one bout against former ally Jey Uso, with the vacant World Heavyweight Title on the line. The event marks WWE’s first premium live show in Utah’s capital since 2023, and it’s expected to draw thousands of fans and a massive economic boost for the state.
A Title Match Years in the Making
Punk, nicknamed “The Second City Saint,” last held the World Heavyweight Title in 2008–09 and briefly recaptured it at SummerSlam 2025 before Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to reclaim the belt. After Rollins’ recent injury vacated the title, Punk now has a chance to etch another chapter in his storied comeback.
“Every single match will be high stakes, high drama,” Punk said ahead of the event. “People always ask who’s the main event, but on a card like this, I almost want to go first — finish early and watch the rest of the show.”
At 47, Punk says he feels better than ever — a rarity in a business known for grueling schedules and physical wear.
“Some people think my age is a drawback,” he said. “I see it as a strength. I’m this old and still operating at the highest level. This might be the best work of my career.”
Stacked Card for Salt Lake City
Saturday’s Main Event — streaming live on Peacock at 4:30 p.m. MDT — will feature several championship bouts:
- Cody Rhodes, the current WWE Universal Champion, defends against Drew McIntyre, known as the “Scottish Psychopath.”
- “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio will put his Intercontinental Championship on the line in a triple-threat match against Penta and Rusev.
- Tiffany Stratton faces Jade Cargill in a rematch for the WWE Women’s Championship, revisiting their fiery SummerSlam encounter.
Punk praised the star-studded lineup, highlighting both Cody Rhodes’ “Kingdom” entrance theme and Rhea Ripley’s commanding persona, calling them among the most iconic introductions in today’s WWE.
“From the first note, you know who’s coming out and that something’s about to happen,” Punk said. “We don’t need fireworks or flash — just great music and real presence.”
A Big Win for Utah’s Sports Scene
This weekend’s double-header — which also includes Friday Night SmackDown — represents a major milestone for the Utah Sports Commission, which estimates a $500 million economic impact from the back-to-back WWE events.
“Utah hasn’t hosted WWE in quite a while, and the Sports Commission, Smith Entertainment Group, and Delta Center have done an incredible job bringing top-tier entertainment back to the state,” Punk said.
The event cements Utah’s growing reputation as a premier destination for national sports and entertainment, following other high-profile events hosted at the Delta Center, home of the Utah Jazz.
The Road Ahead for CM Punk
For CM Punk, Salt Lake City could mark a turning point — not just another match, but an opportunity to reclaim the title that defined his prime.
As the crowd roars and “Cult of Personality” blares through the arena, fans will witness one of wrestling’s most celebrated figures once again chase greatness.
“I’m lucky to still be doing this,” Punk said. “It’s the fans who keep me leveling up every time I step in that ring.”
Tickets for both Friday Night SmackDown and Saturday Night’s Main Event are available through SeatGeek
