CM PUNK UNDERGOES SURGERY AND BEGINS JOURNEY OF RECOVERY

On January 27, CM Punk participated in the Men's Royal Rumble, marking his first televised WWE match in a decade. Despite making it down to the last two people, Punk was eliminated by Cody Rhodes. While many expected Punk to play a significant role at WrestleMania 40, likely facing World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins in the main event of night one, plans took an unexpected turn.

 On January 29, CM Punk confirmed a torn triceps suffered at the Royal Rumble, requiring surgery and keeping him out of WrestleMania. An update was provided on Raw a week later. During the February 5 broadcast, a segment showed Punk before and after the procedure. After the operation, Punk had difficulty with simple tasks, expressing frustration:

 “That’s the most frustrating thing, simple little tasks like that.”

 Despite the physical pain, Punk emphasized that the mental impact is more challenging. However, he promised to return, ensuring one of the biggest comebacks fans have ever witnessed:

 “I'm in a lot of pain. It's more mental than anything else. I can handle the pain, I can get through intense physical therapy. The mental aspect of it, I think is much harder than the physical. [This is] Day 1. My comeback will be the biggest ever.”