The Viper Vs. The Voice: 5 Reasons CM Punk Vs. Randy Orton Is WWE's Biggest Unfinished Business In 2025

The rivalry between CM Punk and Randy Orton is one of professional wrestling’s most compelling, yet tragically unfinished, narratives. While the two men shared the ring over a decade ago in a bitter feud that culminated at WrestleMania XXVII, their simultaneous, yet separate, returns to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 instantly reignited the long-dormant speculation about a final, career-defining confrontation. As the current WWE landscape evolves in late 2025, the demand for "The Best in the World" to face "The Viper" is not just a nostalgic wish—it is the single biggest piece of unfinished business remaining in the company, promising a match that would shake the foundations of any major Premium Live Event.

The history is deep, the animosity is real, and the stakes have never been higher. With both veterans now operating at the top of the card, a clash between the Straight Edge Superstar and the Apex Predator would be a masterclass in psychology, storytelling, and high-stakes ring work. The question is not *if* it will happen, but *when* WWE will pull the trigger on the most anticipated rematch that’s been 14 years in the making.

The Career Profiles: CM Punk & Randy Orton

To truly appreciate the magnitude of a potential CM Punk vs. Randy Orton match, one must first understand the parallel paths and monumental careers of the two legends who define their respective eras. Both men are multi-time World Champions and generational talents, each with a unique, polarizing connection to the WWE Universe.

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CM Punk (Phillip Jack Brooks)

• Real Name: Phillip Jack Brooks
• Born: October 26, 1978 (currently 47 years old)
• Hometown: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Height: 6’1” (185 cm)
• Weight: 218 lbs (99 kg)
• Signature Moves: GTS (Go To Sleep), Anaconda Vise, Pepsi Plunge
• Notable Accomplishments: Two-time WWE Champion, three-time World Heavyweight Champion, ECW Champion, Intercontinental Champion, Money in the Bank winner (two-time). He is famously known as the "Straight Edge Superstar" and "The Voice of the Voiceless."

Randy Orton (Randal Keith Orton)

• Real Name: Randal Keith Orton
• Born: April 1, 1980 (currently 45 years old)
• Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
• Height: 6’5” (196 cm)
• Weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
• Signature Moves: RKO (Randal Keith Orton), Punt Kick, Elevated DDT
• Notable Accomplishments: A 14-time World Champion (10-time WWE Champion, 4-time World Heavyweight Champion), Royal Rumble winner (two-time), Grand Slam Champion. He is known by his iconic nicknames: "The Viper," "The Apex Predator," and "The Legend Killer."

The Bitter History: WrestleMania 27 and The New Nexus

The core of the Punk vs. Orton rivalry is rooted in a storyline that began in late 2010 and exploded in early 2011, revolving around the World Heavyweight Championship and the destructive actions of Orton's former stable, Legacy.

The feud officially intensified when CM Punk took over the leadership of The Nexus, renaming them The New Nexus, a faction designed to spread his "Straight Edge" philosophy through force. Their path led directly to Randy Orton, who was on a mission to dismantle the group. The rivalry was a personal war of attrition, with Orton systematically taking out members of The New Nexus and Punk constantly retaliating with mind games and brutal attacks.

The culmination of this bitter rivalry was a high-profile singles match at WrestleMania XXVII on April 3, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia. The stipulation was simple: if any member of The New Nexus interfered, Punk would be automatically disqualified. Orton, despite a legitimate knee injury sustained earlier in the feud, defeated Punk with an RKO, effectively ending the New Nexus storyline and their singles rivalry.

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This match, which many critics regard as a classic, was the last major one-on-one encounter between the two men. The finality of that match, however, has always felt incomplete, especially given the monumental career trajectories both men took immediately afterward, with Punk’s "Pipe Bomb" promo just months later changing the course of WWE history.

5 Reasons CM Punk vs. Randy Orton Must Happen in 2025

The stars have aligned for a rematch, driven by their current positions on the roster and the deep, unresolved nature of their past. Here are the five most compelling reasons why this match is WWE's biggest priority.

1. The Survivor Series 2023 Reunion: A New Chapter

The surprise returns of both men at Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 provided the perfect, unintentional starting point for a new feud. Randy Orton returned first, joining the WarGames match, but it was CM Punk’s shocking, unannounced return that closed the show. Unseen backstage footage and interviews captured Orton's genuine, shocked, and excited reaction to Punk’s return, which was a viral moment. This real-life, human moment has added a layer of legitimacy to their current relationship, moving beyond the scripted animosity of 2011 and setting the stage for a rivalry based on respect, competition, and the question of who is truly the better veteran.

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2. The Battle of the Veterans: RKO vs. GTS

In 2011, both men were still in their prime, but today, they are elder statesmen. A match in 2025 would be a clash of two ring generals, masters of in-ring psychology, rather than just high-impact action. The match would be a contest of wills, with the focus on the strategic use of their devastating finishers: the sudden, unpredictable RKO, and the brutal, crowd-popping GTS (Go To Sleep). The narrative would be about which veteran has adapted better and who can still perform at an elite level after years away and significant injuries.

3. Unfinished Business from The New Nexus Era

Punk has consistently cited his WrestleMania 27 loss as a moment he felt was a political move to protect Orton, an entity he has often railed against. The loss was a major blow to The New Nexus and Punk's momentum at the time. A rematch now allows Punk the opportunity to finally avenge that loss on the grandest stage, proving that his current run is not just a comeback, but a declaration of his dominance over the generation he was forced to compete with. The story writes itself: Punk seeking redemption for the defeat that derailed his initial rise to the top.

4. The Ultimate Dream Match for a Major PLE

With major events like the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, and SummerSlam needing tentpole matches, Punk vs. Orton is an undeniable draw. Both men possess a rare ability to generate massive media attention and ticket sales. This match is a guaranteed main event, appealing to both the lapsed fan who remembers their initial feud and the current audience who appreciates their legendary status. It is a fresh match-up for a new era, despite its history, and is arguably the most valuable non-title match WWE can produce.

5. The Legacy Defining Confrontation

Both Punk and Orton are in the final chapters of their careers, and every match from this point forward is about defining their legacy. Orton, a 14-time World Champion, needs to solidify his place as the all-time great, while Punk needs to prove his controversial return was worth the hype and that he is still the "Best in the World." A victory over the other would be the ultimate feather in the cap, a final, definitive statement on who was the superior wrestler of their generation. It’s a Legacy vs. Voice battle for the history books, and the wrestling world is collectively holding its breath for the bell to ring one last time.