CM Punk to miss WrestleMania XL due to torn triceps

CM Punk, who competed Saturday on WWE television for the first time in 10 years, announced Monday on “Raw” that he suffered a torn right triceps during the Royal Rumble in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Punk's right arm was bandaged in a sling as he said, “WrestleMania XL, I guess that's not in the cards. … There's always next year.”

One of the biggest stars in professional wrestling, Punk was hoping to headline WrestleMania XL this April in Philadelphia. The 45-year-old was a finalist in the Royal Rumble after being eliminated by Cody Rhodes.

Punk did not reveal whether the injury would require surgery or a recovery timetable.

“I feel a little improbable,” said a teary-eyed Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks. “…My goal and dream since I was little is to main event WrestleMania, but maybe that will never happen. …It's a bump in the road… I have overcome adversity many times in the past.”

Punk suffered a torn left triceps in September 2022 while competing in AEW and was sidelined for nine months after extensive rehabilitation.

He was involved in an unexpected backstage altercation at this same event in 2022 and also suffered a broken foot in June 2022.

Punk left AEW following a second unforeseen backstage altercation – one that took place last August in London. He is a former WWE champion who also competed in the UFC.