Rhodes addresses his upcoming Undisputed WWE Championship Ladder Match between him and Kevin Owens at Royal Rumble and says he can't wait for their issues to be through.

CM Punk's music hits and he makes his way out. He asks Rhodes if he's alright, and says he remembers what it's like not to have friends as a World Champion. He gives some encouraging words to a deflated Rhodes, and says if he makes it past Owens, then it's onto the next show and Rhodes asked for it as the poster boy for WWE. He says Rhodes gets to spend less time with his wife and daughter because the Undisputed WWE Championship means something to guys like them, then reminds him about the impact that he has on fans.

Rhodes asks Punk what the bad news is, and Punk says that the bad news is that he intends to win the 2025 Men's Royal Rumble to challenge Rhodes for his Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41. Rhodes recalls their early days in the wresting business, then tells Punk that's he's not chasing him as it's actually the other way around. The two continue going back and forth, tensely staring one another down as the show goes off the air.