‘The Challenge’ Cast Includes Former WWE Star For MTV's Next Season

CM Punk is about to return to national TV, though it won’t be in a WWE ring or the UFC octagon. The former professional wrestler and current MMA fighter has joined the cast of MTV’s next season of “The Challenge.”

“The Challenge: Champs vs. Pros” will debut Tuesday, May 16, featuring professional athletes and veterans of the hit reality-TV show. The athletes will go up against competitors that have already been victorious on the series, with the winner getting $50,000 for their favorite charity.

Punk has just one career MMA fight under his belt, losing to Mickey Gall at UFC 203 in two minutes and 14 seconds. MTV’s official website, however, doesn’t make mention of his eight years in WWE, listing him as “CM Punk: UFC Fighter.” The cast includes Olympic hurdler Lolo Jones, Olympic Skier Gus Kenworthy and former NFL player Kamerion Wimbley. NFL wide receiver Victor Cruz will host the six-week special event.

Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman is among the 10 athletes, as well. He had a short stint with WWE, though he told International Business Times in October that he couldn’t commit to the company because it required so much time on the road. Punk is certainly familiar with Merriman since the two have exchanged some harsh words with each other in recent years.

Punk isn’t the first WWE star to compete on “The Challenge.” Before The Miz was winning titles in WWE, he appeared on “The Real World” and went on to win “The Challenge” multiple times.

The announcement comes as MTV is in the middle of the show’s 29th season. “The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions,” has featured veterans such as CT, Johnny Bananas and Cara Maria. It’s not yet known what champions will compete against the professional athletes.

Despite his loss in September, Punk has vowed to continue his MMA career.