The latest episode of SmackDown came from CM Punk‘s hometown, Chicago. The Second City Saint opened the show and addressed the fans about Drew McIntyre quitting the WWE on Monday Night RAW. While The Bloodline interrupted his promo and Paul Heyman begged to be freed from Solo Sikoa, fans thought something big was incoming.
However, midway through the show, the Scottish Warrior appeared and beat down Punk. After taking him out to the ring in front of his hometown fans, McIntyre decided to disrespect Punk. This move was clearly to avenge his humiliation done by Punk in Scotland.
As Punk lay beaten and bloodied, McIntyre took off Punk’s bracelet from his hand. This friendship bracelet held the names of AJ Lee, Punk’s wife, and his dog, Larry. Punk had posted a video of himself and Larry on social media recently. These two are the most important people in CM Punk’s life, and the bracelet means a lot to the Second City Saint.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Punk will go after the Scottish Warrior for the bracelet as the storyline continues. This will also lead to a feud over the WWE World Heavyweight title, which belongs to Damian Priest. Priest will defend the title at Money in the Bank against Seth Rollins. While McIntyre does have a rematch clause, he wants to end Punk before that.
Drew McIntyre has taken CM Punk’s ‘AJ and Larry’ bracelet.#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/utYtuATkjc
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) June 22, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The feud between both men has been building since McIntyre injured Punk at the Royal Rumble. Despite twice costing the Scottish Warrior the title, the two have yet to lock horns. Many fans speculated that Punk wasn’t medically cleared, which is why the beatdown occurred. However, this added another layer to the feud.
CM Punk and Drew McIntyre may have their first match at SummerSlam
While fans were expecting Punk to announce that he was medically cleared to wrestle on SmackDown, it is clear that isn’t happening. The feud is set to keep building steam until SummerSlam in the first week of August. Despite not wrestling, the promo and social media work from both men have been praised by fans. The WWE is aiming for a long storyline with both men.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When asked, even critics have claimed that the feud does not need a title to make it better. The personal animosity both men have has fueled the feud beautifully. Since Punk returned to the WWE, McIntyre has been after him. This will culminate in multiple matches, with many believing Punk will have another reign as the WWE champ. What do you think? How did you like the segment? Were you shocked to see McIntyre on the show? Tell us in the comments.