CM Punk, sidelined from in-ring action since January due to a triceps injury, has maintained a strong presence on WWE television and social media. As we slowly head towards SummerSlam in August, WWE’s plans for The Second City Saint have been revealed.
CM Punk made his return at Clash at The Castle Premium Live Event, where he interfered and cost Drew McIntyre the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match against Damian Priest. Following this, Punk announced that he would miss the June 17th edition of Monday Night RAW to undergo a medical examination to get cleared.
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, although a CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre match doesn’t necessarily require a title belt, it would be significantly enhanced by having one involved. However, when Triple H decreed that the King of the Ring winner would earn a title shot at SummerSlam, the booking direction became clear. Currently, the plan is for McIntyre to face Punk at SummerSlam, contingent on Punk’s condition.
”As noted, Punk vs. McIntyre doesn’t need a title belt, but also would be stronger with one. But when Levesque decreed that the King of the Ring winner would get the SummerSlam title shot, and if the idea is McIntyre vs. Punk at SummerSlam (which it is right now pending Punk’s condition), then by that logic the finish they did was the only one they could do. Yes, they could have delayed the Gunther title match to the Berlin show and had McIntyre vs. Punk as champion. But they may have wanted Punk to win, and it’s too soon for him to win the title.”
CM Punk is set to appear on this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown and reveal his in-ring status, so we’ll have to see whether Punk will confirm he will be ready in time for a match with McIntyre at SummerSlam in August.
Do you want to see CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam as the main event? Let us know in the comments section below!