CM Punk, who had been sidelined from in-ring action since January due to a triceps injury, made his highly anticipated return on Friday Night SmackDown this week. However, the comeback didn’t unfold as he might have hoped. Drew McIntyre brutally attacked Punk during the show, yet despite the injury angle, Punk was seen leaving the arena afterward, raising questions about the nature of his storyline injury.
On the June 21 edition of SmackDown in Chicago, CM Punk kicked off the show by addressing the fallout from WWE Clash at the Castle. He reflected on losing a crucial World title opportunity in Drew McIntyre’s native Scotland and highlighted his alliance with Cody Rhodes in fending off potential attacks from The Bloodline. Punk’s speech was meant to reignite his momentum and set the stage for future rivalries.
Later in the evening, during a backstage segment featuring DIY and Grayson Waller, a sudden noise interrupted the proceedings. The garage door swung open to reveal CM Punk, visibly battered and lying on the floor. Drew McIntyre, who had recently left WWE on Monday Night RAW, made a surprise return to Chicago seeking retribution against Punk. McIntyre’s appearance was shocking and immediately intensified the show’s atmosphere.
McIntyre forcefully dragged a bloodied Punk to the ringside area and unceremoniously threw him at the entrance. General Manager Nick Aldis swiftly intervened with security to restore order, and Punk was transported to the hospital in an ambulance. This dramatic moment was designed to emphasize McIntyre’s newfound aggression and set the stage for a fierce rivalry.
Despite the storyline depicting CM Punk being transported to the hospital, footage circulating online revealed Punk leaving the Allstate Arena in his car, suggesting that he didn’t maintain kayfabe. This departure was noted by fans and media alike, highlighting the challenges WWE faces in keeping storyline injuries believable in the age of social media.
CM Punk left in an ambulance and drove himself home…🤦♂️ #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/uoLjBpIGix
— AIR (@AIRGold_) June 22, 2024
This week’s dramatic segment on SmackDown was meticulously planned and rehearsed by WWE to ensure a significant impact. According to a report by Fightful Select, WWE went the extra mile to ensure everything went perfectly in the CM Punk and Drew McIntyre beatdown segment. The careful planning underscored WWE’s commitment to delivering high-stakes drama that captivates the audience.
Punk’s departure from the arena in his car, despite the hospital angle, raises questions about the challenges of maintaining kayfabe in the modern era. With fans and cameras everywhere, it’s increasingly difficult to keep the storylines intact outside the ring. This incident illustrates the tension between storytelling and reality that WWE constantly navigates.
Looking ahead, CM Punk’s plans for SummerSlam are already in motion, where he is expected to face Drew McIntyre. This bout is anticipated to be a major draw for the event, given the intense buildup. However, it remains to be seen when Punk will return to television, as he might be absent for a while following McIntyre’s assault. This potential absence adds an element of uncertainty and anticipation to the storyline.
Were you happy to see Drew McIntyre brutally assault CM Punk? Let us know in the comments section below!
