In a fiery and unexpected twist to the ongoing feud between Drew McIntyre and CM Punk, the former shared a “real photo” last week that added fuel to their rivalry. The picture, featuring McIntyre standing alongside AEW’s TNT Champion Jack Perry, harkens back to an infamous backstage altercation between Punk and Perry at the 2023 AEW All In event. That incident led to Perry’s suspension from AEW and Punk’s eventual termination from the company. Former AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa recently shared her thoughts on this dramatic development during an episode of “Busted Open Radio.”
Thunder Rosa’s Reaction
Rosa, known for her candidness and insight into the wrestling world, described her surprise at McIntyre’s provocative move. “All my friends were screenshotting that s*** and sending it to me like, ‘Do you see this? Is this incredible? Do you know anything about it?'” Rosa recounted. Her response to the barrage of messages was a mixture of admiration and amusement. “I’m like, ‘No, I don’t, and if I do, I’m not going to tell you anyway.’ So, for me, it was brilliant,” she said.
The photo not only stirred excitement among fans but also highlighted the lingering tensions from last year’s All In event. “In terms of this storyline, I think it was brilliant because we know the length of issues that these two people had in the past,” Rosa continued. “Everything that unraveled from last All In, and how it happened. It’s just been insanity. And for Drew McIntyre to post a picture with The Scapegoat, I was just like, that is some heel ass s***, bottom line.”
The Feud’s Backstory
The history between CM Punk and Jack Perry is fraught with drama. Their altercation at AEW All In 2023 led to significant repercussions for both wrestlers. Perry’s suspension and Punk’s termination marked a turning point in AEW, casting a long shadow over their careers. Now, nearly a year later, Punk finds himself back in WWE, poised to face McIntyre at SummerSlam on August 3.
The animosity between Punk and McIntyre traces back to the 2024 Royal Rumble. McIntyre took smug credit for Punk’s torn triceps injury, a claim that intensified their rivalry. Six months have passed, and with Punk now cleared to return to action, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown with “The Scottish Warrior.”
The Significance of the Photograph
Drew McIntyre’s decision to share the photo with Jack Perry serves as a calculated provocation, one that plays into his heel persona and adds a new dimension to his feud with Punk. By aligning himself with Perry, McIntyre cleverly invokes the tumultuous history that both men share with Punk, tapping into the real-life drama that wrestling fans thrive on.
Thunder Rosa’s reaction underscores the impact of such cross-promotional storytelling. The wrestling community’s response to the photograph highlights the enduring appeal of real-life conflict being woven into on-screen narratives. McIntyre’s move is a testament to the power of wrestling’s storytelling, where reality and fiction often intertwine to create compelling drama.
The Road to SummerSlam
As the countdown to SummerSlam continues, fans eagerly anticipate the clash between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. Punk’s return to WWE has been met with widespread enthusiasm, and his feud with McIntyre promises to deliver an unforgettable match. The added intrigue of Jack Perry’s involvement only heightens the stakes, ensuring that all eyes will be on this explosive encounter.
Thunder Rosa’s endorsement of McIntyre’s “brilliant” strategy speaks to the artistry of wrestling storytelling. As the industry evolves, moments like these remind fans of the intricate dance between character and performer, reality and fiction. With SummerSlam fast approaching, the anticipation for Punk and McIntyre’s showdown is at a fever pitch, promising a spectacle that will leave a lasting impression on the wrestling world.
