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CM Punk kicked off the latest episode of WWE SmackDown to a massive reception from his hometown fans in Chicago, Illinois. He addressed his actions at the Clash at the Castle 2024 Premium Live Event in Glasgow, Scotland, where he cost Drew McIntyre the World Heavyweight Championship in front of his native fans.
Punk remarked that he aimed to end McIntyre's career but was surprised at how easily it happened after Drew announced his departure from the Stamford-based company on RAW this week.
Punk then had a segment with his former manager Paul Heyman, which escalated into a heated exchange with Solo Sikoa and the rest of The Bloodline. Here are four interesting references CM Punk made during his promo on Friday Night SmackDown.
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#4. CM Punk acknowledged the "original" Bloodline
During the segment, Solo Sikoa gave CM Punk two options if he wanted to be on SmackDown in his hometown: either pay his respects to The Bloodline or face their wrath to ensure he never gets cleared to wrestle again.
Punk, unfazed, shot back by saying he acknowledged that he did not see The Bloodline standing in front of him. Instead, the Second City Saint stated that he saw "fake a** Usos" and a "phony cosplay Tribal Chief." This was clearly a reference to Roman Reigns and The Usos, the original members of The Bloodline.
#3. Jim Cornette's "Like Mussolini"
It is no secret that legendary wrestling personality Jim Cornette is a big fan of CM Punk, and the feeling is mutual. On his podcasts, Cornette often starts talking about Punk by singing a part of the Second City Saint's theme song, "Cult of Personality," especially the lyrics "Like Mussolini."
During his promo on WWE SmackDown, it seemed like Punk paid a little nod to Cornette by singing that very part of the song in a manner reminiscent of Jim's podcast renditions.
#2. Interesting choice of words after the "massacre" on RAW
During his promo on the latest episode of SmackDown, CM Punk made some notable comments. He began by expressing how great it was to be "alive" in Chicago, Illinois, energizing his hometown crowd.
Later, while discussing his desire to get back at Drew McIntyre for their ongoing feud, Punk remarked that as a Chicago native, if someone messes with you, you ensure they end up in the hospital or even the "morgue."
The specific words "alive" and "morgue" stood out, especially given the recent actions of The Wyatt Sicks on Monday Night RAW. This choice of words could hint at a deeper connection or storyline involving Punk and The Wyatt Sicks. It will be interesting to see if this was intentional and if the Second City Saint becomes one of the targets of the Uncle Howdy-led faction moving forward.
#1. The iconic WWE Championship win in Chicago in 2011
During his promo, CM Punk highlighted Drew McIntyre's recent loss at Clash at the Castle, emphasizing the pressure of performing in front of hometown fans.
Punk contrasted McIntyre's defeat with his own experience, recalling Money in the Bank 2011, where he defeated John Cena to become the WWE Champion in Chicago, Illinois. He pointed out that unlike McIntyre, who he implied embarrassed his own fans, Punk succeeded in delivering a memorable victory for his hometown audience.
