Basking in victory or going for gold? 4 directions for Drew McIntyre after beating CM Punk at WWE SummerSlam

After months of waiting for CM Punk to get cleared, Drew McIntyre finally got revenge by defeating his bitter rival at WWE SummerSlam.

In the end, Punk was unable to control his emotions. He lost it when he saw Seth Rollins wearing his beloved bracelet. Rollins was getting the jewelry off the mat, but The Voice of the Voiceless took it as a slight against him.

McIntyre took advantage of the distraction and bested his bitter rival. Is he truly done with CM Punk or was this just the appetizer for a bigger meal? Drew McIntyre's path after SummerSlam could go one of the next four ways.

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#4. He takes a well-needed vacation following SummerSlam

It's still summer in the USA, and McIntyre got his fill at WWE's latest premium live event. Beating his hated rival has to be fulfilling for The Scottish Warrior.

It's been an emotional ride since the Royal Rumble. McIntyre may be so satisfied with his massive victory that he decides to take a well-deserved vacation. He can claim it's a rejuvenating journey now that he's rid himself of Punk and the negative energy.

When he's rested and healed, he can return to RAW. Some stars take time off following big PLEs, including Roman Reigns after WrestleMania 40. SummerSlam would qualify as that for McIntyre.

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#3. He attempts to move on but CM Punk won't let him

CM Punk cannot be satisfied with his loss at SummerSlam to Drew McIntyre. {Image Credit: WWE YouTube}

While Punk was out nursing his triceps injury, McIntyre tried to resume his normal pursuits while also trolling his injured rival. He qualified for the Elimination Chamber, winning the match in Perth.

The Scotsman defeated Rollins for the title but couldn't help but rub his win in Punk's face. It led to a post-match attack from The Voice of the Voiceless that cost McIntyre the Championship.

The former WWE Champion may treat his post-SummerSlam aspirations as business as usual, thinking Punk is in his rear-view. Punk will not let the loss go and has been known to hold grudges. He'll likely continue his revenge mission on McIntyre.

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#2. He overconfidently agrees to another match

One ongoing theme in the bitter feud has been overconfidence and the need to rub salt in the other's wounds. McIntyre couldn't help himself after he won the title at WrestleMania 40. It led to the attack and a cash-in from Damian Priest.

CM Punk gloated after costing McIntyre the title on a few occasions. That theme could easily lead to a second match after SummerSlam. Punk will want revenge and another shot to beat The Scottish Warrior. It was his first singles match back in WWE, and he lost.

McIntyre could be so overconfident that he agrees to a second match. This is the type of feud that needs more than one showdown, so his overconfidence could be his undoing in a second fight.

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#1. Drew McIntyre challenges Gunther at Bash in Berlin

Drew McIntyre faced Gunther twice for the Intercontinental Championship. One attempt was in a triple threat with Sheamus at WrestleMania 39. The second time was at last year's SummerSlam.

With The Ring General beating Priest for the title, McIntyre will likely want another opportunity to win the World Heavyweight Championship. Doing so again may lead to the same result since Gunther won't lose so soon after winning the title.

McIntyre hasn't had a proper one-on-one showdown for the title this year due to his feud with Punk. After beating his rival at SummerSlam, the former Champ may think his business with The Voice of the Voiceless is over. Going after Gunther seems like a logical step since Priest will be targeting Finn Balor.