CM Punk gets brutally assaulted backstage by "returning" star on SmackDown; immediately sent to the hospital

CM Punk's return to SmackDown in Chicago ended disastrously despite a great start. After an eventful opening segment, The Best in the World was brutally assaulted by a "returning" star who ended up hospitalizing him.

That superstar, as you would have guessed, is none other than Drew McIntyre, Punk's bitter rival. After Punk cut a promo stating that McIntyre dropped the ball, he would have a heartwarming interaction with Paul Heyman as well as a confrontation with The Bloodline before Cody Rhodes saved him. McIntyre, meanwhile, said he was "quitting" WWE this past Monday Night on RAW.

In a backstage segment where DIY was trash-talking Grayson Waller, a loud thud was heard in the back. When the metal door lifted up, it revealed Drew McIntyre and a beaten-down CM Punk. The star has seemingly "returned" after "quitting" the company earlier this week.

McIntyre would brutally assault CM Punk, who was already debilitated by the time that door lifted up. The Scotsman carried a bloodied Punk into the arena and threw him down, with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis shoving McIntyre in anger.

You can watch the video here.

This is another big way to set up their rumored SummerSlam 2024 match. This is, of course, pending medical clearance.

Paul Heyman's interaction with Punk was also interesting, although it seemed to serve the purpose of Heyman's position with The Bloodline rather than anything to do with Punk.

This has the potential to turn into the feud of the year and it seems like McIntyre and Punk are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that it does.