"In that instant, he took himself out" - Major botch at Bad Blood cost legendary former WWE Champion, believes Stevie Richards

WWE harbors some of the best pro wrestlers in the world on its roster. Despite this, mistakes and botches may still happen. However, a recent botch resulted in a legendary former world champion inflicting damage upon himself, according to WWE veteran Stevie Richards.

Speaking on his The Stevie Richards Show podcast, the former Right To Censor member discussed the Hell in a Cell match between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. Richards pointed out that McIntyre missing the Claymore towards the end of the match and landing on the edge of steel steps was a botch.

Richards noted that not only did McInytre miss his finisher, but he also had a bad landing on his tailbone, which cost the former WWE Champion the highly personal feud's finale.

"I think Drew's [Claymore] was a was a botch because he wanted to land his back on the top of the steps. But he fell a little short. But Drew still, most of his upper back and middle back landed on the mat. He just kind of Hit the tailbone which is not a great feeling by the way. But also it was his finish he was going for and Punk moved. Think about it. He basically was going for the finish, so still within the psychology, Punk got out of the way and Drew, the heel paid the price himself for trying to go for the Claymore. In that in that instant, he took himself out.” [From 18:15 to 18:55]

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The real reason that made the WWE Universe dig the Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk storyline

CM Punk returned to WWE at the 2023 Survivor Series: WarGames and made his in-ring debut at the 2024 Royal Rumble in January. Unfortunately, he injured himself during the Men's Royal Rumble match and was out of action till SummerSlam in August. However, the promotion did a great job of building a storyline that constantly engaged the fans.

Speaking in the same podcast, The Stevie Richards Show, the veteran also gave credit to the story as the primary factor behind the success of the Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood. He highlighted how the promotion added something new to the story every week, and despite other wrestlers making their appearances, Punk and McIntyre always held center stage.

"With Punk and Drew, it's got it definitive weekly episodic and then throughout pay-per-views even month, or every three weeks. However, you know whatever the interval is. You know the storyline is progressing. Each time each person has something to say. Sure, you sprinkle in Seth Rollins here and there. Damian Priest here and there. You have these people, that kind of come into the universe or the solar system of Punk and Drew, but then they go back off into their program. So everybody is kind of like getting everybody over within those." [From 0:21 to 0:56]

Now, CM Punk has announced a break from WWE, while Drew McIntyre has yet to appear following the Hell in a Cell match. It would be interesting to see what lies ahead for these legendary stars.