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CM Punk got a beatdown by Drew McIntyre on the June 21 episode of SmackDown and hasn't been seen on TV since then. He is expected to come back soon, though, and add more fuel to his feud with The Scottish Warrior, which intensifies every week.
The most likely scenario is for the two superstars to collide at SummerSlam in early August. Still, their feud is expected to be extended for several weeks. With that in mind, we take a look at three reasons why The Best in the World has to lose to Drew McIntyre after his return from injury.
#3. To increase the heat of the rivalry
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Drew McIntyre and CM Punk have created a heated rivalry since the latter returned to WWE in November 2023 at the Survivor Series Premium Live Event.
McIntyre injured Punk at the 2024 Royal Rumble in late January, and the former AEW star has been out for revenge since then. Despite being unable to compete due to a torn triceps, CM Punk cost McIntyre the World Heavyweight Championship on three separate occasions (WrestleMania 40, RAW after 'Mania, Clash at the Castle).
As a result, their rivalry has reached a very high level of intensity, and things are not expected to change going forward.
But, this time, it is Drew McIntyre who is out for revenge, so a CM Punk loss whenever the two collide in a match will help take their feud to the next level, as Punk will be out for payback and will look to even the score.
#2. Put Drew McIntyre over
At the moment, CM Punk has the momentum on his side, as he has cost McIntyre the title on multiple occasions despite being injured.
The Scottish Warrior, meanwhile, has maintained his status as a top contender despite Punk's interference and has had the chance to become the World Champion.
Thus, fans can expect WWE to give McIntyre the upper hand in this battle by defeating The Best in the World so he can be put over.
#1. CM Punk will become the underdog
CM Punk has shown that he has Drew McIntyre's number at the moment and knows how to neutralize him. However, a loss to the fellow megastar could turn things around for the former champion.
More specifically, if he loses to McIntyre, Punk will no longer be the top guy in the bout. Instead, he will be considered the underdog and the one who will look to get back on track and even the odds.
The feud between the two is not expected to come to an end soon, so even if he loses at SummerSlam, Punk will have another chance to defeat his opponent and regain the momentum.
For the time being, it remains to be seen whether Punk will be on RAW this Monday when Drew McIntyre faces Sheamus and Ilja Dragunov in a Qualifying Match for the upcoming Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
