The WWE Universe and Drew McIntyre continue to wait patiently for the in-ring return of CM Punk. He is expected to wrestle McIntyre as soon as possible, but some new details from backstage have caused more concern within the company.
The Second City Saint has been on the shelf since suffering a shoulder injury at the Royal Rumble, blamed on The Scottish Warrior. WWE has worked hard to keep Punk in the storylines while he recovers, and that continued on last week's SmackDown from his hometown of Chicago. After a rapturous hometown welcome to open the show, Punk ripped McIntyre for quitting WWE, but was then interrupted by Paul Heyman. This led to The Bloodline intimidating the former AEW World Champion until Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes came to confront Solo Sikoa, challenging him to a match.
McIntyre, who didn't really quit WWE, later appeared with a beaten and bloodied Punk, dropping him like a rock in front of the crowd. Nick Aldis ran out to warn McIntyre, while Punk was put into a neck brace and then sent to the hospital via ambulance. Fightful Select has confirmed that Punk was not medically cleared to compete.
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In the lead-up to Punk's SmackDown appearance, the 45-year-old expressed excitement over returning to the ring. He also teased that he may be medically cleared to compete before SmackDown, and perhaps would announce that live but that obviously did not happen. WWE officials were forced to get creative with the Drew McIntyre segment due to CM Punk's health status.
Punk returned to WWE in late November at Survivor Series 2023. His in-ring return for WWE came with wins over Dominik Mysterio at two non-televised live events in late December. He then worked the Men's Royal Rumble Match, but was forced to go on the injured list after the premium live event.
Drew McIntyre set for major upcoming WWE PLE matches?
Monday's WWE RAW will see Drew McIntyre compete for the final spot in the Men's Money in the Bank ladder match on July 6.
McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Ilja Dragunov in a Triple Threat qualifier will take place next Monday on the final RAW before Money in the Bank. The winner will join Jey Uso, Andrade, Carmelo Hayes, LA Knight, and Chad Gable in the MITB ladder match.
Coming out of Money in the Bank, the next main roster PLE will be SummerSlam on August 3 from Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. While not confirmed, Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk is heavily rumored if Punk can get medically cleared by then.
SummerSlam will also feature Women's Champion Bayley defending her title against Queen of the Ring winner Nia Jax, plus King of the Ring Gunther taking on World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest. Gunther could take on Seth Rollins if The Visionary defeats Priest for the title at Money in the Bank.