Triple H must avoid making a major mistake with former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, as he is embroiled in a feud with CM Punk.
McIntyre is yet to sign a new deal with WWE as per reports. Triple H could use his contract situation in this ongoing rivalry with the Best in the World to recreate the infamous angle that happened with Punk in 2011.
However, The Game must not make the same mistake that WWE made with The Straight Edge Superstar 13 years ago.
WWE made a mistake with CM Punk in 2011
In 2011, CM Punk announced that his contract with WWE would end at the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event on July 17.
Punk went on to defeat John Cena to win the WWE Championship at the PLE. The Second City Saint then took the title and went home due to the end of his contract, casting doubt over the title's future. The WWE Championship was then vacated as Punk was nowhere to be seen on the following episode of RAW.
On the July 25, 2011, edition of RAW, a week after the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event, John Cena won the WWE Championship. Moments after Cena won, Punk made a surprise appearance and proudly showed his belt in front of The Cenation Leader.
The Stamford-based company made tremendous efforts and created excitement surrounding Punk's exit, only to have him return a week later. It was the most engrossing storyline they had in years, but it was cut short before reaching its full potential.
The well-planned tale might have gone in a variety of directions, but Punk's rapid return killed the buzz.
Triple H should recreate this angle with Drew McIntyre
WWE recently announced that the Clash at the Castle Premium Live Event will be held on June 15, 2024.
The premium live event will be held in Drew McIntyre's native country of Scotland. The former WWE Champion should face Damian Priest at the event and win the World Heavyweight Championship back. McIntyre's contract is slated to end around that time and he should then leave the Stamford-based company with the championship, drawing parallels to CM Punk's departure in 2011.
However, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H must avoid making the same error of bringing The Scottish Warrior back after a week, like the company did with CM Punk. McIntyre must leave for at least a month to defend his title in various independent promotions before returning since WWE has collaborated with other companies lately.
CM Punk should then win the vacant World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam 2024
The animosity between Drew McIntyre and CM Punk has been entertaining to watch so far.
Triple H should capitalize on this intense rivalry and book McIntyre to leave with the World Heavyweight Championship at the Clash at the Castle 2024 Premium Live Event. Once Drew leaves, there should be a need for a new champion as the title will be vacated. The Game should then organize a tournament to decide the new champion. The Second City Saint should win this tournament, only for McIntyre to return with the championship, setting up a spectacular clash with the newly crowned champion.
If The King of Kings executes this storyline more effectively than the company did with Punk, it will significantly increase anticipation for this feud, possibly elevating it to become one of the most iconic rivalries in WWE history.