CM Punk, three matches set for WWE SmackDown Tribute to the Troops
CM Punk will return to WWE SmackDown on the Friday, December 8 Tribute to the Troops episode.
Punk’s SmackDown return will take place on next week’s show, a Tribute to the Troops-branded edition of SmackDown. Punk will presumably cut a promo on the show, as his WWE comeback match has yet to be announced.
Three matches have also been announced for the episode, including a pair of first round matches in the tournament to determine a number one contender to Logan Paul’s United States Championship.
In the tournament, Bobby Lashley will face Karrion Kross, while Dragon Lee will take on Santos Escobar. Kevin Owens, Grayson Waller, Austin Theory, and one NXT star yet to be announced are the other tournament participants.
The feud between Damage CTRL and the rest of the SmackDown women’s roster will also continue next week, as Asuka takes on Charlotte Flair.
While Tribute to the Troops has been a stand-alone special in prior years, this year’s edition will air as a SmackDown episode.
The announced lineup:
WWE SmackDown Tribute to the Troops, Friday, December 8, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Fox —
- CM Punk returns to SmackDown
- United States Championship number one contender’s tournament first round: Bobby Lashley vs. Karrion Kross
- United States Championship number one contender’s tournament first round: Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar
- Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka
