WWE SmackDown video highlights: CM Punk is here to main event WrestleMania

By Joseph Currier
Published: 9 Dec 2023, 04:05

In his return to WWE, CM Punk has one goal in mind: main eventing WrestleMania.

Punk returned to SmackDown last night for the first time in his WWE comeback. Over the course of his promo, Punk named-dropped potential future opponents or partners and gave a mission statement for his WWE return. Punk declared that he’s here to finish what he started. He’s back to finish his own story of headlining WrestleMania.

Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Randy Orton, LA Knight, Kevin Owens, and Seth Rollins were all referenced during Punk’s promo.

Though Punk didn’t say Rollins’ name, he took a clear shot at him.

“Everybody’s welcomed me back with open arms, except for that one guy,” Punk said. “There’s always that one bad apple that spoils the bunch, am I right? But I’m not going to put any stock in anything he has to say, and it’s not because of his whiny voice. It’s because he’s not even The Man in his own household.”

Punk also took a shot at Reigns for never being around, and he reminded Reigns who the original “Paul Heyman Guy” was.

“Tribal Chief, I acknowledge you. Congratulations on all your success. Don’t forget who the OG ‘Paul Heyman Guy’ is,” Punk said. “Don’t forget that he was my wise man first.”

While talking about Owens, Punk brought up how similar they are. Punk then made a joke about his backstage behavior from AEW.

“I don’t know who would feel comfortable working with somebody who randomly just punches people in the face backstage,” Punk said. “I mean, it’s 2023 ladies and gentlemen, you just can’t be doing stuff like that. That’s insane.”

Punk is set to appear on Monday’s episode of Raw in Cleveland. He will reveal which brand he’s signing with.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

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