For months, Drew McIntyre, also known as the Scottish Warrior, has been showcasing unparalleled dominance. The conflict between him and CM Punk has escalated, characterized by intense verbal disagreements and violent physical encounters. The ongoing dispute reached its peak when McIntyre defeated Punk at SummerSlam, causing a stir in the wrestling world.
A victory and a retreat: McIntyre’s psychological edge
However, the victory at SummerSlam did not mark the end of their clashes. This week on RAW, CM Punk managed to turn the tables, causing McIntyre to retreat—a rare sight for the formidable wrestler. Despite this setback, McIntyre did not back down. He responded with a bold statement, claiming that if antagonizing Punk were an Olympic sport, he would be the Simone Biles of it. This quip came after McIntyre taunted Punk on RAW by mentioning Punk’s spouse, AJ Lee, and a cherished bracelet McIntyre had stolen from him. This bracelet, inscribed with the names of AJ Lee and their dog Larry, holds immense sentimental value for Punk, perhaps even more than a championship title.
The psychological warfare: a battle beyond the ring
McIntyre’s antics and the emotional weight of the AJ Lee bracelet have added layers to this feud, making it more than just a battle for dominance in the ring. Despite not possessing any actual medals, McIntyre’s psychological victories over Punk have been significant. The question remains: is this feud over? According to renowned pro wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, the rivalry will not conclude until Punk secures a win against McIntyre. On his F4WOnline podcast, Meltzer asserted, “He wanted to beat his a*s is what he wanted to do. Well, we’ll get that. We’ll get that. He’s owed one now. I mean, he’s going to—you know, this feud ain’t ending with Punk not winning the match. So he’s owed one.”
Fan reactions: who’s at fault?
The wrestling community is divided on the feud. A poll asked fans who they thought was more at fault for the ongoing conflict. The responses varied, with some blaming CM Punk, others pointing fingers at Drew McIntyre, and many attributing it to bad luck. Another poll questioned whether Triple H’s booking of Jey Uso was ruining his career, with mixed responses reflecting the uncertainty surrounding current WWE storylines.
The bracelet’s significance: a symbol of unfinished business
The AJ Lee bracelet has become a symbol of unfinished business between McIntyre and Punk. Punk’s drive to recapture the bracelet and secure a victory against McIntyre guarantees that the feud is still ongoing. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next installment in this intense saga, with a rematch possibility looming large.
AJ lee’s possible comeback: a fan’s fantasy
Fans are theorizing about the potential comeback of AJ Lee in WWE, bringing an additional dimension to the storyline. Since CM Punk returned to WWE in November, there has been much speculation about the potential return of AJ Lee. However, Punk clarified that while he would welcome AJ Lee’s return, the decision ultimately lies with her.
In a recent interview Punk shared, “You cannot possibly push my wife in any direction she does not want to go. I get this question every single time I’m interviewed — I do not mind because it makes sense to me because I am as big a fan of AJ Lee as your niece or all of her legions of fans. She inspired an entire generation of female wrestlers and I think you’re seeing a lot of them come through NXT; now there’s even some that are on the indies… As a fan, 100%, I would do cartwheels if she came back, but I cannot make her do anything, like that’s not the relationship we have.”
Looking ahead: the future of the feud
While AJ Lee’s return remains uncertain, the possibility cannot be entirely ruled out. There is no doubt about her impact on the women’s division, and her return could greatly affect the ongoing rivalry between McIntyre and Punk. Up to that point, the wrestling community eagerly anticipates the next showdown between these two giants.
