CM Punk’s momentum and reputation faced serious jeopardy on the June 20 episode of WWE SmackDown, following a severe attack from John Cena just days before their anticipated title match at Night of Champions in Riyadh. The aftermath has led to intense scrutiny of CM Punk’s role, with former WWE creative writer Vince Russo asserting that a CM Punk heel turn at Night of Champions is not just plausible, but necessary for his career revival.
John Cena’s Attack Leaves CM Punk Reeling Before Major Title Clash
The June 20 main event on SmackDown featured John Cena against R-Truth, but the match itself was quickly overshadowed by controversy. Cena, the reigning champion, was disqualified after using his championship belt on Truth, cutting the contest short. CM Punk entered the ring soon after, only to become the target of Cena’s aggression. Cena struck Punk with the belt twice before driving him through a table using his signature move, the Attitude Adjustment.
Following this violent encounter, Cena delivered a passionate promo, reminiscent of his infamous ‘pipebomb’ style, and directed harsh words at CM Punk. The brutality of the segment left Punk motionless for over ten minutes, an image that struck fans and insiders alike as deeply symbolic ahead of their battle for the Undisputed WWE Championship scheduled for June 28 in Riyadh.
Vince Russo Argues For A Drastic Character Shift For CM Punk
Former WWE writer Vince Russo, speaking on the Behind the Turnbuckle Studios’ Coach and Bro podcast with Jonathan Coachman, sharply criticized how the events unfolded for Punk. Russo described the incident as a “burial,” suggesting that such a showcasing undermined Punk’s status as a top-tier talent unless the creative team orchestrates an urgent turnaround in his character’s direction.
Russo’s commentary framed the attack as not only damaging to Punk’s image but also detrimental to his credibility as a main event superstar. The only remedy, according to Russo, is a heel turn during the high-stakes Night of Champions match. He states:
“I’m saying if I was writing this, there is no way I could have allowed a talent like that (Punk) to literally be buried and I have to tell you, Coach, there is only one way out of this.I think a lot of damage was done. We heard the response for Cena when this was all said and done. I think the only way out of this is I think CM Punk’s gotta turn heel during that match. [10:34 onwards]”
—Vince Russo, Former WWE Creative Writer
Russo’s remarks underscore the sense of urgency felt by some wrestling veterans and pundits, especially considering Punk’s babyface run since his dramatic comeback at Survivor Series in 2023. Many now wonder whether WWE leadership will heed this controversial advice to restore Punk’s competitive edge and crowd engagement.
Implications for the Night of Champions and WWE’s Ongoing Storytelling
As the Night of Champions draws closer, all eyes are fixed on the storyline between ring legends CM Punk and John Cena. The tension generated by the unexpected attack and the specter of a possible CM Punk heel turn at Night of Champions have rapidly become focal points of discussion among fans and insiders.
Cena’s actions, described as a possible burial by Russo, raise significant questions about Punk’s standing heading into the title match. WWE’s tendency to blur the lines between scripted rivalries and real professional stakes amplifies the stakes even further. The company’s next move could determine if Punk resumes a central place among top WWE superstars or risks sliding further out of the title picture.
The uneasy atmosphere surrounding the feud and the heavy anticipation for Night of Champions serve as a testament to the enduring intrigue around both Cena and Punk, as well as the unpredictable state of WWE narrative direction. If a heel turn does in fact occur, it may mark a dramatic shift not only for CM Punk but also for the company’s creative trajectory in 2024.
