On Friday in Berlin, CM Punk honored his longtime wrestling rival Drew McIntyre in a subtle but meaningful way, spotlighting their storied feud during the recent WWE events. This nod comes just as McIntyre achieved a significant milestone, and the timing highlights the ongoing evolution of their professional relationship as both athletes compete at the highest level in WWE.
The Rivalry That Defined Modern Wrestling
The feud between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre stands out as one of the most significant conflicts in contemporary wrestling. Their animosity reached a high point after Punk’s dramatic return to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames in 2023, a comeback that drew strong reactions from wrestlers such as Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins. During the 2024 Royal Rumble, Punk, known as the Second City Saint, suffered a triceps injury. McIntyre, often referred to as the Scottish Warrior, openly claimed that he wished for Punk’s setback and intensified their rivalry by taunting Punk relentlessly.
With Punk temporarily sidelined, McIntyre seized the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE WrestleMania XL. However, McIntyre’s victory celebration was interrupted when Damien Priest successfully cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, taking advantage of an attack on McIntyre by Punk at ringside. This incident fueled further speculation and set the stage for a trilogy of high-stakes matches between the two competitors.
Over the next series of events, their rivalry drew even more attention. At SummerSlam 2024, McIntyre defeated Punk in a match refereed by Seth Rollins. The competitors faced off again at Bash in Berlin in a gripping Strap Match, which CM Punk won after an almost 20-minute clash. Their trilogy concluded at Bad Blood in a brutal Hell in a Cell match, which Punk also claimed as a victory.
Drew McIntyre’s Recent Triumph and Celebrations Abroad
On Friday night in Berlin, Germany, Drew McIntyre became a WWE Champion for the fourth time by winning a 3 Stages of Hell match against Cody Rhodes. This win solidified his status as one of the leading figures in the WWE. Following the major event in Berlin, WWE talent—including McIntyre—traveled to Glasgow, Scotland, to continue the Road to Royal Rumble tour.
CM Punk’s Subtle Acknowledgment of McIntyre
CM Punk, also present in the country during WWE’s European tour, recognized his storied adversary in a personal gesture. Punk posted an Instagram story featuring himself signing autographs for fans, but what made it notable was his choice of background music: McIntyre’s “Broken Dreams” theme song, composed by Jim Johnston and performed by Shaman’s Harvest. This musical homage indicated Punk’s respect and the lingering significance of their rivalry, even while both superstars appeared on different shows.
Current Storylines and What Lies Ahead
In parallel with his tribute to McIntyre, CM Punk continues to feature prominently on WWE Raw, recently defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker. WWE’s January 12 episode will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, where Gunther is scheduled to headline against AJ Styles. These ongoing storylines maintain the international momentum of WWE, connecting major cities like Berlin, Glasgow, and Düsseldorf and drawing attention to the brand’s global appeal.
The respectful nod from CM Punk honors Drew McIntyre’s achievements and highlights the enduring interplay between top-tier competitors. As both athletes continue their journeys through victories and setbacks, their rivalry and mutual recognition underscore the ongoing excitement within WWE, setting the stage for future clashes and memorable moments across the global wrestling landscape.
