CM Punk pays tribute to Drew McIntyre following McIntyre’s Undisputed WWE Championship victory during this week’s SmackDown, just before WWE’s much-anticipated live event in Scotland. The gesture caught the attention of fans as Punk honored his former adversary through social media ahead of the celebrations in McIntyre’s home country.
Drew McIntyre’s Triumphant Victory on SmackDown
This week’s SmackDown delivered a memorable experience for WWE fans, highlighted by the intense Three Stages of Hell match that saw Drew McIntyre, also known as the Scottish Warrior, finally clinch the Undisputed WWE Championship. After facing multiple setbacks in previous years, McIntyre overcame Cody Rhodes in a dramatic finale. The title win was celebrated widely by both supporters and critics, adding further excitement to the build-up toward WrestleMania.
CM Punk’s Subtle Homage on Social Media
As anticipation grew for WWE’s upcoming event in Scotland, CM Punk—frequently dubbed the Best in the World—found a unique way to acknowledge his past rivalry with McIntyre. Prior to the homecoming show, Punk shared an Instagram story where he used McIntyre’s signature theme, Broken Dreams, while enthusiastically signing autographs for fans. This quiet homage was embraced by viewers, demonstrating the sportsmanship and mutual respect present within the wrestling community.
Shifting Traditions in WWE Rivals’ Respect
Modern wrestling continues to see babyface wrestlers extend tributes to their heel counterparts, as well as the reverse. Such exchanges highlight the evolving relationships between former rivals, often sparking positivity among fans. Public recognition and respect have become increasingly common, creating memorable moments that transcend competition in the ring.
Prospects for Another CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre Showdown
The intense feud between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre throughout 2024, culminating in a brutally contested Hell in a Cell match, has been lauded as one of the era’s classic rivalries. With Punk overcoming McIntyre at that climactic event, fan speculation has begun anew regarding a potential rematch later in the year. WWE tradition features a Champion vs. Champion bout—a match between the Undisputed WWE Champion and the World Heavyweight Champion—at Crown Jewel, typically held towards the year’s end. If both CM Punk and Drew McIntyre retain their respective titles by then, a renewal of their storied conflict could headline the card, delivering high anticipation and excitement for the global audience.
As these developments unfold, the continued interplay between celebrated champions not only honors wrestling traditions but also promises to shape the future of WWE’s most significant rivalries and headline events.
The current brand champions of WWE…
World Champion: CM Punk
Undisputed Champion: Drew McIntyreThis feels so full circle 😂 pic.twitter.com/p3zmWP2iMD
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) January 9, 2026
