On this week’s WWE SmackDown, the promotion featured CM Punk’s memorable Pipebomb promo in a video segment, but the company notably removed a reference to Vince McMahon from the footage. The edited segment helped build anticipation for Punk’s upcoming match against John Cena at King & Queen of the Ring next Saturday, drawing attention to how the CM Punk Pipebomb promo edited on WWE SmackDown has generated conversation among fans and observers alike.
CM Punk’s Pipebomb Promo Altered on SmackDown
The broadcast included highlights from CM Punk’s famed 2011 Pipebomb promo, emphasizing his pointed remark about Cena’s knack for “kissing ass.” However, WWE chose to exclude the original mention of Vince McMahon from the excerpt, adjusting the content specifically for this week’s promotional vignette. This change came as part of the buildup for Punk’s showdown with Cena, which has long-standing significance within WWE storylines.
Vince McMahon’s absence in the edited promo aligns with recent developments concerning the former executive. After Janel Grant filed a lawsuit in January 2024 that accused McMahon of sexual assault, trafficking, and abuse, he resigned from all of his roles at WWE as well as TKO. The legal case remains active, and McMahon’s involvement with WWE has formally ceased as the proceedings continue.
SmackDown Updates: Elton Prince’s Injury Sidelines Pretty Deadly
Elsewhere on SmackDown, the show provided an update on Elton Prince, one half of the tag team Pretty Deadly. Commentary during Kit Wilson’s entrance for a match against Aleister Black revealed that Prince is out of action due to injury. The pair, Prince and Wilson, last competed together on the May 2 episode of SmackDown, but no specific details regarding Prince’s injury or expected timeline for his return were disclosed.
The WWE community, including notable voices from various outlets, has publicly extended their support to Prince, wishing him a speedy and full recovery as he works to get back in the ring.
Jacy Jayne Makes TNA Appearance After Ash By Elegance Victory
WWE NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne made an unannounced appearance on the June 26 episode of TNA iMPACT! The entrance followed a Battle Royal, in which Ash By Elegance emerged as the new top contender for the TNA Knockouts World Championship. As Masha Slamovich confronted her possible challenger, Jayne appeared on the ramp and taunted both Ash and Slamovich from a distance, adding more intrigue to the ongoing storyline.
Despite Jayne’s sudden presence, neither Ash nor Slamovich showed signs of backing down. Slamovich, currently the Knockouts Champion, is set to defend her title against former teammate Killer Kelly in an upcoming Chain Match, a contest she personally issued as a challenge. The episode, released as an early preview on TNA+, gave fans an unexpected crossover moment between WWE and TNA talent.
Preview of Upcoming SmackDown Matches
The card for the next episode of SmackDown features several major matchups. Scheduled bouts include a WWE Women’s Championship Last Woman Standing Match between reigning champion Tiffany Stratton and challenger Nia Jax. The tag team championship will also be defended by the Street Profits against the duo of Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis. Additionally, the WWE Women’s United States Championship will be contested as Zelina Vega faces Giulia.
These upcoming matches, alongside developments involving John Cena, CM Punk, and notable names such as Roman Reigns and Tiffany Stratton, promise to continue the momentum on WWE programming. As storylines evolve and superstars face new challenges, fans remain attentive to both the in-ring action and behind-the-scenes changes, including key decisions such as the CM Punk Pipebomb promo edited on WWE SmackDown.
