WWE’s Kevin Owens has addressed John Cena’s much-discussed promo targeting CM Punk on the June 20 edition of SmackDown, just days before the high-profile CM Punk vs John Cena Night of Champions match. With tensions escalating between the two champions ahead of the upcoming title bout, fan interest is high as personalities from across the wrestling world weigh in.
John Cena Echoes the 2011 Pipebomb in Promo
During the recent SmackDown broadcast, WWE Champion John Cena stepped into the spotlight to deliver a promo packed with references to CM Punk’s famous 2011 “pipebomb” speech. This appearance comes as Cena prepares to defend his championship against Punk at Night of Champions. The segment gained further buzz as Cena rekindled memories of their storied rivalry, directly alluding to memorable lines from Punk’s past and signaling his intent by putting CM Punk through a table with his signature Attitude Adjustment. In a nod to wrestling’s broader landscape, Cena also name-dropped former WWE stars such as Matt Cardona, as well as talents now with AEW and TNA Wrestling, including Claudio Castagnoli and Nic Nemeth.
Kevin Owens’ Reaction to Cena’s Promo
Following Cena’s impactful promo, Kevin Owens responded by sharing a photo of himself wearing John Cena’s t-shirt from a previous event. Owens’ gesture has been interpreted by fans as support for Cena as he heads into his clash with CM Punk. The interaction also drew attention to Owens’ own complicated history with both competitors. In past WWE television segments, Owens and Punk have shown little warmth toward each other, and Owens has made it clear that he does not consider Punk a friend. However, Owens has suggested he would be open to working with Punk should the opportunity arise as Punk continues his pursuit of the WWE Title.
Notable History Between Owens, Cena, and Punk
Kevin Owens’ connection to this storyline runs deeper than online reactions. He once handed Cena a rare defeat at the Elimination Chamber event in 2015, when Owens was NXT Champion and Cena held the US Championship—an outcome that remains a memorable moment in their careers. The ongoing feud between CM Punk and John Cena at Night of Champions reminds many fans of these interconnected rivalries and past upsets involving all three stars.
Owens’ Current Status and Impact on Night of Champions
Currently, Kevin Owens is sidelined from wrestling due to a significant neck injury. While Owens will not participate directly in Night of Champions, his public stance and commentary surrounding the CM Punk vs John Cena feud have kept interest levels high among fans and added perspective to this evolving rivalry. Night of Champions is set to be a pivotal event, with John Cena defending his title and strong opinions being voiced throughout the wrestling community.
The highly anticipated showdown between John Cena and CM Punk at Night of Champions, bolstered by reactions from figures like Kevin Owens, looks to further energize fans as familiar rivalries and new storylines collide in WWE’s latest championship event.
