Triple H faced intense backlash for his handling of CM Punk’s storyline on WWE RAW following SummerSlam. The controversy escalated after Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract moments after Punk won the World Heavyweight Championship from Gunther, leading fans and critics to question the logic behind the booking decisions.
The focus of the criticism lies in how Punk’s victory was immediately undermined, diminishing the impact of the title win. The match itself was widely regarded as one-sided, failing to showcase Punk’s resilience or allow him to build momentum against Gunther.
Expert Voices Disapprove of One-Sided Match Dynamics
Bill Apter, a veteran wrestling analyst, voiced his disappointment during Sportskeeda’s WrestleBinge SummerSlam Review. He deplored the lack of competitive balance, explaining that Punk seemed overwhelmed throughout the encounter.
“What I didn’t like was that CM Punk was killed during the whole match. The fans loved CM Punk; he let Gunther pretty much run the match. And I wanted to see more of a, you know, CM Punk’s a fine wrestler. So is Gunther. And I wanted to see more of a pro-wrestling match, not so one-sided. I didn’t want to see it so one-sided.” —Bill Apter, Wrestling Analyst
Apter’s remarks reflect widespread disappointment that the bout emphasized Gunther’s dominance to the extent Punk appeared incapable of mounting a sufficient defense, which left many viewers feeling the contest lacked suspense.
Vince Russo Condemns WWE’s Handling of Punk’s RAW Appearance
Vince Russo, former WWE head writer, also criticized the booking on Legion of RAW, labeling it a major misstep by Triple H and the creative team. Russo argued that the buildup to CM Punk’s attack on Seth Rollins was poorly executed.
You’re kayfabing the whole night that Punk’s in the building. Like you know, how many people went to bed, bro? They know Rollins ain’t gonna lose the title, you know. They know that’s not happening. Do you know how stupid that is? You don’t even have freaking Punk driving a pickup truck into the back before you go to commercial break. Do you know how stupid that is, bro?
Russo’s comments highlight frustration with the predictability and lack of impact in Punk’s appearance, which failed to create the desired excitement or suspense given the long buildup.
Unexpected Fallout From Punk’s Attack on Seth Rollins
The Second City Saint’s assault on Rollins ultimately backfired as he was overwhelmed by Rollins and his allies, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. This outcome further diminished Punk’s recent championship victory, adding to fans’ displeasure with the storyline’s direction.
Other Notable WWE Updates from SummerSlam and RAW
In addition to the controversy surrounding CM Punk, WWE announced that a major star has been sidelined indefinitely due to a serious injury, affecting upcoming event plans. Meanwhile, a former four-time WWE champion has officially become a free agent after his release in May 2025.
Meanwhile, speculation continues about Triple H’s reaction to WWE fans chanting for Karrion Kross after SummerSlam, as some suggest he may have ignored the fans intentionally. WWE is also reportedly planning more two-night premium live events after SummerSlam’s strong ticket sales, signaling a shift in event strategy.
In related news, Jade Cargill shared that her decision to join WWE was driven by her dreams of becoming a legend, a goal she believes she could not achieve in AEW. WWE also released unseen footage showing what John Cena did after SummerSlam concluded, revealing some behind-the-scenes moments on one of the toughest nights of his career.
Rhea Ripley expressed her heartfelt disappointment following the first night of SummerSlam, while Gunther is reportedly set to undergo surgery after his defeat, adding a layer of concern for his future in WWE.
Booking Decisions Spark Debate Over WWE’s Creative Direction
The backlash over CM Punk WWE RAW booking criticism highlights tensions between creative storytelling and fan expectations. The abrupt cash-in by Rollins, combined with Punk’s subdued portrayal, has drawn ire from fans and industry experts alike. This discontent underscores a broader debate on whether WWE’s current booking practices prioritize shock value over sustained character development.
As WWE moves forward, how Triple H and his creative team respond to this criticism may shape the narrative and fan reception in the coming weeks. The company’s ability to balance unpredictable moments with credible in-ring storytelling will be essential to maintaining audience engagement, particularly with high-profile names like CM Punk involved in central storylines.
