CM Punk recently discussed the WWE SmackDown finisher that caused him the most severe injury. While preparing for his World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther at SummerSlam, Punk spoke openly about his painful experience during interviews promoting Netflix’s docuseries, WWE: Unreal.
During an interview with Robbie Fox of Barstool Sports, Punk and fellow WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley participated in a rapid-fire question round. When asked to name the most painful finisher they had ever received, Punk singled out one move in particular.
“I don’t know, I’ve taken so many. The thing that stands out most recently was Drew McIntyre’s… I don’t know what he calls it, the double arm DDT, because it exploded my triceps. That wasn’t fun, that hurt,” he said. [From 01:18 to 01:33]
—CM Punk, WWE Superstar
The move in question is the Future Shock DDT, performed by Drew McIntyre, also known as the Scottish Psychopath. This finisher is infamous for the injury it caused Punk during the 2024 Royal Rumble match. The double arm DDT resulted in a torn tricep for Punk, forcing him to miss nearly eight months of competition and delaying his WrestleMania plans.
The Intense Rivalry Between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre in 2024
Though sidelined by injury after the Royal Rumble, Punk remained involved in the storyline, frequently disrupting McIntyre’s momentum. After McIntyre captured the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania XL, tensions escalated between the two, especially when Punk, serving as a commentator, attacked McIntyre. This disruption allowed Damian Priest to cash in his Money in the Bank contract and claim the championship.
Their conflict culminated in a trilogy of highly anticipated rematches following Punk’s return to competition. At SummerSlam, McIntyre defeated Punk with Seth Rollins acting as the special guest referee. The rivalry continued with Punk securing a victory in a Strap Match at Bash in Berlin. He then completed the feud by winning the final bout inside Hell in a Cell at the Bad Blood event.
This intense confrontation between the two was widely praised and earned both the Best Feud awards from ESPN and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, highlighting its significance in WWE’s recent history.
Why This Injury and Rivalry Matter for CM Punk’s Future
CM Punk’s injury from the double arm DDT significantly impacted his career trajectory, underscoring the physical risks elite wrestlers face in the ring. The painful experience also fueled his determination during one of WWE’s standout rivalries of 2024 against McIntyre, strengthening his legacy. As Punk prepares to challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship, fans remain eager to see if he can translate the lessons from past hardships into future success.
