Recent developments in the ongoing rivalry between CM Punk and Seth Rollins suggest a significant shift, as Punk has been pulled from the advertising for the upcoming Night of Champions Premium Live Event. He has been replaced in promotional materials by Rollins, a move that lends credence to the idea that Punk may be absent from the event in Saudi Arabia.
The animosity between the two has intensified since Punk’s return to WWE programming. On the May 5th episode of WWE RAW, his first appearance since the night after WrestleMania 41, Punk made his presence felt by attacking both Rollins and Bron Breakker with a steel chair. The physical altercations have continued, with Rollins and his faction executing multiple assaults on Punk, including one during a recent Saturday Night’s Main Event and another on last week’s go-home edition of RAW.
This series of brutal attacks has sparked speculation that WWE may be orchestrating a storyline to write CM Punk off television temporarily. An angle where he is once again outnumbered and taken out by Rollins’ crew could serve as the narrative justification for his absence from Night of Champions.
A Potential Path to SummerSlam
Despite initial conflicting reports regarding his willingness to compete in Saudi Arabia, Punk himself recently clarified that he had no issues with performing at the events. This makes a storyline-based removal, rather than a personal choice, the more likely scenario. WWE has also announced a live appearance for Punk on the May 12th episode of RAW, a night that could prove pivotal in this developing angle.
The potential absence could be a strategic move to build towards a major program for SummerSlam. A scenario where Punk is written off television only to return after Night of Champions, filled with vengeance, would create significant momentum for a high-profile summer feud. While this direction is based on current booking patterns and recent events, WWE has not officially confirmed Punk’s status for the premium live event.
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