The June 20 episode of WWE SmackDown featured a pivotal moment in the John Cena-CM Punk rivalry when the 17-time champion delivered both physical and verbal punishment to his upcoming Night of Champions opponent. Following interference in the main event, Cena executed an Attitude Adjustment that sent Punk through a table, then launched into a cutting promo that directly referenced their 2011 feud.
Cena’s verbal assault saw him recreate elements of Punk’s famous “pipebomb” promo while adding new insults questioning Punk’s legacy. The segment concluded with Punk lying motionless in the ring as Cena’s words echoed through the arena. Unseen footage later revealed Punk exiting the visibly shaken.
Former WWE head writer Vince Russo addressed the segment on the latest BroDown podcast, arguing Punk should have broken from the script to protect his credibility.
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If I’m CM Punk, I’m improvising, man. I gotta tell you, to save my freaking a**. I don’t care what’s scripted, I don’t care what we’re talking about. If I’m lying there for that long, and I’m being buried like that, I’m sorry, man, I gotta improvise.
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Russo contrasted the setup with their 2011 exchange, noting:
From what I remember from the pipebomb, wasn’t CM Punk on the stage and Cena in the ring? That’s a lot more distance than where they were. That really makes a difference.
The heated exchange sets the stage for their Undisputed WWE Championship match at Night of Champions in Riyadh, where Punk will attempt to rebound from both the physical beating and psychological warfare inflicted by Cena.
Earlier on June 21 at the SummerSlam kickoff event, Punk fired back at Cena’s claims, labeling the veteran superstar jealous while denying several accusations made during the SmackDown promo. The tension between the two icons continues escalating as their championship showdown approaches.
Punk’s current storyline involvement remains high-profile despite recent losses to Seth Rollins, including a confrontation at Fanatics Fest on June 21 that required security intervention. The multi-layered rivalries position Punk at the center of WWE’s summer programming as he prepares for his title opportunity against Cena.
READ MORE: CM Punk’s Reaction To John Cena’s Scathing Promo On WWE SmackDown
