4 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (7 Aug - Results & Review)
2. The Intense First Chapter They Needed
CM Punk and Kevin Owens didn’t quite unload everything they have to say during this first face to face promo for their feud, but that’s OK. There’s plenty more to come from both. What we got here was an intense opening chapter, and a little taster of the bitter personal history between them. Then, Nick Aldis and various security/refs made sure it didn’t descend into a brawl.
You know that’s coming at some point, and it’ll be glorious.
Also, Punk told Cody Rhodes to “just say when” on a title rematch, so it looks like there's "unfinished business" between those former friends turned enemies after SummerSlam. That's cool, because Randy Orton's RKO on Cody effectively cost him the chance to become WWE Champion again. Punk didn't see that happen, so he'd be happy to give Cody another crack at it.
In a smart move, KO weaved that into his promo by suggesting that Punk is already looking past him like he's incapable of winning gold. Realistically, that's not what CM is doing, but Punk couldn't resist flashing a smarmy grin at Kev and playing along with the idea that he's arrogant. In turn, he kinda proved Owens point. It all felt realistic and like these were actual human beings talking, warts and all.
Owens is a little nervous after returning, 'cause he wasn't sure he'd be able to. Plus, Punk knows there's a target on his back and presumably can't be bothered with Kevin trying to dig up old beef between them. It's a good story to work with.