CM Punk and Kevin Owens are set to clash for the Undisputed WWE Championship on the August 21 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, but fans probably shouldn’t expect the match to launch a lengthy rivalry.
Bryan Alvarez noted that on Wrestling Observer Live, as of a few days ago, WWE’s plan was for Punk vs. Owens to be a one-and-done match rather than the beginning of an extended program between the two.
Owens has emerged as the betting favorite heading into the title match, but Alvarez pointed out that doesn’t automatically mean WWE plans to put the championship on him. A disqualification or countout could still give Owens the victory without Punk losing the title.
“Kevin Owens is apparently the betting favorite tonight. This doesn’t mean the title is changing. It could be a DQ win or something. One way or another, whatever the finish ends up being, as of a few days ago, the idea was that this match is a one-and-done.”
That makes the finish especially interesting because WWE has several ways to give Owens a major moment in Toronto without necessarily ending Punk’s Undisputed WWE Championship reign.
Owens only recently returned after spending 15 months away following neck surgery. He came back at SummerSlam and immediately earned his championship opportunity by winning a number one contender’s match. The timing also gives Owens a major home-country match, with SmackDown taking place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada.
How do you think WWE should finish CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens if this really is a one-and-done title match? Let us know what you think and leave your feedback in the comments.
