CM Punk is officially heading to the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match, but judging by the reaction online, plenty of WWE fans would’ve rather seen somebody else punch their ticket.
Punk earned the spot on the September 25 episode of SmackDown, surviving a triple threat qualifier against Finn Bálor and GUNTHER. The finish saw Bálor hit GUNTHER with a Coup de Grâce, only for Punk to capitalize by falling onto Bálor for the three-count, securing his place in the ladder match.
The result immediately split the fanbase. While plenty celebrated Punk moving one step closer to another world title opportunity, others couldn’t believe Bálor came up short again and questioned why Punk keeps landing in major matches. One fan took to Twitter and wrote:
“It’s the same boring men all the damn time. Do something different for a change!”
Another felt WWE continues to overlook Finn Bálor despite giving Punk another huge opportunity, saying, “Im not sure why they keep giving Punk good opportunities but never Finn Bálor.” Others argued the ladder match would’ve suited Bálor much better because of his in-ring style.
“Finn would have been a better fit for a ladder match… now all the athletics one would have to carry a 48 year old in that match..”
Some reactions were even harsher, with one frustrated fan saying they were glad they no longer watched WWE regularly.
“Good that I don’t watch this BS anymore. No disrespect to Punk but Finn needed this the most so yeah E F**K OFF.”
Another summed up what many Bálor supporters have been feeling lately, saying, “Balor gets screwed again and we’re supposed to act surprised?” One final fan questioned why Punk continues to receive major opportunities this late in his career, saying, “Why is the grandpa punk getting so many opportunities.”
Whether fans love it or hate it, Punk is now one of six men with a chance to grab the Money in the Bank briefcase, while Bálor is once again left wondering what could’ve been. With emotions already running high after this qualifier, it’ll be interesting to see whether the backlash dies down—or only gets louder once the ladder match rolls around.
What did you think of WWE’s decision? Should CM Punk have advanced, or did Finn Bálor deserve the Money in the Bank spot? Let us know in the comments below.
