CM Punk’s WWE Title win wasn’t just a Chicago moment. It looks like WWE is getting ready to make SmackDown his new home base.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, the current plan is for Punk to be featured mainly on SmackDown after returning to WWE TV and capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship. He could still pop up on RAW when needed, but SmackDown is expected to be the show built around him more often.
NBCUniversal has wanted more Punk on SmackDown for well over a year, with sources saying the network views him as one of WWE’s top stars. One source also believes Punk could help the blue brand regain momentum after things cooled off over the last few months.
The timing makes the whole thing feel even more deliberate. Punk just beat Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Championship after Sami held the title for only nine days, and now he appears to be heading into a major SmackDown run with the belt.
It was previously reported that there had already been talk that WWE’s recent SmackDown roster moves were made with Punk in mind. Finn Bálor, Ricky Saints, and Gunther were all mentioned as names who could fit into Punk’s orbit, and this latest report only makes that direction look stronger.
The biggest detail, though, is that WWE creative does not see Punk’s reign as a short-term thing. So fans expecting another quick title switch may want to slow down. WWE may be setting Punk up for a real run on Friday nights.
Sami’s title loss still has people heated, but Punk’s next chapter is already taking shape. SmackDown may not just be getting CM Punk appearances. It may be getting a champion WWE and NBCUniversal both clearly want front and center.
Do you think CM Punk should become the main face of SmackDown as WWE Champion? Let us know in the comments.
