Speculation is growing that WWE could be heading toward a CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn Triple Threat match for the WWE Championship after the chaotic ending to SmackDown.
Punk retained the WWE Championship against Owens on the August 21 episode, but Sami Zayn ended up becoming a major part of the finish. After the referee went down, Zayn threw the championship belt into the ring, only for Owens to refuse to use it.
That led to an argument between Owens and Zayn before Sami blasted Owens with the title. Punk followed with the GTS and picked up the win once the referee recovered. Then things got even uglier. Zayn attacked both Punk and Owens with the championship belt after the match, putting himself directly in the middle of the title picture and immediately opening the door to speculation about a three-way match.
While discussing the angle on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said the way WWE booked the finish and post-match attack looked like it was setting up all three men for the same match.
“Yeah, it was a pretty great match. It very much looks like — because Sami nailed Punk and Owens with belt shot after belt shot after the match — it certainly seems like they’re doing a three-way coming up.”
The speculation only picked up when Sami’s unresolved championship situation was brought into the discussion. Zayn has continued complaining that he never received the rematch he believes he deserves, giving him another reason to stay attached to Punk and the WWE Championship. Meltzer made it clear on Wrestling Observer Radio that he believes the angle is pointing toward Punk, Owens and Zayn eventually meeting in a Triple Threat match.
“Yeah, yeah, it’s got to be a three. I mean, just when that was over, it just felt like they’re doing a three-way.”
Nothing has been officially announced by WWE, and Meltzer was reading the direction based on what happened on television rather than confirming that the match has been booked. Still, WWE gave fans plenty to speculate about. Owens was screwed out of the championship, Sami still believes he deserves another title shot, and Punk now has both men coming after him.
Whether WWE goes straight to CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn or stretches the story out first, the Triple Threat speculation is only getting louder after SmackDown.
Do you think WWE is setting up CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Championship? Drop your thoughts and feedback in the comments.
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