Drew McIntyre Poised to Clash with CM Punk in SmackDown Showdown

**Drew McIntyre** is being positioned for a blockbuster showdown with fresh WWE Champion **CM Punk** after Punk captured the title on Monday Night RAW in Chicago, sparking speculation about a SmackDown main‑event that could reignite their 2024 Hell in a Cell feud.

McIntyre’s name appears at number five in a recent ranking of potential challengers, with the article noting that “no one on the SmackDown roster hates CM Punk more than Drew McIntyre.” Their 2024 Hell in a Cell clash is still fresh in fans’ memories, and the writer argues that the chemistry between the two is “timeless.”

The rivalry peaked during the 2024 Hell in a Cell match, where both men delivered career‑defining moments. The piece stresses that their best work in recent years came from this feud, suggesting that a repeat could “turn around the poor main scene of Friday Night SmackDown.” The writer also hints that some fans think it’s too soon, but the intensity of their past encounters makes the prospect irresistible.

The article proposes that McIntyre return to SmackDown seeking revenge, with the WWE Championship on the line. It envisions a storyline where “authentic hatred can be drummed up,” blurring the lines between personal vendetta and title ambition. The writer imagines a series of matches that could culminate in a high‑profile pay‑per‑view main event.

CM Punk’s title win was announced on the July 6 episode of Monday Night RAW, where he ended Sami Zayn’s nine‑day reign. While the exact date of a potential McIntyre‑Punk bout isn’t set, the timing aligns with SmackDown’s upcoming schedule, giving WWE a window to build the narrative over the next few weeks.

If McIntyre steps into the ring with Punk, the SmackDown main event scene could receive a major boost. The article argues that their “timeless chemistry” would elevate the brand’s ratings and give fans a compelling reason to tune in. It also suggests that a McIntyre‑Punk feud could serve as a springboard for other talent, creating fresh rivalries once the title changes hands.

While McIntyre tops the list, the piece also mentions Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, and other potential challengers. Zayn’s recent loss on July 6 adds a revenge angle, and Rhodes’ long‑awaited clash with Punk remains a fan favorite. Yet the writer places McIntyre at the forefront, believing his personal history with Punk offers the most “magic together.”