Massive hint at Triple H's real plans? - 5 reasons why CM Punk cost Drew McIntyre his title match at Clash at the Castle
WWE Clash at the Castle Scotland, ended on a jaw-dropping note after Drew McIntyre failed to beat Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event, thanks to CM Punk.
The Scottish Warrior saw his recent digs at CM Punk come back to haunt him as The Best in the World made a costly interference disguised as a match official. The latter spoiled one of the biggest moments of McIntyre's career and displayed no signs of remorse.
Here, we look at five reasons why CM Punk returned at WWE Clash at the Castle to stop Drew McIntyre from winning the World Heavyweight Championship.
#1 Long-term booking shines at Clash at the Castle
One of the most welcomed changes in the Triple H era has seen the creative team stress multiple long-term storylines. Drew McIntyre has been frustrated with CM Punk since the latter returned at Survivor Series last year. The Scottish Warrior's continued shots at The Best in the World have cost him big wins in the past.
Not only did CM Punk help end McIntyre's world championship reign, but he also prevented the latter from getting close to the title. Although Punk has not yet returned from his injury, McIntyre desperately waits for him to get back on RAW. It will be interesting to see what the Scotsman does next in response to CM Punk's actions on Clash at the Castle.
#2 Protect Drew McIntyre in loss at Clash at the Castle
Drew McIntyre had the opportunity to get his hands back on the world championship in front of his home crowd and script a fairytale victory. The Scottish Warrior was within inches from an unforgettable triumph, but WWE had other plans.
If it wasn't going to be The Judgment Day, involving CM Punk was the best decision. Punk's interference at Clash at the Castle was justified after McIntyre spent weeks taunting The Best in the World.
Drew McIntyre's loss in Glasgow, Scotland, was bound to draw the ire of fans in the live audience. However, having CM Punk cost McIntyre due to their history worked wonders in protecting The Scottish Warrior despite his latest loss.
It would also give the latter another valid reason to blame his defeat on someone else—a crucial part of his current heel gimmick and probably one of the biggest reasons why the former champion lost tonight at Clash at the Castle.
#3 Triple H's masterplan for Damian Priest
Damian Priest won the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL after successfully cashing in his Money in the Bank contract. There were several speculations over how he would be presented as a champion on RAW. It is safe to say that Triple H has taken care of building the top titleholder as a dominant threat to the red brand.
The Archer of Infamy wouldn't have lost much credibility if he lost his title at Clash at the Castle. However, retaining the gold will now allow him to look at other challengers on WWE RAW, giving the creative team a chance to create more compelling feuds to elevate Priest's championship reign.
#4 Huge breakup on WWE RAW after Clash at the Castle
Speaking of potential feuds for Damian Priest on WWE RAW following Clash at the Castle, CM Punk's interference highlighted the champion's weakness during the match. The Archer of Infamy had his shoulders pinned to the mat for more than ten seconds and only ended up being saved by the match official's absence.
This allowed CM Punk to interfere and turn the tide against Drew McIntyre with a low blow. Ironically, the champion has previously said he doesn't need anyone to help him in his championship matches—often as a shot at the rest of the Judgment Day. The growing tension in the heel stable has been evident for a long time.
Additionally, Dominik Mysterio and Finn Balor's interactions with Liv Morgan have raised suspicions over The Judgment Day's potential secret plans. Thus, Triple H could have decided upon the CM Punk angle to save the title from changing hands at Clash at the Castle.
The Game is perhaps planning an epic betrayal angle featuring Damian Priest and The Judgment Day. This storyline may finally give fans the much-awaited championship rivalry between Damian Priest and Finn Balor on WWE RAW.
#5 All eyes on Money in the Bank
Over the last couple of weeks, WWE has actively advertised Jey Uso as the biggest contender for Money in the Bank on RAW. However, CM Punk's latest actions, which influenced the result of the World Heavyweight Championship match at Clash at the Castle, have now opened the discussion for the top favorite once again. Drew McIntyre now has the clear motivation to go after the Money in the Bank briefcase, as it would be his best chance to get another title match.
However, the championship resting with Damian Priest also created an exciting possibility if Finn Balor wins the MITB contract, adding more to the brewing tension in The Judgment Day. While McIntyre could turn more vicious, Balor might turn crafty. But they will undoubtedly pose a huge threat to Jey Uso's smooth sailing into the Money in the Bank Ladder match next month.