The Wounds of War; Righting the path toward glory; Helping the future - 4 directions for CM Punk after WWE Bad Blood
After one of the more brutal matches in recent history, CM Punk defeated Drew McIntyre at WWE Bad Blood. To end the heated rivalry, the third match took place inside Hell in a Cell.
It didn't take long for either man to live up to the event's name. Both wore crimson masks within the first few minutes of their battle. Either competitor could have claimed victory in the rivalry.
However, Punk got a measure of revenge by hitting The Scottish Warrior with a Go To Sleep with a steel chain around his knee. He also stuffed bracelet beads in Drew's mouth before hitting the move.
Since The Best in the World won the rivalry, he could go in one of the next four directions following Bad Blood.
#4. CM Punk takes his talents back to NXT
CM Punk has had a vested interest in NXT ever since coming back to WWE. He has crashed a few PLEs since his return and was the guest referee for Trick Williams' second NXT Championship win this past week.
The Voice of the Voiceless also crossed paths with NXT Women's Champion Roxanne Perez. Sol Ruca, Je'Von Evans, and Lexis King sought advice from Punk with King doing so during the CW Premiere of NXT.
If he isn't slated for any big feuds right after Bad Blood, Punk could help out in NXT. He clearly cares about the future of WWE and the business. Another spot in NXT could keep him busy for the next few weeks.
#3. Gunning for gold with Gunther
While Sami Zayn has the next shot at Gunther and the World Heavyweight title on RAW, Punk postured for a championship shot after Bash in Berlin.
It was only because McIntyre blindsided him that he was unable to challenge The Ring General. Zayn has the next shot but will likely fall to Gunther since the latter just won the championship at SummerSlam two months ago.
Once The Ring General finishes with Zayn, CM Punk could finally get the shot he was headed for. It would likely take place before Crown Jewel because Punk may not want to compete in Saudi Arabia.
#2. He takes a hiatus from action after Bad Blood
One thing stars do after brutal matches is take a break. It sells the impact and toll a battle can take on a performer, both physically and mentally. The Hell in a Cell showdown was one of the more brutal fights in recent WWE memory.
To sell the seriousness of Hell in a Cell, Punk could take a week or two off to heal from his wounds. He may also take time off past Crown Jewel if he isn't factored into plans for that event.
The Best in the World can then return after Crown Jewel to build toward something meaningful at Survivor Series: WarGames.
#1. CM Punk is reacquainted with Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins may have immediate business with Bronson Reed after his shocking return on the last episode of RAW. Once The Visionary is finished with the massive Aussie, he may set his sights back on Punk.
McIntyre's attempted cash-in and Punk's interference at Money in the Bank led to Rollins losing his match against Damian Priest. Punk essentially cost him his last opportunity to win back the World Heavyweight title.
Rollins was about to confront Punk and get answers, but Reed blindsided him to make a statement. Now that Rollins has made his statement and will be back in the thick of things, he'll want to get revenge on CM Punk.