WWE
Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk made a surprise appearance at tonight’s WWE NXT live event in Petersburg, Virginia, joining the live-action lineup for the special show.
WWE announced a series of NXT live events this weekend, with CM Punk confirmed as the special guest for the August 15 show in Petersburg, Virginia.
CM Punk Teams With NXT Tag Team Champions At Live Event
On the show tonight, the answer was clear as CM Punk competed in a six-man tag team main event, teaming with NXT Tag Team Champions Tavion Heights and Myles Borne against Jackson Drake, Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes of the Vanity Project.
Punk’s team picked up the victory, with Jackson Drake put through a table and babyfaces posing in the ring to close the show.
CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens: Who Should Win?
Next Friday on SmackDown, CM Punk and Kevin Owens are set for their first-ever singles encounter, with Owens challenging Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship in Toronto.
Owens was away from in-ring action for over 17 months following his return at SummerSlam, and this matchup marks only his second contest since he last wrestled in Toronto against Sami Zayn at Elimination Chamber 2025.
Owens’ return has injected immediate excitement into the blue brand, and a victory would significantly reshape the SmackDown landscape.
Punk and Owens have only begun exploring their deep-rooted rivalry on television, and with such a highly anticipated feud, it would be a disservice to treat it as a one-off encounter.
If WWE chooses to extend the rivalry, the promotion would do well to ensure Owens picks up at least one win, as he has been absent for an extended period and merits compelling matchups—potentially even for the WWE Championship.