Kevin Owens and CM Punk engage in fiery back and forth exchange on SmackDown ahead of the Royal Rumble

Kevin Owens and CM Punk went on a war of words while teasing a potential showdown in the future ahead of Royal Rumble on SmackDown.

Kevin Owens and CM Punk engage in fiery back and forth exchange on SmackDown ahead of the Royal Rumble

Kevin Owens and CM Punk (via WWE)

This week’s SmackDown served as the go-home episode for the Royal Rumble, and WWE ensured it was a stacked show. In a surprising moment, Kevin Owens and CM Punk delivered a thrilling face-off, drawing a clear line in the sand ahead of the event. Both superstars exchanged heated words, expressing their mutual disdain while acknowledging the possibility of a showdown at the Royal Rumble.

In a heated confrontation, The Prizefighter made his disdain for Punk clear, stating he would rather face anyone in the Royal Rumble match than The Best in the World. However, Punk fired back with bold remarks of his own, claiming that Owens wouldn’t get past Cody Rhodes easily at the Royal Rumble. He went even further, predicting that Owens would lose both his title and his pride.

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Furthermore, Kevin Owens took a shot at Punk’s aspirations to main event WrestleMania. He pointed out that while he has competed in back-to-back WrestleMania main events, The Straight Edge Superstar is still struggling to secure his first. The Prizefighter added that if given the chance, he would gladly crush the 46-year-old’s dream of headlining The Grandest Stage of Them All.

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Moreover, the former AEW star challenged Owens to a fight on SmackDown. However, the Canadian superstar refused to engage and walked away with his Winged Eagle Title. Both competitors are set for action at the Royal Rumble, with Punk aiming for his first-ever Royal Rumble match victory. Meanwhile, Owens faces a massive challenge in Cody Rhodes at the event.

CM Punk addresses the return rumors of AJ Lee

Since CM Punk’s return to WWE, fans have been eagerly hoping to see AJ Lee step back into the ring. While Punk has admitted he’s trying to convince The Black Widow to return, it hasn’t come to fruition yet. However, in a recent interview, The Best in the World addressed the growing speculation about Lee making a surprise return at the Royal Rumble.

CM Punk and AJ Lee
CM Punk and AJ Lee (via WWE)

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Punk playfully trolled fans, joking that his wife has no business competing in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. However, when asked about her potential appearance in the Women’s Royal Rumble match, he responded with a lighthearted remark, saying AJ is currently busy watching over Larry at home.

There’s no clues. You’re all liars. She’s at home, watching Larry.

CM Punk via Pat McAfee Show
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However, many fans remain convinced that AJ Lee will make her long-awaited return this weekend in Indianapolis. Adding to the speculation, Punk recently teased that he knows about a major surprise in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Only time will tell what unfolds this Saturday when the Women’s Rumble match takes place at the Lucas Oil Stadium.

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