CM Punk and Kevin Owens clash verbally on SmackDown

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When CM Punk retained the WWE championship at SummerSlam, it set him on a collision course with whoever won the top contender match pitting Sami Zayn vs. Finn Balor. Well, that match was changed to include GUNTHER and Kevin Owens, with the latter ultimately emerging victorious and setting us up for what could be a feud for the ages. Well, the first episode of Friday Night SmackDown since that night was held in Philadelphia and gave us the chance to see these two come together. It didn’t take long for exactly that to happen. Owens brought up the history of the two, saying he’s been told by others he needs to give Punk a second chance because he’s changed. But he’s never bought into that, and Punk telling Cody Rhodes he can get his next title shot whenever he wants shows that. He’s still the same arrogant sociopath he’s always been. "You're out here proving me right." It's the same old CM Punk according to Kevin Owens…@FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/bvz7PGC9RH — WWE (@WWE) August 8, 2026 Punk responded by saying some people may not like that he calls himself the best in the world, but he backs it up. Being the champion quite literally means that, and that is what he is right now. “What I don’t understand is how you can’t appreciate the arrogance because if anybody has benefitted from my arrogance, it’s you.” Punk claimed to knock down doors for Owens. They used to call Punk “skinny fat,” why would they have ever been waiting around for Kevin Owens? In fact, he should be grateful because if it wasn’t for him, Owens would be asking him for tickets for his family. Ouch. Owens finally said it — he is thankful because seeing what Punk has become has made him determined not to let the business turn him into “a miserable piece of shit like you.” They started a shoving match but WWE personnel were there to break it up quick. Things are getting HEATED in Philly! 😱 And it's only just the start between Kevin Owens and CM Punk… 👊 pic.twitter.com/Myk857YXA7 — WWE (@WWE) August 8, 2026 Yeah, this rules already. Get complete SmackDown results and coverage of this week’s entire episode by clicking here.