5 Things WWE Must Avoid While Booking CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens

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That said, in this article, we look at five things WWE must avoid while booking CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens.

#5. A Cheap Finish

The biggest mistake WWE could make would be to end this highly anticipated championship match with a cheap finish.

CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens has the potential to be a hard-hitting, competitive encounter that allows both performers to demonstrate why they belong near the top of SmackDown. Considering this, a disqualification, countout, referee stoppage, or a convenient technicality would frustrate fans who are invested in the rivalry.

There can be drama without undermining the match itself. If WWE wants to continue the feud, it can do so through a controversial but definitive conclusion rather than refusing to give fans an actual winner.

The championship deserves a meaningful result, and both superstars deserve the opportunity to deliver one.

#4. Excessive Interference

WWE must also resist the temptation to fill the match with outside interference. Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are already involved in a major rivalry, and the championship picture has several other potential contenders. Their presence could make the match feel connected to the wider SmackDown story. However, neither man should overshadow CM Punk and Kevin Owens.

WWE has already established the tension between Punk and Owens without needing another wrestler to carry the angle. One brief appearance could create chaos. However, repeated interference would turn a potentially excellent singles match into a crowded spectacle.

CM Punk and Kevin Owens should remain the center of attention from the opening bell to the finish.

#3. Making Kevin Owens Look Inferior

Perhaps the most important booking rule is that WWE cannot make Kevin Owens look inferior.

Owens has just returned from a lengthy absence and immediately defeated three established stars to become the No. 1 Contender. That victory gave his comeback enormous momentum.

If the returning veteran loses to CM Punk after being dominated for most of the contest, WWE risks making his return feel considerably less important. Even if Punk retains the championship, Kevin Owens should push him to his absolute limit. The champion should survive rather than just defeat him.

A competitive performance would allow Owens to lose without losing credibility. Also, it could provide WWE with the foundation for another championship opportunity later.

#2. Overusing Their History

CM Punk and Kevin Owens have enough history to make their rivalry compelling. However, WWE should not spend the entire build reminding fans about it.

Their careers have crossed paths in different ways. Also, both men have developed reputations as outspoken, unpredictable performers. However, the current story should be about what they want now: Punk wants to remain Undisputed WWE Champion. Meanwhile, Owens wants to complete his comeback by taking the championship.

The company has already highlighted their volatile history during recent SmackDown programming. However, constantly replaying old moments could make the feud feel more like a retrospective than a fresh championship battle.

The focus should remain on their current motivations, personalities, and competitive obsession.

#1. Turning the Match Into a Nostalgia Act

Most importantly, WWE must avoid treating CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens as a nostalgia attraction.

Punk’s return remains one of the biggest developments of his career. However, the company should not rely solely on his legacy to sell this encounter. Owens is not merely an opponent chosen to create a memorable moment for the champion. He is a legitimate main-event talent returning from a serious injury and immediately demanding a championship opportunity.

The match should therefore feel like an important chapter in the present rather than a celebration of the past. Punk and Owens can acknowledge their careers and previous encounters. However, the emphasis should be on what happens inside the ring. WWE should allow them to tell the story through their performances, intensity, and competitive chemistry.