CM Punk Must Cost Drew McIntyre the World Championship at WWE Clash at the Castle | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
From the moment he cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania 40 to win the World Heavyweight Championship from Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest has made it his mission to prove he can win on his own without interference from his Judgment Day teammates.
Except he hasn't.
In his only defense of the title thus far, he relied on heavy interference from Finn Balor and JD McDonagh to defeat Jey Uso at Backlash in Lyon, France.
WrestleTalk @WrestleTalk_TVOH DAMN.<br><br>Against Damian Priest's own wishes, JD McDonagh and Finn Balor came out to help him retain the World Heavyweight Championship against Jey Uso<br><br>He was NOT happy when they tried to attack Jey after the match <a href="">
He will not have that luxury at Clash at the Castle.
Monday on Raw, McIntyre defeated Balor, ensuring The Judgment Day is barred from ringside for the match. Suddenly, a significant element of the Priest story is missing in action.
Except it isn't.
Punk interfering against McIntyre keeps that thread alive.
Priest will again benefit from someone other than himself impacting the match's outcome. As a result, questions will only intensify surrounding his ability to be a real champion and win on his own, without the benefit of someone setting it up for him.
At SummerSlam, Priest would face the challenge of 2024 King of the Ring Gunther, a man notorious for bludgeoning opponents with a barrage of chops and various other strikes en route to undisputed victories.
The Ring General would have the opportunity to criticize Priest as a champion, question his legitimacy since he has cheaply won and defended his championship.
It sets up The Archer of Infamy as an underdog babyface of sorts and forces him to prove himself against one of the most credible competitors on the roster.
It's a story that benefits Priest, whom fans have had trouble investing in given the spotlight on his opponents in each of his first two major title defenses.
That is what he, and the WWE Creative team under Triple H, need moving forward as Priest and The Judgment Day continue to take on enormous roles on Raw.
