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Kevin Owens wasted no time making his presence felt on the Aug. 7 edition of WWE SmackDown, confronting Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk just days after earning a title shot at SummerSlam. While the showdown never turned into a match, it quickly became a war of words that left no doubt about the tension between the two rivals. Owens returned to SmackDown following his emotional comeback at SummerSlam, where he won a Fatal Four-Way Match to become the No. 1 contender. With the championship picture already heating up, the opening segment made it clear this rivalry isn’t pulling any punches — verbally or otherwise. Kevin Owens and CM Punk exchange personal insults on SmackDown The confrontation began after Punk addressed Cody Rhodes, only for Owens to interrupt and step directly into the champion’s path. Owens dismissed the idea that Punk had changed, saying he never believed the stories about the champion becoming a different person. He accused Punk of overlooking the rightful No. 1 contender by offering Cody Rhodes another title opportunity and branded him an “arrogant sociopath.” Punk fired back with his trademark confidence, insisting that his arrogance helped make him the “Best in the World.” He argued that his career opened doors for wrestlers like Owens, saying, “If anybody has benefited from what I went through… you benefited the most.” Punk even claimed Owens might have been working a regular job and asking him for WWE tickets had he not paved the way. Kevin Owens, however, wasn’t interested in giving Punk the final word. He admitted Punk had influenced the business but said the champion also showed him exactly what not to become. “I should also thank you because you’ve also shown me what not to do… seeing what you’ve become has made me determined to not let this business turn me into a miserable piece of shit like you,” Owens said. That line landed like a Stunner without the kick. Moments later, Owens shoved Punk before security and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis stepped in to separate them, preventing the confrontation from turning physical. With Owens now officially next in line for Punk’s Undisputed WWE Championship, the verbal gloves are already off. If this opening exchange is any indication, their upcoming title clash could be more than just a battle for gold — it may become a fight for pride as well. Read More: Penta, Rey Fenix & Six More Enter Tournament for Roman Reigns Title Shot