WWE Changed CM Punk Segment Mid-SmackDown to Avoid Awkward Visual

WWE reportedly made a last-minute change during the June 20 episode of SmackDown after CM Punk was left lying in the ring for too long during John Cena’s intense promo.

According to WrestleVotes via a Q&A, the scene originally had no plan for Punk to be acknowledged after taking Cena’s shot—but after five minutes of him lying motionless, someone backstage called an audible to send a referee out. The goal was to make the segment feel more natural and less awkward.

Fans noticed the moment when a referee slid into the ring mid-promo, subtly checking on Punk. The move helped balance what could’ve been a distracting visual during Cena’s brutal “pipe bomb,” where he called Punk “Mr. TKO” and referenced Claudio Castagnoli, Nic Nemeth, and Matt Cardona by name.

The promo was a highlight of the show, but without that improvised adjustment, the image of Punk down for nearly 10 minutes may have undercut its impact.

Source: WrestleVotes via Q&A