WWE superstar Drew McIntyre has weighed in on the shocking conclusion of Night One at WWE SummerSlam 2025, describing Seth Rollins’ Money in the Bank cash-in on CM Punk as “karma” catching up to his longtime rival. In a post-show digital exclusive interview with WWE broadcaster Cathy Kelley, McIntyre expressed satisfaction over the dramatic finish that saw Punk’s brief reign as World Heavyweight Champion end in just over five minutes[1][2][4].
CM Punk had achieved a monumental victory by defeating GUNTHER to claim the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time in more than a decade. However, immediately after Punk’s win, Seth Rollins stunned the crowd by revealing that his previously announced knee injury was a ruse. Rollins discarded his crutches and knee brace, swiftly cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and attacking an exhausted Punk to capture the title in what commentator Michael Cole dubbed the “Ruse of the Century”[2][4].
McIntyre, who shares a deeply personal and acrimonious history with Punk, viewed Rollins’ opportunistic cash-in as poetic justice following the series of bitter encounters between himself and Punk in 2024. Their rivalry was marked by numerous high-stakes clashes, with Punk repeatedly interfering in McIntyre’s championship matches—including pivotal moments at WrestleMania 40 and Clash at the Castle—which cost McIntyre crucial title opportunities. The feud culminated in a Hell in a Cell match at the Bad Blood premium live event, which Punk won, further intensifying the animosity between the two[1][2].
Reflecting on the Smashing SummerSlam moment, McIntyre said, “Karma’s a hell of a thing. I’ve been watching what’s been going on on Raw with Seth. Seth and I, professional rivals, not like Punk and I. Seth has done exactly to Punk what Punk did to me, and tonight was the cherry on top. Congratulations, Seth. You deserve it.” His remarks highlight the irony that while Rollins and he have been rivals, Rollins’ cash-in effectively mirrored the way Punk derailed McIntyre’s own championship aspirations[1][2][4].
Sources close to the WWE locker room corroborate that McIntyre’s comments reflect genuine backstage sentiments about Punk’s rapid title loss. According to Fightful, the Scottish Warrior sported a smirk during the interview, clearly relishing the turn of events that seemed to deliver long-awaited vindication[4]. WWE.com and other outlets have framed this storyline development as a culmination of intertwined rivalries culminating at SummerSlam, creating a compelling narrative of retribution and competitive balance.
Aside from his comments on the title scene, McIntyre had a successful night at SummerSlam by teaming with Logan Paul to defeat Randy Orton and Jelly Roll in a celebrity tag team match, adding a positive note to his evening despite the ongoing WWE title drama[1][3].
This storyline continues to evolve, with fans and analysts speculating on the future trajectories for all involved. Punk’s remarkably short reign and Rollins’ cunning return have reinvigorated the World Heavyweight Championship scene, while McIntyre’s backstage perspective shines a spotlight on the intricate personal histories that fuel WWE’s storytelling.
As WWE fans digest the aftermath of SummerSlam 2025, Drew McIntyre’s “karma” comment stands as a memorable reflection on how rivalries and payback intertwine inside the squared circle. With further weekly episodes of Raw and upcoming pay-per-views promising to build on these developments, the saga between Rollins, Punk, and McIntyre is far from over.
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