Fans outraged that Colby Covington was in line for a title shot despite not having won consecutive fights since 2019 are in luck, as the recent news that UFC parent company Endeavor Holdings Group had merged with WWE has brought a shake-up to the division, with multiple-time World Champion CM Punk now set to get the next shot at Leon Edwards’ UFC Welterweight Title. Sources within the organization note that the decision was a top priority for the inbound executives of the world’s leading wrestling organization, with the bout set to go down at Detroit’s Ford Field for the SummerSlam Pay-Per-View this August.
“Talk about a perfect storyline,” said a source close to the decision when reached for comment. “This guy tests himself, gets beaten down, hits his lowest low and then storms back triumphantly to challenge at the very top. It’s going to be an epic event.”
Although the WWE is excited to get CM Punk back in front of fans fighting for another world title and expects the card to do massive numbers, there is reportedly consternation within the organization over the UFC’s prior decisions to let former opponents Mickey Gall and Mike Jackson leave, preventing their use in the redemption arc across the events leading up to the big fight. It is also rumored Belal Muhammad will be offered the first slot in next January’s Royal Rumble, with a spot in a number one contender fight available should he emerge victorious.