CM Punk has cleared up the story behind one of the strangest moments of his SummerSlam title defense.
In the semi-main event of night one, Punk retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes after Randy Orton made a surprise return and dropped Rhodes with an RKO. Punk also attempted a top-rope moonsault during the match that fell short, with the champion landing away from his opponent.
Asked about the botched spot during an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Punk laughed off the attempt before explaining there was intent behind it.
I don’t know,” Punk said when the interviewer called his moonsault incredible. “I could take that either way. It was incredibly bad or it was so bad, it was good. I don’t know.
Paying Homage
But, a little homage. A lot of homages tonight. That was for Terry (Funk).
Punk has referenced Funk in his ring work before, and the late Hall of Famer’s loose, chaotic brawling style included the kind of rough-around-the-edges high spots Punk nodded to at SummerSlam.
Orton’s interference set up questions about what comes next for Punk’s title reign, but that answer arrived one night later. Kevin Owens earned a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship after returning at SummerSlam Night Two and winning a fatal four-way over Sami Zayn, Gunther and Finn Balor.
