3 Reasons Kevin Owens Should Defeat CM Punk on SmackDown

Kevin Owens is set to face CM Punk on the November 6 episode of WWE SmackDown, with both superstars looking to settle a rivalry that has continued for several months. The upcoming match could have major implications for the Undisputed WWE Championship picture, particularly with Sami Zayn preparing to defend his title against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel.

Both Owens and Punk have unfinished business with the current champion. Punk lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Zayn in September after interference from Owens, while The Prizefighter later failed to capture the gold from Zayn when Punk interfered and struck him with the championship belt.

Their personal rivalry has now reached a point where neither competitor can afford another setback. Although both superstars need a victory, WWE should consider allowing Owens to defeat Punk on SmackDown. A win could restore his momentum, strengthen his position in the championship picture and create an opportunity for another major match between the two rivals.

Here are three reasons why Kevin Owens should defeat CM Punk on WWE SmackDown before Crown Jewel.

3. Kevin Owens Needs a Major Victory

Kevin Owens has struggled to secure meaningful victories in recent months, despite repeatedly proving that he belongs among WWE’s top superstars. His return at SummerSlam initially appeared to provide the perfect opportunity to rebuild his momentum after winning a Fatal 4-Way Match and earning a championship opportunity.

However, Owens was unable to convert that opportunity into a title victory. CM Punk defeated him on the August 21 episode of SmackDown, successfully retaining the championship and handing The Prizefighter another disappointing result.

Owens subsequently received another opportunity to become champion when he challenged Sami Zayn in September. Once again, the Canadian came close to changing his fortunes but was denied the championship after Punk interfered and attacked him with the title belt, allowing Zayn to retain.

Those setbacks have made the upcoming match against Punk particularly important. Owens needs a victory that demonstrates he can overcome a major opponent rather than simply remain involved in championship opportunities without winning them.

Defeating a former world champion like Punk would immediately give Owens a significant achievement to build on. It would also help restore his credibility after several disappointing results in important matches.

Owens has the experience, personality and in-ring ability to compete at the top of the card. However, WWE needs to give him meaningful victories to reinforce that position. Another defeat could make it increasingly difficult for him to look like a genuine threat to the Undisputed WWE Championship.

A victory on November 6 would provide the perfect opportunity to change that narrative. Instead of continuing to chase opportunities after losing important matches, Owens could establish himself as one of SmackDown’s strongest championship contenders again.

2. It Could Put Kevin Owens Back in the Undisputed WWE Championship Picture

Kevin Owens has already demonstrated that he belongs in WWE’s main-event scene. His victory in the Fatal 4-Way Match at SummerSlam earned him a championship opportunity, and his subsequent challenge against Sami Zayn showed that he remains determined to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship.

However, Owens has repeatedly fallen short when the opportunity to win the gold has arrived. Beating CM Punk could provide the breakthrough victory he needs to return to the centre of the championship picture.

Punk is a former world champion with considerable experience competing in major WWE matches. Defeating someone of his stature would give Owens a strong argument for another title opportunity and make it difficult for WWE to overlook him when deciding the next challenger.

The current championship situation could also create an interesting opening. Sami Zayn is scheduled to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel. The outcome of that match could influence the direction of SmackDown’s title division in the weeks that follow.

If Zayn retains, Owens could use his victory over Punk to demand another opportunity against the champion. Their previous encounters have already established unfinished business, particularly after Punk’s interference cost Owens his chance to capture the championship.

A future rivalry between Owens and Zayn would also carry an established personal connection. Both superstars have a long history together, and another championship encounter could build on the tension created by their recent matches.

Of course, Owens must first overcome Punk. A victory would give him the momentum and credibility required to make a serious case for another opportunity at the Undisputed WWE Championship.

It would also give WWE another potential direction for the title storyline following Crown Jewel, especially if the championship remains with Zayn.

1. It Could Set Up a Rubber Match Between Kevin Owens and CM Punk

One of the biggest reasons WWE should allow Kevin Owens to defeat CM Punk is the possibility of extending their rivalry into a decisive third encounter.

Punk previously defeated Owens in their August 21 meeting on SmackDown in Toronto. If Owens wins their upcoming match on November 6, the rivalry would become level at one victory apiece, giving both superstars a compelling reason to compete again.

A rubber match would provide a natural conclusion to their ongoing disagreement. Rather than ending the rivalry with another one-sided result, WWE could use the upcoming encounter to establish a balanced score before arranging a final showdown.

The third match could take place at a major premium live event, potentially with a special stipulation that raises the stakes and gives the feud a definitive ending.

There are several ways WWE could build towards that possibility. Punk might refuse to accept the defeat and demand another opportunity, while Owens could insist that he has finally proved himself against the former champion.

That disagreement could create additional tension on SmackDown and give the creative team more opportunities to develop their rivalry. Both performers have the experience and character work needed to make another chapter feel important.

A major event match would also allow WWE to present their rivalry as something bigger than a regular weekly television encounter. With the series tied at one win each, the deciding match could carry a clear sporting purpose and a personal storyline.

Allowing Owens to win on November 6 would therefore create possibilities beyond a single episode of SmackDown. It could give WWE a reason to continue the feud while building towards a more significant final encounter.

Why Kevin Owens vs CM Punk Matters Before Crown Jewel

The upcoming match between Kevin Owens and CM Punk arrives at an important moment for WWE’s championship picture. Sami Zayn is preparing for his major title defence against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel, while both Owens and Punk remain interested in getting another opportunity at the gold.

Their rivalry has already been influenced by championship interference, missed opportunities and previous confrontations. Owens played a role in Punk losing the title to Zayn, while Punk later prevented Owens from winning the championship himself.

That history gives their November 6 encounter additional importance. A victory for either superstar could influence future championship plans, but an Owens win would offer WWE several potential storyline directions.

It would restore momentum to The Prizefighter, strengthen his case for another championship opportunity and potentially set up a decisive third match against Punk.

Ultimately, Kevin Owens defeating CM Punk would be a logical way to give the Canadian superstar a meaningful breakthrough before the next stage of WWE’s championship storyline unfolds. With Crown Jewel approaching, the result could have consequences well beyond their individual rivalry.