Kevin Owens secured a major victory over CM Punk on the latest edition of WWE SmackDown, defeating the former World Champion in a punishing No Holds Barred encounter.
Both superstars delivered an intensely physical performance, bringing weapons and their most devastating offensive attacks into the contest. With neither competitor holding back, the match quickly developed into a brutal confrontation.
The decisive moment came when Owens connected with a devastating punch using a steel chain wrapped around his fist. The impact proved too much for Punk, allowing The Prizefighter to claim the victory.
The physical consequences of the encounter were still visible when Punk appeared on the Countdown show ahead of WWE Crown Jewel 2026. The former WWE Champion had a noticeable black eye, providing a clear indication of the punishment he endured during his showdown with Owens.
However, Punk has no intention of allowing the defeat to end their rivalry. During his appearance, he addressed the result, criticized Owens for using the chain to gain an advantage, and made it clear that he expects another opportunity to face his opponent.
Reflecting on the outcome, Punk said:
“My takeaway is that I got beat by a human ham sandwich because he had his hands wrapped with a steel chain. You know, that’s what you sign up for. This is the job. I’m not complaining. I’m not making excuses like everyone else does. I need a rematch. Anybody can beat me once.”
Punk’s comments suggest that the rivalry could have another chapter, particularly with the former champion determined to avenge his loss.
Je’Von Evans Takes a Shot at Critics After Winning First WWE Championship
Je’Von Evans is enjoying a memorable moment in his WWE career after capturing his first championship at Crown Jewel 2026. The young superstar wasted little time celebrating his achievement, instead using the occasion to respond to someone who previously questioned his involvement in the championship picture.
Evans joined forces with PENTA to challenge Bron Breakker and Austin Theory for the World Tag Team Championships at the premium live event.
The championship showdown featured several unexpected developments, including interference from Bronson Reed. However, the situation changed dramatically when Oba Femi made a surprise appearance.
Femi unleashed a spectacular powerbomb on Reed, sending him crashing through a table positioned near the stage. With Reed taken out of the equation, Evans and PENTA capitalized on the opportunity to overcome their opponents and capture the tag team titles.
The victory marked a significant breakthrough for Evans, who celebrated the first championship success of his WWE career alongside his new tag team partner, PENTA.
Despite the importance of the achievement, Evans had another message to deliver following the match.
The newly crowned champion revisited a social media post from an individual who had previously questioned his credentials and physical appearance while discussing his place in WWE’s title picture.
The original post stated:
“JeVon Evans has won ZERO #WWE titles. WTF is his scrawny ass doing in the world title picture?!”
Following his championship triumph, Evans decided to bring the criticism back into the spotlight.
He shared a screenshot of the earlier comment on Twitter, accompanying it with an image showing off the World Tag Team Championships he had just won with PENTA.
To further emphasize his response, Evans included a GIF featuring rapper and actor Ice Cube, suggesting that he was thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong.
He also attached a brief message to the post, writing:
“😂😂😂. Aye….Gangsta.😭 “ – Je’Von Evans #TheYoungOG #TitleNumba1”
With his first WWE championship now secured, Evans has an achievement to point to whenever his credentials are questioned. His response also demonstrates that he has not forgotten those who doubted his potential before his breakthrough moment.
