In a riveting showdown on last week’s WWE Raw, fans witnessed a stellar promo exchange between two wrestling icons, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, setting the stage for intense anticipation ahead of Royal Rumble 2024. Dutch Mantell, formerly known as Zeb Colter in WWE and an experienced manager, lauded the performance of both stars during the segment.
The highly anticipated face-off between the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes, and the Best in the World, CM Punk, unfolded in a remarkable promo on the Red Brand show, leading up to the Royal Rumble 2024. Mantell, sharing his insights on Smack Talk, praised the decision for both stars to maintain their babyface personas during the segment, avoiding physical altercations. According to Mantell, the decision not to engage in physicality added authenticity to the tension between the two, creating a captivating atmosphere.
“The promo they both cut was one of the best promo segments I’ve ever seen. They both took aim at each other, staring at each other. You could even feel the tension between them. People think it’s real and who knows, many interviews are real. Both were just talking; if both of them had raised their hands on each other, everything would have been completely ruined,” commented Mantell.
The culmination of this intense build-up led to the historic Royal Rumble 2024, where Cody Rhodes etched his name in the annals of WWE history. In the final moments of the Men’s Rumble match, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, and Gunther stood as the last contenders. Punk eliminated McIntyre, and Rhodes eliminated Gunther, leaving the stage for a showdown between the two powerhouses. In a display of prowess, the American Nightmare emerged victorious, securing his second consecutive Royal Rumble win—a feat not accomplished in the last 26 years.
However, the triumph came at a cost, as revealed in a recent episode of Raw. CM Punk announced that he sustained an injury during the Men’s Rumble match, necessitating a prolonged hiatus from in-ring action. The revelation added a poignant twist to the aftermath of the Royal Rumble, leaving fans eagerly anticipating Punk’s eventual return and the unfolding chapters in the ongoing saga between these two wrestling titans.