WWE pushing hidden agenda with CM Punk's latest appearance, feels former writer (Exclusive)

WWE Superstar CM Punk will be live on SmackDown this Friday in Chicago. This week on RAW, Michael Cole announced that Punk will be on the blue brand for a one-off appearance.

Punk showed up at Clash at the Castle this past Saturday in Glasgow, Scotland. His interference cost Drew McIntyre the World Heavyweight Championship. During the post-show press conference, the Best in the World mentioned that he had permission to skip RAW to meet his doctors. He also hinted that he would be on SmackDown in Chicago.

This week on Sportskeeda Wrestling's Legion of RAW, former WWE writer Vince Russo mentioned that WWE was trying to sell tickets for the show. He pointed out that SmackDown wasn't sold out at this point and the company hoped that putting CM Punk in front of his hometown fans would move the needle.

"I don't know, we've just seen a history of you know what, 'Whatever we write, they'll watch.' But very interesting, what did they promote on the show? Oh, SmackDown in Chicago not sold out. Next Monday Night now sold out. What are they telling you there? Again this isn't streaming deals or Saudi Arabia. That's not what we're talking about here. They're trying to sell tickets to Friday's SmackDown." [39:17 onwards]