4 Reasons Why CM Punk is Challenging Grayson Waller For the WWE NXT Championship

CM Punk made a surprise appearance at WWE NXT Halloween Havoc, and he immediately set his sights on Grayson Waller’s NXT Championship. The announcement came after Waller successfully defended his title against Tony D’Angelo in the main event.

Waller had every reason to celebrate after surviving a tough championship match. However, Danhausen quickly interrupted his moment by introducing a special message from his buddy Pepsi Phil. The former WWE World Champion appeared on the big screen and announced that he wanted a shot at Waller’s gold on the November 4 episode of NXT.

Punk also shot down Waller’s claim that NXT was his house, making it clear he didn’t need permission to step into the brand. He even warned the champion that the rent would be due on Wednesday.

The announcement immediately created an interesting situation for NXT. Why would CM Punk suddenly go after Grayson Waller and the developmental brand’s top men’s championship? Here are four possible reasons behind the unexpected title challenge.

#4. CM Punk wants to add another championship to his collection

CM Punk has already accomplished plenty during his WWE career, but that does not mean he is done collecting championships.

The former WWE Champion has held several major titles throughout his career. However, winning the NXT Championship would give him another achievement to add to his impressive resume.

The Second City Saint has nothing left to prove to anyone, but that does not mean he has lost his competitive side. He remains 1 of WWE’s biggest stars and could see Waller’s championship as another opportunity to make history.

Bagging the NXT Championship would also put him in an interesting position. He would become one of the few established main roster stars to capture the developmental brand’s top men’s prize, giving the championship even more attention.

#3. He wants to remind Grayson Waller who runs WWE

Grayson Waller has never been shy about talking himself up. The Aussie Superstar has built his personality around being outspoken and willing to get under people’s skin.

His comments about NXT being his house may have been the biggest reason he and Punk decided to step up.

Punk is also known for his arrogance and ability to deliver sharp verbal attacks. He was clearly not impressed by Waller acting like he owned the entire brand.

Further, his landlord comment was a direct response to the champion’s attitude. He essentially reminded Grayson Waller that being the NXT Champion does not make him untouchable. A match between the two could also turn into an entertaining battle on the microphone before they even step inside the ring.

#2. He wants to test Grayson Waller against a main event Superstar

Grayson Waller has been enjoying a strong run as NXT Champion, but facing CM Punk would be a completely different challenge.

Grayson Waller retained his championship against Tony D’Angelo at this year’s Halloween Havoc. He needed every advantage he could find to escape with the win. He eventually used a crowbar during the chaotic closing moments before hitting his Rolling Stunner to secure the pinfall. While the result kept the championship around his waist, his next opponent would be way tougher.

CM Punk has competed against some of the biggest names in professional wrestling. He knows how to handle pressure and has the experience needed to compete in high-stakes championship matches. Challenging Waller could be Punk’s way of finding out whether the Australian Superstar can truly hang with the WWE’s biggest names.

#1. This could be WWE’s way to counter AEW’s Blood & Guts

There could be another reason behind CM Punk challenging Grayson Waller for the NXT Championship. WWE might be looking to make a statement against AEW by giving fans a banger of a match on the same night as Blood & Guts.

AEW’s annual Blood & Guts special is scheduled for November 4 and features one of the promotion’s biggest attractions, which is its signature double ring steel cage match. However, WWE NXT is also moving to Wednesday that week because of the US midterm election coverage.

Rather than simply airing an ordinary episode, WWE appears determined to make the most of the scheduling change. CM Punk challenging Grayson Waller for the NXT Championship is just one of several major attractions announced for the show.

John Cena and Cody Rhodes are also scheduled to appear, while Kelani Jordan will defend her NXT Women’s Championship. The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic finals and the sanctioned match featuring UFC’s Michael Chandler as special guest referee are also part of the lineup.

According to reports, WWE has loaded up the episode to compete directly with AEW‘s major wrestling event. CM Punk’s championship match could be one of its biggest draws as fans might otherwise tune into Blood & Guts.

While the scheduling change appears to be driven by election coverage, the decision to stack NXT with several major names suggests WWE does not intend to give AEW an easy night.

Edited by Divesh Merani