The suspended Drew McIntyre will be back on WWE Raw next week

Before CM Punk blew on the embers of his slow burn feud with Seth Rollins during the July 8 episode of WWE Raw, he threw a few sticks on the fire of his program with Drew McIntyre.

McIntyre is indefinitely suspended for putting his hands on WWE officials, including Raw General Manager Adam Pearce. That happened when he stormed the Money in the Bank post-show set on Saturday, in response to Punk foiling his attempt to turn the Money in the Bank briefcase Drew won earlier in the night into the World Heavyweight title — which was just the latest instance of Punk keeping the Scotsman from the prize he covets.

As Punk explained last night, his vow to ensure McIntyre is never World champ is a consequence of Drew’s actions — namely picking a fight with Punk. Even though he was also fined for what he did in Toronto ($25K, per Punk), the Chicagoan doesn’t want to incur the larger fines that would come from attacking a suspended wrestler... so he asked that Drew’s suspension be lifted.

It didn’t happen immediately...

...but with Punk agreeing to stay home rather than risk further punishment, Pearce is bringing McIntyre in next Monday for a meeting.

@WWE

It’s touched on in that video clip, but this suspension drama is likely a stalling tactic while WWE determines if Punk will be cleared in time for a SummerSlam clash with McIntyre. So there will be a lot of interest in whether Drew gets kayfabe reinstated next Monday, because it could mean Punk if legitimately ready to rumble.

The July 15 show will also feature a face-to-face between current World Heavyweight champ and his SummerSlam challenger Gunter, and a singles match between Sheamus & Big Bronson Reed.

Excited?