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CM Punk Returns to ‘SmackDown’ Makes References to ‘OG Paul Heyman Guy’, AEW Backstage Fights & Calls Out Top WWE Stars

Photo: WWE

The polarizing and off-the-charts popular, CM Punk, made his triumphant return to Fox’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown. On the December 8th episode, this was the Punk promo that everyone was waiting to hear after nearly 10 years away.

Previously, Punk made one in-ring promo appearance on Monday Night Raw two weeks ago, but even as referenced by Punk on Friday night, it was cut short for time. However, on SmackDown, “The Voice of the Voiceless” had plenty of time to relate his plans for being back in the organization in which he became world famous.

During the 21st annual “Tribute to the Troops” episode emanating this year from Providence, Rhode Island, Punk’s return was deafening as service men and women cheered endlessly “CM Punk, CM Punk.”  Once on the mic, Punk began asking the crowd if they would enjoy seeing him “throw twenty-nine men over the top rope, stand on that turnbuckle, and point at a sign.”  All of this in reference to Punk appearing in January’s Royal Rumble with the winner getting a shot at a championship at WrestleMania 40.

Courtesy/WWE

Punk then took jabs at WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, or, as he would say it, someone who is “never here”. Then in a key moment, which could preview story to come, Punk reminded Reigns that it is he who was is the, “OG Paul Heyman guy.”  Next, Punk revealed that he would decide if he would sign with the blue brand and SmackDown, or the red brand and Monday Night Raw, when he appears back on Raw this coming Monday December 11th.

In addition, CM took shots at several WWE top tier talent including the one guy, who seems publicly to not want Punk back in the WWE, Seth “Freakin” Rollins. With that, Punk further antagonized the WWE champion, by saying that Rollins isn’t even “The Man” in his own household, a reference to Rollins’ real-life relationship with wife and former WWE women’s champ, Becky Lynch.

The 45-year-old wrestler had no problem indirectly referencing his backstage fights and brawl during his time AEW, and his final altercation with Jack Perry backstage at the All In pay-per-view earlier this year. It was that which led to Punk being fired by AEW and released from his contract with cause.  The moment came when Punk spoke on how he and WWE superstar Kevin Owens were alike. That’s when Punk added, that he was unaware of who would be comfortable working with someone who punches people backstage randomly. He ended that thought by saying, “It’s 2023, and one can’t do such things.”

At the conclusion of his promo, Punk did a mic drop and the segment ended, leaving the WWE universe excited for what’s to come. On Saturday, the video of Punk’s in-ring segment on SmackDown had already reached over 1.3 million views.

So, do you think Punk will sign with SmackDown or Monday Night Raw, or neither and be a free agent utilized to garner huge ratings on both shows? Would you like to see Punk headline WrestleMania against Roman Reigns? Could a swerve be on the way, where Reigns’ special counsel, Paul Heyman double-crossed The Tribal Chief, in favor of Punk? What did you think of Punk’s SmackDown promo? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

Breaking News

Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer

After various reports surfaced, it has been confirmed that Patrick Mulcahey is out as the co-head writer of General Hospital. This is after a very short tenure of under five months.

Mulcahey was named to the position back in January of 2024 along with longtime GH writer Elizabeth Korte. They replaced the team of Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor, who had been the head scribes of the long-running ABC daytime drama since 2019.

A source informed Soap Opera Digest that stories created by the co-head writing team of  Mulcahey/Korte team will air through mid-summer. However they added “There will be more news to share at a later date as to the composition of the new writing team.”

In addition, eagle-eyed soap fans have seen that in recent episodes former co-head writer, Chris Van Etten has been credited, as he is reportedly a breakdown writer with the show.

Soap Opera Network is reporting that Korte has assumed the head writing duties solely on her own at the moment, while Buzz blog initially reported Mulcahey’s exit.

We will have more on the GH writing team evolution in the days ahead.

What do you think about the writing team changes at GH thus far? Comment below.

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Days Of Our Lives

TONIGHT: ‘Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer’

On Thursday night May 16th, the daytime community comes together for Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer, streaming live at 8 pm ET/5pm PT.

Stand Up To Cancer, in collaboration with leading daytime community voices Michael Fairman and Alan Locher, are coming together for a first-of-its-kind livestream event, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.

The three-hour benefit will feature stars from the world of daytime drama television past and present, musical performances, and stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer. Special celebrity guests will also join the effort to encourage viewers to support urgently needed research and new cancer treatments.  You can watch live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, The Locher Room or the Stand Up To Cancer website.

In support of the event, SU2C will simultaneously launch a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for soap opera fans to bid on a wide range of items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of CBS’s The Young and the Restless and signed merchandsise from CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, at StandUpToCancer.org/DaytimeStandsUp.

As part of the event, you will hear, cancer survivorship stories from General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; and 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his battle with bladder cancer

Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden.

Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett.

Two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding Light / One Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keifer.

Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez.

Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton (General Hospital) Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).

Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the RestlessErika Slezak from One Life to LiveTina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.

Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live)Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives)The Day Players,  featuring Days of Our Lives castmates Carson BoatmanBrandon BarashWally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee)Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live)Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful)Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives)Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives)Lesli Kay (The Bold and the Beautiful)Eden McCoy (General Hospital)Kin Shriner (General Hospital)and Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).

You can watch the Daytime Stands Up livestream below. Now let us know if you have a cancer story that has affected your life via the comment section below, or how a daytime TV character who went through a cancer battle, gave you strength and courage in your own journey.

 

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General Hospital

General Hospital Receives Stage Dedication

General Hospital has yet another moment to cherish in their storied 61-year history. ABC Entertainment executives honored the daytime dramas cast and crew on May 10, 2024, by dedicating Stage 4, where the series is filmed as “The General Hospital Stage.”

ABC made the decision to acknowledge the show with the stage dedication last year, when it hit its 60th anniversary.

Network executive, Nathan Varni shared via Facebook, “This event was supposed to take place in April, 2023 but due to a multitude of reasons was postponed. Well, we finally celebrated the legacy and history of General Hospital with a stage dedication placard that will live on forever! Thanks to everyone involved with the show for all your hard work, dedication and passion for continuing to keep this show alive and running! Congrats to all involved! We deeply admire and appreciate everyone who works around the clock to bring this series to life 255 days a year!”

Photo: ABC

The stage dedication plaque reads: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL STAGE. IN HONOR OF THE ICONIC TELEVISION DRAMA’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY. SERIES DEBUT APRIL 1, 1963.

Cast members who were in attendance to be part of the dedication included: Jane Elliot (Tracy), Kelly Monaco (Sam), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Donnell Turner (Curtis), Kristina Wagner (Felicia), Maura West (Ava), Brook Kerr (Portia), Kirsten Storms (Maxie), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Amanda Setton (Brook Lynn), Chad Duell (Michael), Robert Gossett (Marshall), Eden McCoy (Josslyn), Josh Swickard (Chase), Jeff Kober (Cyrus), Hudson West (Jake) and Vernee Watson (Stella).

Photo: ABC

GH is not only the longest-running daytime soap on the air, but it is now longest-running scripted drama in all of television. The series continues to hold the record for the most Outstanding Daytime Drama award wins, taking home the Daytime Emmy Award a record 16 times.  To date, GH has filmed over 15,468 episodes.

Share your congrats to GH for their stage dedication which will continue to preserve their legacy for years to come.

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Peter Reckell returns for a second visit with Michael Fairman following the wrap-up of his recent run as Bo Brady on Days of our Lives.Leave A Comment

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