Jeff Hardy later joined Hall of Famer Jim Ross & Todd Grisham at the broadcast table as Punk prepared to face The Punjabi Playboy. Punk produced an eye drop prescription and mocked Hardy’s past troubles. The growing animosity between Punk and Hardy threatens to reach a fever-pitch as they prepare to face off at Night of Champions in a World Championship Match in two weeks.

In the culmination of an explosive match, Khali hit Punk with the devastating Punjabi Plunge. But before he could get the three-count however, Kane emerged with a steel chair. A “clash of the titans” ensued when Ranjin Singh evened the odds, supplying Khali with a chair of his own. Kane struck first, but the fury of Khali kept him on his feet. He then nailed Kane with the chair, causing The Big Red Machine to uncharacteristically retreat for the second week in a row.

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CM Punk denied any foul play in his championship match with Jeff Hardy at The Bash, claiming his “eye injury” caused him to “accidentally” kick the referee. He demanded an apology from The Charismatic Enigma for his post-match attack. Teddy Long emerged, swiftly creating a World Heavyweight Title rematch between Punk and Hardy at Night of Champions. Hardy then came to the squared-circle, making it clear that he does not believe Punk’s explanation. He did, however, offer an “apology” in advance for taking The Straightedge Superstar down at Night of Champions

Last week on SmackDown, John Morrison went toe-to-toe with former World Heavyweight Champion Edge, giving him a run for his money. Although The Friday Night delight came up short against The Ultimate Opportunist last week, on this night, he found a way to defeat the reigning champion. Perhaps feeling uncomfortable with his loss to the younger Superstar, Punk offered a congratulatory handshake to Morrison, only to crush him with a Go to Sleep. After the loss, Punk must put it behind him if he is to successfully defend his title against No. 1 contender Jeff Hardy at The Bash.

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Mysterio’s match with Punk, Jericho “evened the score” for his masked adversary’s earlier attack, slamming The Master of the 619 into the steel ring post. Though Mysterio answered his 10-count, the World Champion quickly finished him off with the GTS.

After the bell, an angry Jeff Hardy charged into the ring to dispute the decision. He was clearly still seething after being stripped of the World Heavyweight Championship at Extreme Rules. But the confrontation only ended in a staredown, with Punk still walking off with the victory over Mysterio. At The Bash, things will finally come to a head when Punk and Hardy collide in a rematch.

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Jericho has been angry for weeks over not being considered for an opportunity at the World Title. After expressing his displeasure to Teddy Long, the GM announced Jericho could face new champion CM Punk. So, just before joining the announce team for the main event, Punk took on Jericho one-on-one. Despite Jericho’s bold prediction, his guarantee for victory did not come true, as Punk dropped him with a Go to Sleep. The win was Punk’s first as new champion.

In a back-and-forth struggle, Hardy and Edge pushed themselves to the limits of endurance. As the action spilled to the arena floor, Edge tossed Hardy onto CM Punk, who was seated at the announce table. Mayhem then ensued, when Punk pursued Edge back in to the ring and assaulted him with a series of punches.

Realizing he lost the match due to Punk’s interference, an angry Jeff Hardy reigned down blows on Punk, then took out his frustration on Edge with a Twist of Fate. But it was the champion who had the final word when he destroyed Hardy with a Go to Sleep.

As Punk stood over the fallen former champions, GM Theodore Long made the blockbuster announcement from his office that it will be Edge vs. Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk in a Triple Threat Match on Raw for the World Heavyweight Championship.

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Just two days before their Samoan Strap Match at Extreme Rules, The Straightedge Superstar captured the momentum, executing the GTS on Umaga as The Samoan Bulldozer was distracted by his own Samoan Strap. Will the outcome be different when the straps are wielding freely on the one night of the year when all of WWE goes Extreme?

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Just after Punk successfully hit the GTS on Jericho in their “WWE Superstars” rematch on SmackDown and was on his way to a huge win of retribution, The Samoan Bulldozer once again attacked The Straightedge Superstar, hurling their rivalry into the Extreme. After tying Punk upside-down to the turnbuckle with a Samoan Strap, Umaga actually spoke English, challenging Mr. Money in the Bank to a Samoan Strap Match at Extreme Rules before whipping him for all it was worth

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Ever since the WWE Draft – and distancing himself from The Miz – John Morrison has continued to make bold statements on SmackDown, including defeating Charlie Haas last week. Tonight, Morrison teamed with a partner of his choosing – CM Punk. Once again, using the Starship Pain, The Friday Night Delight put away Haas. Before the bout, Benjamin & Haas confronted Morrison in the locker room area.

CM Punk looked to finish what he started last week as it was announced early in the night that Edge would defend his championship against the Straightedge Superstar himself, tonight! After a dive to the outside and a few well placed knees to the face it seemed Punk wouldn’t need his Money in the Bank after all.

However, a match that started in an exchange of blows, ended less than favourably. Unable to defeat Punk, Edge was defenseless and eventually forced from the ring. Sensing he was being out wrestled left a sour taste in the World Champions mouth, the Rated R Superstar saw his only option, he voluntarily walked away and lost via count out. By doing so he retained his title.

After being awarded the victory, CM Punk failed to realize he exposed the target on his back. With his back turned the Samoan Bulldozer, Umaga, attacked Punk for the second week in a row! Edge watched as Umaga laid CM Punk out with a Samoan Spike. But it would be Punk who got the last laugh as it was announced later, Umaga would be facing CM Punk at Judgement Day!

Chris Jericho started out the show, he let everyone know that he was taking over Smackdown. World Champion, Edge was out next, he reminded Jericho that he has never defeated John Cena something Edge had just done in a Last Man Standing match. CM Punk then came out and introduced himself, after showing off his Money In The Bank briefcase to Edge and Jericho, a clip from last year when he cashed in his Money In The Bank was shown. Jericho was quick to go on the defensive, he cut Punk off and told him no one cared and he best just leave right now.

Of course, Mr. Money In The Bank, never one to back down; stayed his ground. Jericho on the other hand announced he was sick of being disrespected and left. Once again the Straightedge Superstar tried to argue but it was Edge this time who agreed.. no one cared. The Rated R Superstar attempted to walk out as well but Punk stopped him, he let Edge know it was a new era; Vickie Guerrero is no longer Smackdown GM. Tonight the two of them would compete against each other. Edge relished the fact it would be non-title. Punk didn’t seem to care, he could cash in whenever he wanted, and tonight he was going to hit the GTS and become the NEW World Champion!

Later that night CM Punk did exactly what he said he’d do. He defeated Edge with the GTS. However, he was unable to make good on his promise. After the match Punk was about to cash in his briefcase, but before the bell was rung, Umaga came in from the crowd and laid out Punk with the Samoan Spike. Umaga then left through the crowd, leaving Edge to pick up the pieces. Edge grabbed the briefcase and was about to hit an unsuspecting Punk with it, but Jeff Hardy ran out, nailed Edge from behind and gave him the Swanton. Hardy stood over Edge as Punk grabbed the briefcase (which he never cashed in) and left.