CM Punk’s UFC Debut Pushed Back Again? Who Filled In For Lawler On SmackDown, More

– MMA journalist Ariel Helwani says the latest plan for CM Punk’s UFC is for the fight to take place at UFC 203, scheduled for September 10th. However, the fight date is “far from a done deal.” In recent months, it was reported that Punk would likely debut at UFC 202, which takes place during SummerSlam weekend. Punk will [eventually] fight Welterweight Mickey Gall (2-0).

Punk signed with UFC back in December 2014, shortly after his WWE departure and his controversial appearance on Colt Cabana’s Art of Wrestling podcast. His planned debut has been pushed back multiple times, most recently when he underwent back surgery in February to repair a herniated disc. UFC and Punk are still adamant that he’ll fight this year, but much of the excitement that surrounded his initial announcement has dissipated.

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– With Jerry Lawler serving an indefinite suspension from WWE as a result of his domestic assault arrest from last week, David Otunga filled in the the King at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings.

– In response to other websites reporting that Natalya is retiring soon, the 2nd generation Superstar slammed the rumor as “TOTALLY FALSE.”

– Nancy Benoit’s sister Sandra will be Chris Jericho’s guest on his Talk is Jericho podcast this coming Friday. The episode will focus on the Benoit family tragedy.

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