Longest reigning WWE champion of
21st wrestling generation walks out
Former WWE champion CM Punk has legitimately
walked out on WWE. The decision came after the result of this past Sunday's
Royal Rumble event. Punk, who entered as number one to safeguard an eventual
loss, told WWE Chairman Vince McMahon he was "going home" before
leaving to hometown Chicago. Punk was said to be frustrated with old timers
gaining favourable pushes to the top while full time workers were left to wait
in the wings after their hard work was unacknowledged.
After losing the Royal Rumble to
a returning Batista, this was said to be the final straw for Punk. He had
reportedly encountered numerous run ins with management previously. Punk broke
the news he was heading home before the post-Rumble Raw was scheduled to broadcast earlier that day.
The decision will be fresh in
wrestling insider minds which mimics the actions of 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin.
Austin had walked out three times in the past, once directly after Wrestlemania
and the post-Raw's also. Though
Austin had some fan support, he was still an ungrateful talent that failed to
respect the business and has never recovered since. Punk, however has received
a mixed reception. Though others support, some are disappointed with Punk's behaviour.
Punk has been since pulled from all upcoming events with his contract up for
renewal in July.
Punk was due to be scheduled into
a battle with The Authority, taking on Triple H at Wrestlemania XXX on April
6th. Punk and Triple H have had numerous battles over the past two years that have
been uneventful in places remaining fresh in viewers' minds.
Naturally some fans believed it
may be staged to gather attention, though WWE never stage this level of detail.
This is legitimate. WWE instantly unfollowed Punk on Twitter, too. One thing is
certain, Vince McMahon will not allow anyone to willingly "pick up their
ball and go home" without any consequences, regardless of how one man
feels. McMahon will be seething and may want to give some retribution to Punk.
Punk had considered retirement for
some time and had spoken of doing so within a couple of years, as has Alberto
Del Rio previously.
Punk added "everything is up
in the air" backstage and has sparked fears he may be burned out. He has
also been banged up with nagging injury pains requiring surgery for months.
So what does this all mean?
If Punk honestly believed on any
level he should win the Rumble, to which he has stated years ago he has never
won and would like to, that would be ludicrous. Punk was not in contention for
this year's Rumble even if Roman Reigns and Batista weren't scheduled to win. Battling
injuries, back to back losing streaks and decreased card value, anyone can see
why Punk is frustrated with any real lack of direction. However, it is a
cardinal sin in the wrestling business to walk out on the situation in this
context. It may be difficult to reach McMahon directly, but Punk should have
attempted to speak with McMahon directly regarding his concerns than drop a
quick 'bye' on him. It is not the best way to conduct oneself without
repercussions. Perhaps Punk felt he has nothing to lose. When you do feel this
way, it is easier to express yourself, however needs to be done in a professional
manner. No one man is bigger than any company. Punk should take some time out
to rest and recoup and hope WWE may be open to conversation in time.
Punk should remember though, he
himself had to negotiate two years ago with McMahon to get a higher push which
saw him become WWE champ for the longest time for this generation in the
business. Batista's return may be negotiated for Wrestlemania, but with no real
plans outlined, WWE need to stabilise its card. The only problem is it may not
be as celebratory as anticipated as previous 'Mania matches have dipped in
credibility. Punk was not happy to lose the title either at last year's Royal
Rumble to The Rock, which many backstage people add Punk was listening to the
John Cena aspect of Rock hatred, where Rock is a legitimate and deserved in his
own right booking.
Recent returns include Batista,
The Ultimate Warrior and the upcoming Old Schooler Hulk Hogan.
Legend and 'Ambassador' to WWE, Mick
Foley acted out by throwing a brick through and destroying his television because Daniel Bryan was not in
the main event of the Rumble and win. He tweeted he was "disgusted"
with WWE. Bryan is now front runner for a Triple H showdown match for ''Mania.
WWE have since been attempting to
re-focus attention on 'big guys' meeting the requirements of big muscles and
over six foot. With its roster of John Cena, Sheamus, Big Show, Mark Henry and Ryback
being let downs, WWE has had to re-recruit some reliable names. Batista, The
Rock and Brock Lesnar are three that have always been guys that can hold decent
matches in the ring, regardless of whether they are liked as a rehire by fans. WWE
feels it needs this level of contrast to create further feuds.
One thing this has done is
express to WWE that it needs to listen, even if it doesn't accept Punk's
critique that the product and backstage politics are affecting the company and
the business order. Something has got to give following this impasse of
conflicting ideals. Though if Punk honestly believes the likes of Wade Barrett,
Dolph Ziggler and The Miz are going to be stars in today's age then that is
simply preposterous. All those acts have dipped on their own merits. Sometimes,
stars must accept they have been given enough opportunities and dropped their
ball. On this occasion, with Punk taking his ball and going home, this will be
seen as a big diss to the audience, who invest time and effort to see him on
shows. We aren't without sympathy for Punk, either. It is difficult to express
such point without an ear on board, but this level of action is not acceptable
under any circumstance and could have been conducted better. Punk could always come
and sign with us if he wants. :) If we were there, we'd give you a big ol' hug
and say nothing for ten minutes. Or come to London and we'll go for dinner. But don't join any wrestling companies there, either. Take a breather, get some clarity (on both
sides) and then open talks again, should all parties be open to discussion. And don't do anything stupid. X
© Max Waltham 31st January 2014
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