4. How Much Value Has Punk's Walkout Created For WWE?
Punk is worth significantly more than he was two months ago. It all comes down to supply and demand. By being starved of Punk we are now hungry to see him, willing to tune in at the hint of his appearance. Raw Chicago has already seen a big inflation of ticket prices and the show will do strong TV ratings as people watch to see if Punk returns and the promise of crowd revolt if he doesn't. In contrast, if Punk had never walked out, tonight would just be any other night. Ironically Punk's exit has been good for business. He is also worth a lot more as a draw for Wrestlemania 30. The card right now isn't hugely exciting but with Punk added it becomes a different prospect. He has a great story behind him and a fascination attached to his presence. Orton vs Batista is an uninspiring contest but Orton vs Batista vs Punk is a draw in the 'Voice of the Voiceless' we have someone to get behind, someone to buy into. The walkout may even have been a tactic from Punk to get what he's worth. With his contract up he wanted to create leverage, so he tested WWE to see how much they really wanted him. By WWE giving in he has proved that he is indispensable and can now command an increased pay pack and guarantees in contract negotiations. Punk has made himself significantly more valuable as a result of his absence.