From the moment The Bouncing Souls New Day plays at the start of the production, fans understand that they are in for a WWE Home Video release unlike any they have ever witnessed. By the time footage from IWA: Mid-South and Ring of Honor appears, the comprehensive nature of the disc becomes apparent. That so much time was spent by CM Punk and friends Chris Hero and Colt Cabana reliving the history of their matches for those two promotions was something completely unique to Punks DVD. How they even convinced Vince McMahon to pay for the rights to air IWA and ROH footage in the first place is a mystery. With that said, it was absolutely essential to the overall success and quality of the product. Also essential? The look at the now-legendary pipe bomb promo that resulted in Punk transcending the industry and becoming a pop culture phenomenon in the summer of 2011. Michael Hayes discusses the difficult time he had in trying to convince Punk to sign a contract while Curt Hawkins recalls Punk literally counting the days until he was out the door. Punk discusses WWE Creative pitching the promo opportunity to him and all of the fallout that came from it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K9nH42bIro Punks openness and honesty, whether discussing his relationship with his birth family, his early career in WWE or the backstage struggle that nearly led to him departing the company in 2011, is incredibly refreshing. He admits to not always being the nicest guy and to openly trashing creative, sometimes to the writers faces. It is easy to see the passion with which he approached his career. The problem, as he states, wasnt that he didnt care, the problem was that he cared too much. So compelling is the documentary feature that the matches are almost secondary. Sure, Punk vs. John Cena from Chicago is there, as is his first Money in the Bank win, but the heart of the package is the relationships Punk has gained in the business, the fierce loyalty and love he has for those very good friends he has made (the Joey Mercury story is particularly emotional) and the bluntness with which he discusses any and all matters throughout.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
