THE match. Of course, when CM Punk is allowed to re-create 2005's "Summer of Punk" from Ring of Honor, it's going to be special. When you pull back the curtain in wrestling just enough to reveal not backstage, but what the fans can feasibly perceive to be the hearts of all parties involved, magic happens. Punk started with the "pipebomb," while John Cena played his role too as a dutiful company employee who likely agreed with Punk, but also understood the position of his employer, too. Vince McMahon here, awesome as well, recalling all of the vitriol of the Montreal Screwjob and playing his role to perfection. Punk wins, and for WWE fans, it's an amazing moment, as for those still bummed about Montreal, Punk gets one over on Vince for all of the die-hard Bret Hart supporters. As well, for Punk himself his family and friends (including trainer Ace Steel and "Hi Colt Cabana") are in the front row, which had to make the match incredibly special. Also, it's one of the key moments for Punk, as on some level, the moment creates a space where Punk likely knows that he can do what he wants, act how he pleases and ultimately, he's so many steps ahead of WWE on a socio-cultural level that he's ultimately in control. Given where we are now, this match is incredible on a plethora of levels.
Besides having been an independent professional wrestling manager for a decade, Marcus Dowling is a Washington, DC-based writer who has contributed to a plethora of online and print magazines and newspapers writing about music and popular culture over the past 15 years.
