10 Fascinating Facts About WWE In 2013
2. CM Punk Wouldn’t “Job” In A Promo Battle
Former WWE writer Matt McCarthy once revealed via his podcast that The Rock was supposed to make CM Punk look second-rate during more than one promo back-and-forth heading into their title clash at Royal Rumble 2013. Punk didn’t like the script handed to him, and refused to fall into the trap of Rocky's familiar catchphrases as much as possible.
That's fascinating.
There was a bit of a power struggle going on here between an increasingly-salty full-timer and a returning part-timer who waltzed in from Hollywood and deservedly grabbed attention due to his immense star power. Punk battled back against that as best he could. He knew he'd have to work with The Rock, but he didn't have to be so accommodating to those on the writing team.
Rock ended Punk's epic WWE Title reign at the Rumble, then the pair worked a rematch at the following month's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. According to 'The Great One', that was supposed to feed into something more at WrestleMania, but plans changed.