10 Most Poisonous Backstage Influences In WWE History

7. CM Punk

Outspoken till the end, Phil 'CM Punk' Brooks had some grand ideas to change the way World Wrestling Entertainment operated. Eventually, he gave up on that notion, choosing instead to leave the promotion shortly after the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View in 2014. It's fair to assume from the man's words that he never really saw eye-to-eye with the likes of Vince or Stephanie McMahon, least of all Triple H. Wrestling fans will have their own opinions on the merit of Punk's claims that he was ostracised by powerful players in WWE. However, it cannot be denied that the guy upset the proverbial apple cart during his tenure with the promotion. Whether people agree or disagree with his methods, he was poisonous to the WWE system, at least in the eyes of management. Punk has outright stated that WWE don't like those who have a difference of opinion to their own since leaving. In various interviews, both Vince McMahon and Triple H have tried to downplay their failed relationship with the former World Champion. It's become abundantly clear that Punk is better off away from the pressurised environment prevalent in the company.