10 Things We Learned From Something Else To Wrestle With: CM Punk
5. Paul Heyman's Positivity Backfired
Paul Heyman couldn't believe his luck when ROH stalwart CM Punk strolled into an OVW he'd been aimlessly stewarding in 2005. The former ECW gaffer was a huge fan, and booked the developmental territory around Punk as a pet project, repeating the feat when WWE elected to relaunch his extreme brand a year later.
Punk has spoken glowingly of Heyman at every opportunity over the years, but Prichard offered a slightly different take on the influence 'The Advocate' had. Noting the over-enthusiasm with which he plugged Punk, Prichard opined that Vince McMahon showed open disinterest for the 'Straight Edge Superstar' because Heyman's support was so fervent.
According to Bruce, "Heyman would push so hard that Vince would push back", which led to much of the stop-start success Punk had following his 2006 main roster call up. Bizarrely (considering his otherwise-excellent track record), Heyman's cards were apparently marked by the gusto with which he promoted - of all people - Mike Knox as another breakout star. His failure to instantly project was subsequently used as a stick to beat the ex-promoter with before his post-December To December departure.