10 Things WWE Stole From The Indies

9. CM Punk Vs. Raven

There are countless parallels between CM Punk's Ring Of Honor run and his late-career work in WWE. As great as he was on wrestling's biggest stage, WWE spent much of Punk's time there regurgitating old material from his independent days, including the feud with Raven that effectively launched the straight-edger to the top of the independent pile.

Kicking off in 2003, it saw Punk clash with the ECW veteran in a long series of bitter, violent encounters focused primarily on Raven's lifestyle. Punk was at his absolute preachiest, ripping into his foe's well documented history with drug and alcohol abuse, and ruthlessly belittling his every mistake. Things went well beyond PG too, with Punk going as far as crucifying Raven on a straight edge 'X' symbol after losing a bloody 30-minute cage match.

The feud eventually found its way to WWE television in 2009, when the company retold it with the troubled Jeff Hardy as the subject of Punk's rage. The story drew swathes of critical acclaim, and while its more personal elements had to be toned down for mainstream audiences, it remains one of WWE's greatest modern feuds.

Just remember where it came from.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.