WWE may have a frosty relationship with CM Punk now, but even when the man was under contract, things weren't always rosy between both parties. A notoriously hard-headed individual, Punk always seemed to feel that the company were out to get him, because he didn't exactly fit into the corporate structure. When Phil Brooks is busy complaining to anybody who will listen that WWE didn't let him do things his way, he should remember all the riches that Vince McMahon's promotion afforded him. With his contract coming up for renewal in the Summer of 2011, Punk played hardball, putting big demands on the table that he felt WWE would never accept. Calling his employee's bluff, Vince acquiesced to the terms, giving Punk a bumper new contract, his own tour bus, a more pleasing schedule and - crucially - somewhat of a say in his character. For Punk, the latter represented victory over the system, but McMahon was pretty much sitting back and seeing what the brash star could accomplish. 'The Summer Of Punk' followed, including 'pipebomb' promos and sterling matches against all and sundry.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
