10 Times WWE Dropped The Ball On CM Punk
4. ECW Champion Punk
Was CM Punk’s ECW run a hit or a miss? The answer is both, obviously, but "it could have been so much more" will be the first sentence uttered in response to the question. WWECW is a curious part of modern history, a third brand that was much better than people remember but was always fighting the impossible odds of being compared to a promotion that cornered the market in pro wrestling nostalgia.
Whatever the dominant opinion on that, it is undeniably true that WWE waited way too long to put the title on Punk. Sure, the Chris Benoit tragedy forced the company’s creative hand somewhat, but panic-strapping the newly-monikered John Morrison did nothing for anybody. Punk’s repeated failures to capture the title in a string of weak matches knocked him down several pegs.
By the time Punk won the belt, the enthusiasm and interest had died. Punk’s reign was just as underwhelming as his chase; a 142 day run eventually ended by Chavo Guerrero, of all people. WWE could have had Punk win the title and defend it like a true champion, helping to make new stars along the way. Looking back at this first main event run, the booking of Punk on the main roster over the next few years isn’t so surprising.