This wasn't even really a full feud, but it was a moment in Punk's career that sucked. WWE had the great idea of ending his World Heavyweight Title reign in 2008 without him even entering the Championship scramble match at Unforgiven. He was attacked backstage by Legacy - Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Ted Dibiase and Manu. Due to the attack, which ended with a vicious punt to the head, Punk was taken out of his World Title defense that night and Chris Jericho ended up taking his place and winning the Championship Scramble match. As Punk explained on his Best in the World DVD, WWE wanted the World Title on Jericho for his feud with Shawn Michaels, so Punk was booked like a loser. Did Punk make it a point to get full revenge on the group as soon as he got back because they cost him the WWE Title? He did halfheartedly, but it was nothing significant and it really made him look second rate. After losing a World Title match to Chris Jericho, he was back to being a babyface that was teaming with Kofi Kingston, although they did win the Tag Titles from Rhodes & Dibiase, which is something. That feud could have been built up after Punk's World Title loss via forfeit. Instead, it was pretty forgettable and did nothing to help Punk's career until this was referenced in a feud with Orton about three years later.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.
