19. The Circumstances Around Taking The World Title From CM Punk
At Extreme Rules 2009, CM Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase to become World Heavyweight Champion for a second time. Many people believed that he was going to enjoy a lengthy run with the belt and establish himself as a true main-eventer. Instead, he lost the title to the Undertaker at the Hell in a Cell PPV a few months later in October. So why was Punks reign so short? Because he disrespected the Undertaker. According to many reports, Undertaker approached Punk and suggested that he, as World Champion, should dress more formally, as he was representing the company on an international level. But Punk, being, well, Punk, countered Takers suggestion and pointed out that John Cena didnt have to wear a suit and he was the face of the company. Undertaker took Punks rebuttal as disrespect, and managed to influence WWEs top brass to cut Punks world title reign short, and Taker himself ended up winning the belt. This situation shows just how much clout Undertaker has, as the most senior wrestler in the company and their most loyal. He proved that WWE was his yard by halting a younger wrestlers push because he had disrespected the traditions and image of the company. While it might not shine the most positive of lights on the Undertaker, it certainly demonstrates just how much his opinion is respected in WWE.
Alexander Podgorski is a writer for WhatCulture that has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was 8 years old. He loves all kinds of wrestling, from WWE and sports entertainment, to puroresu in Japan.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Political Studies and French, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He speaks English, French, Polish, a bit of German, and knows some odd words and phrases in half a dozen other languages.
