The relationship between WWE and CM Punk began to look rocky a full year before the Straight Edge Superstars departure. Punks 434-day reign as champion came to an end at the 2013 Royal Rumble. At WrestleMania XXIX, he was set to face-off with the Undertaker -- a distinct honor, as Taker typically hand picks his Mania opponents. However, for one Phil Brooks, anything but the main event was not good enough. Regardless, Punk carried on with the matchup and said nothing publicly. Despite his refusal to ruffle any feathers, there were signs during WrestleMania weekend that Punk was unhappy. During the events official press conference, CM Punk appeared dissatisfied. As Vince McMahon raised the hands of the Rock and John Cena for a photo opportunity, Punk could be seen glaring disgruntledly -- obviously wishing he were in the main event. http://youtu.be/DN2XfQxBi9k?t=1m12s Furthermore, Punk sported a Cesaro t-shirt -- who was not featured on the Mania card. During an interview with Sam Roberts, fellow superstar Mark Henry asked Punk why he chose that particular shirt. Punk responded by stating that Cesaro was awesome and that he likes to represent guys that dont get the representation. A year later, Punk was gone from the company and Cesaro got his WrestleMania moment by body slamming the Big Show over the top rope during the Andre the Giant memorial battle royal.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
