The Disturbing Truth Behind A CM Punk In-Ring Return

by Michael Sidgwick
CM Punk Triple H
WWE.com

2) WWE ignores this, and the very core of Punk’s character and journey, and instead maps a story, involving somebody like a Seth Rollins, built around who really is the ‘Best’, in the same way WWE builds most programmes around two technical wrestlers. From 2012, to 2019 (Rollins Vs. AJ Styles), that’s the WWE approach.

There’s always a third option, of course: WWE botches whatever it is, in the time-honoured tradition. Any notion of a heel sell-out character is untenable: nobody will boo CM Punk.

The disturbing truth behind his inevitable return to the ring is that which made Punk so special then feels empty now. That rhetoric was impeccably delivered, but that's all it was: rhetoric.

Again: those fans don’t chant “CM Punk!” for nothing. He is adored, and perhaps he wasn’t just a beneficiary of the barren era in which he starred. But if there is an adaptable, enduring genius underneath that mythical exterior, WWE wouldn’t know what to do with it.

How could WWE possibly botch CM Punk's return?

The subject of that sentence is irrelevant, no matter how popular or over that talent is. That’s the prevailing story of 2019. Not to be too dramatic, but it’s the prevailing story of Vince McMahon’s twilight years.

How could WWE possibly botch the Summer of Punk?

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!