Why Wrestling Is About To Make The Biggest Mistake Of The Century
This was beyond compelling; CM Punk's inherent star appeal, upon which WWE never truly capitalised, had been heightened immeasurably because he had been lionised as mythical figure thought done forever. He put the never in never say never, and nobody had ever worked that gimmick. As a result of several factors - not least of which the fact that he purportedly punched Matt Jackson in the face - this is the case once more. The dispassionate iconoclast feels as elusive as he did seven years ago - and that's what is so compelling about any potential return.
The First Dance was a slow number, but AEW has the perfect, baked-in storyline to exploit, if there is ever a second: the unbelievable prospect of an Elite Vs. CM Punk & FTR war. They couldn't not arrive at it immediately, either; the first thing Punk would have to do, in character, is beat the living sh*t out of the Elite - before it is broken up within seconds. He couldn't work the same arc as before. As good as his introduction was, everything would have to be different this time around - from both the perspective of his character and a business strategy standpoint. Transplanting Punk instantly into the hottest programme in all of pro wrestling would correct what ultimately proved to be the (noble) flaw of the first run. It was a huge commercial success, make no mistake about that, but the decline that followed his debut needn't happen again. CM Punk Vs. Kenny Omega.
Lights out.
Lights on.
There's Punk, witnessed for the first time on months, out of nowhere, and he's staring Omega down in the middle of the ring.
How could fans not stick around and watch that programme unfold?
CM Punk Vs. Kenny Omega would be an incredibly great overflowing with wonderful detail - it would surely to perform to the Revolution '22 level at the box office, too - and it might not even be the best match AEW could derive from this very real and enduringly fascinating situation. CM Punk & FTR Vs. the Elite would be enormous because, through the friendships formed within both factions and the wrestling philosophies they hold so dearly, that trios match contrives to incorporate both the most toxic real-life rivalry in wrestling and the best tag team feud of the century - one that remains almost criminally under-explored. This is a once in a generation opportunity, twice, in one match. The most heightened animosity in wrestling exists between six genius practitioners of the form with vehemently opposed ideas about what form the form should take. There are people who think this is all a work, but it isn't. It couldn't be. The story is far too good and intriguing to be real. Even the man who booked MJF Vs. CM Punk could not book this.
CONT'D...(4 of 6)