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[Ninja Scooter]

The problem isn't Lesnar is champion and barely there, because in theory that makes the title mean more because it's not defended every week. No, the problem is they have no through line. I mean they could've had a tournament to set up who faces him at the Rumble... they could've had an MITB winner calling Brock out... they could've had Dean Ambrose pull a Tazz and call himself the 'Frak The World' champion.

The idea is great, the execution sucks.

But ultimately, Punk's point is moot. He says Wrestlemania is the draw, but it's not. It's still reliant on having matches people want to see. And like it or not, people wanted to see Cena vs Rock 1 and 2.

The reason people wanted to see Cena/Rock is in large part because the WWE is shit at developing talent. Of course they'd want to see recycled Cena and old ass Rock, who else is there? Who else has the WWE given them to cheer/hate? If they could develop new superstars nobody would care about Rock, just like in Rock/Austin's heyday, nobody was clamoring for Hulk Hogan to headline Wrestlemania.'

Bringing in Rock, Brock and even carrying on thing's like Taker's streak are short term moves. Yeah they might be successful (and necessary, with how desperate WWE must be) in a vacuum for that specific PPV, but long term they do NOTHING for the company and nothing for the talent that is already on the roster. What good does it do Punk to job to Undertaker or Brock? What good does it do to put Dolph over only to have Sting come in and overshadow him?

 

[DeathyBoy]

If they could develop new superstars nobody would care about Rock, just like in Rock/Austin's heyday, nobody was clamoring for Hulk Hogan to headline Wrestlemania.'

Except for Wrestlemania X-8, headlined by Hogan-Rock.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

Except for Wrestlemania X-8, headlined by Hogan-Rock.

That was after the height of the Rock/Austin era though. I'm talking when the attitude era was at it's absolute peak. They didn't really need to rehash the way they do now. Vince doesn't trust guys like Punk, or Ziggler or anybody not named Cena or Orton really to carry a show because he's scared to death of his ratings and his Network, and to be honest they probably would tank, but that's because they have done a piss poor job of developing and creating stars not named Cena or Orton.

 

[Master Yoshi]

I've listened to this interview twice now. So much information, and I'm very proud of Punk for making the decision that he did.

WWE is the most blundering company I have ever seen. It absolutely boggles my mind.

It's a show where the crowd literally tells the producers what they want, and they still drop the ball, every single time.

 

[joeygreco1985]

Am I the only one who thinks this is all a giant work and Punk is going to show up on Raw sitting in the stands?

 

[ReturnOfTheRAT]

Damn it, I'm watching all these Punk videos and I started watching WWE at the worst time possible.

 

[Sir_Crocodile]

Am I the only one who thinks this is all a giant work and Punk is going to show up on Raw sitting in the stands?

Yes, because he talked about wellness policy and concussions. That affects the wwf on a corporate level, the feds may investigate them.

That said, the door is always open for punk to come back while vince is in charge. If steph/hhh take over....

 

[Plinko]

Am I the only one who thinks this is all a giant work and Punk is going to show up on Raw sitting in the stands?

No--there are plenty of others who are wrong as well.

 

[DeathyBoy]

That was after the height of the Rock/Austin era though. I'm talking when the attitude era was at it's absolute peak. They didn't really need to rehash the way they do now. Vince doesn't trust guys like Punk, or Ziggler or anybody not named Cena or Orton really to carry a show because he's scared to death of his ratings and his Network, and to be honest they probably would tank, but that's because they have done a piss poor job of developing and creating stars not named Cena or Orton.

Jericho, Benoit and Angle were similarly held back by politics and Austin/Undertaker's refusal to put anyone new over. I mean who'd Austin ever put over cleanly? He gave The Rock a win years after his prime had ended as a 'thanks for letting me kick your ass and win every other match conclusively' consolation prize.

If the internet was this big in 1999, people would be asking why Austin was making Foley look like a jobber every time they fought.

 

[Rapstah]

Jericho, Benoit and Angle were similarly held back by politics and Austin/Undertaker's refusal to put anyone new over. I mean who'd Austin ever put over cleanly? He gave The Rock a win years after his prime had ended as a 'thanks for letting me kick your ass and win every other match conclusively' consolation prize.

If the internet was this big in 1999, people would be asking why Austin was making Foley look like a jobber every time they fought.

It's interesting how much ground Angle, Benoit and Jericho gained while both Austin and Undertaker happened to be out between late 1999 and the middle of 2000. I wonder what would happen today if Cena and Orton, if you'll forgive the comparison, both happened to get injured for seven months at the same time now.

 

[Kyoufu]

Wait. People wanted to see Cena vs Rock part 2?

That is certainly news to me.

 

[Manbig]

Jericho, Benoit and Angle were similarly held back by politics and Austin/Undertaker's refusal to put anyone new over. I mean who'd Austin ever put over cleanly? He gave The Rock a win years after his prime had ended as a 'thanks for letting me kick your ass and win every other match conclusively' consolation prize.

If the internet was this big in 1999, people would be asking why Austin was making Foley look like a jobber every time they fought.

The fuck are you talking about? Heel Austin put over face Angle BIG TIME.

 

[Pop-O-Matic]

I wonder what would happen today if Cena and Orton, if you'll forgive the comparison, both happened to get injured for seven months at the same time now.

R.I.P. WWE 1952-2014

 

[Paracelsus]

Wait. People wanted to see Cena vs Rock part 2?

That is certainly news to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytdOymtT23w

The build up was catering to the fans you see in the video, the ones who ruined the product.

 

[Jezbollah]

Yes, because he talked about wellness policy and concussions. That affects the wwf on a corporate level, the feds may investigate them.

I am keen to see any developments re McMahon's statement that Punk was on hiatus when in fact they terminated his employment with the company. That could be interpreted as misleading shareholders.

 

[Fox318]

It's interesting how much ground Angle, Benoit and Jericho gained while both Austin and Undertaker happened to be out between late 1999 and the middle of 2000. I wonder what would happen today if Cena and Orton, if you'll forgive the comparison, both happened to get injured for seven months at the same time now.

Kane vs Ryback for the Title

 

[strobogo]

I am keen to see any developments re McMahon's statement that Punk was on hiatus when in fact they terminated his employment with the company. That could be interpreted as misleading shareholders.

He wasn't terminated, he was suspended, which does mean he was on a sabbatical at that time.

 

[Jazzy Network]

Can't wait for the smarks to chant "dumb as fuck" next time Ryback is on RAW.

 

[tchocky]

Jericho, Benoit and Angle were similarly held back by politics and Austin/Undertaker's refusal to put anyone new over. I mean who'd Austin ever put over cleanly? He gave The Rock a win years after his prime had ended as a 'thanks for letting me kick your ass and win every other match conclusively' consolation prize.

If the internet was this big in 1999, people would be asking why Austin was making Foley look like a jobber every time they fought.

I remember reading wrestling sites and magazines back then and people complaining Austin was boring in the ring and all he did was kick, punch stunner and that he should turn heel. So pretty much what people say about Cena now.

The difference between then and now is that the top stars have remained with the company Cena/Orton have not moved on whereas in the late 90s/early 00s you had Bret/Shawn and Austin/Rock leave if they had all stayed with the company for another decade then people like Foley, HHH, Benoit, Angle would have had a much harder time becoming top stars. If Cena and Orton had both left a few years ago WWE would have no choice but to go with Punk, Bryan, Ziggler etc.

 

[block tower]

honestly NXT is so much more fun to watch. id be great if Vince and Co. let a bunch of the NXT wrestlers fued and make their way into the WWE.

 

[kirblar]

I remember reading wrestling sites and magazines back then and people complaining Austin was boring in the ring and all he did was kick, punch stunner and that he should turn heel. So pretty much what people say about Cena now.

The difference between then and now is that the top stars have remained with the company Cena/Orton have not moved on whereas in the late 90s/early 00s you had Bret/Shawn and Austin/Rock leave if they had all stayed with the company for another decade then people like Foley, HHH, Benoit, Angle would have had a much harder time becoming top stars. If Cena and Orton had both left a few years ago WWE would have no choice but to go with Punk, Bryan, Ziggler etc.

Which of course wasn't fair to Austin given that his post-Owen work had to be drastically altered.

 

[Nuklear]

I've listened to this interview twice now. So much information, and I'm very proud of Punk for making the decision that he did.

WWE is the most blundering company I have ever seen. It absolutely boggles my mind.

It's a show where the crowd literally tells the producers what they want, and they still drop the ball, every single time.

The problem is the WWE doesn't want to give what the crowd wants. Their ego's are so big that they want to force you to like what they want. That's why the company is so terribly ran.

 

[Jezbollah]

He wasn't terminated, he was suspended, which does mean he was on a sabbatical at that time.

The use of the words "hiatus/sabbatical/suspension" implies that he would return. That wasn't the case was it? Unless they can say that the decision to terminate him wasn't made at that point - which is debatable. I can see some shareholders asking that question given Punk's presence helped bring in the company both money and exposure.

 

[Dictator93]

Listen to Austin's commentary for two of his matches. There is no practice. Even for major Wrestlemania main events. Matches are not planned at all before.

He says in the beginning of his 40 minute match with the Rock that he knew just a couple of things that would happen.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2...restlemania-13-with-austin-s-commentary_sport
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2...steve-austin-with-stone-cold-commentary_sport
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2...steve-austin-with-stone-cold-commentary_sport

Wow, these are awesome.

 

[Heel]

Am I the only one who thinks this is all a giant work and Punk is going to show up on Raw sitting in the stands?

Still waiting on public court documents and any sign that a man who was half naked on television week after week had a hideous MRSA bump on his back.

I'll be waiting, friends.

 

[Carnby]

I'm loving Punk's burial of today's youth and their sense of self entitlement. Thank you Punk!

 

[Tatsumaki Senpuukyaku!]

Jericho, Benoit and Angle were similarly held back by politics and Austin/Undertaker's refusal to put anyone new over. I mean who'd Austin ever put over cleanly? He gave The Rock a win years after his prime had ended as a 'thanks for letting me kick your ass and win every other match conclusively' consolation prize.

If the internet was this big in 1999, people would be asking why Austin was making Foley look like a jobber every time they fought.

Austin shouldn't have put anyone over. There are some times (Austin 98-01, Hogan 84-90) where a wrestler is so hot that they should never lose. I don't think 2014 Cena is one of those times.

 

[strobogo]

The use of the words "hiatus/sabbatical/suspension" implies that he would return. That wasn't the case was it? Unless they can say that the decision to terminate him wasn't made at that point - which is debatable. I can see some shareholders asking that question given Punk's presence helped bring in the company both money and exposure.

It was expected Punk would come back after the suspension. So, there is nothing about that statement that should lead to anything besides using the word "sabbatical" instead of "suspension".

 

[IdreamofHIME]

The thing about the infection on back is disgusting and shines a light on the wellness policy, but a lot of the way he was treated was due to him always clashing with them or not wanting to lose "face".
He's sick? They tell him to work. He turns up because he doesn't want to drop the title?
Sorry, but that's an ego trip. It's a fake belt for fake fighting. Why the hell does he think he needs to break his body into pieces to "honor" it and show the locker room he's worthy of being their champ and leader? (His wife is just as weird about this subject too, with that tacky tattoo on her neck about the laughable and quite worthless Diva's title)
It just seems that outside of his injury, most of the reasons why he left were due to him wanting bigger matches and thinking he can book better than Vince and Co. The whole thing about being angry about Rock and Brock just rubs me the wrong way.

HHH sacked him on the day of his wedding, straight out the blue...but his wife then went back the company after the honeymoon and became their Diva's champion? I just can't take every ounce of what he says as the whole truth, not all the loose ends tie up.

 

[jwhit28]

Since the Hogan era I don't think Vince has willingly moved on from anything. Every change in the main guy has been fueled by injuries, personal conflicts, or wrestlers jumping ship/retiring.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

The thing about the infection on back is disgusting and shines a light on the wellness policy, p.

WWE missing a golden opportunity to release STEPH INFECTION t-shirts.

 

[OnPoint]

The whole 'hate losing to part-timers' and 'no-one that night could lace my boots' tantrums. I mean pretty disrespectful to The Undertaker, who gave Punk his only show-stealing Wrestlemania match too.

Am I misremembering or did Punk carry that match? I was a huge Taker fan back in the day but that match made me realize how old he looked.

 

[Tatsumaki Senpuukyaku!]

Since the Hogan era I don't think Vince has willingly moved on from anything. Every change in the main guy has been fueled by injuries, personal conflicts, or wrestlers jumping ship/retiring.

The Ultimate Warrior was an honest attempt to move on to the next big thing. I think it burned Vince when it turned out he was crazy and he had to give the belt back to Hogan, who had lost a great deal of his drawing power post WM6. Now he just rides what he has out until everyones sick of it.

 

[Coins]

Yes, because he talked about wellness policy and concussions. That affects the wwf on a corporate level, the feds may investigate them.

That said, the door is always open for punk to come back while vince is in charge. If steph/hhh take over....

If the WWE could be investigated for shit they day or do when they are putting on a show...


Yes, I believe this is all a show. I think Punk is really banged up and is taking time off. I think punk knows how to tell a story and that's what he is doing. I mean, we just got to the point where crowds weren't cheering his name and all of a sudden the recluse punk just decides to spill everything? He's staying in the main event scene without even appearing.

 

[Kyoufu]

If the WWE could be investigated for shit they day or do when they are putting on a show...


Yes, I believe this is all a show. I think Punk is really banged up and is taking time off. I think punk knows how to tell a story and that's what he is doing. I mean, we just got to the point where crowds weren't cheering his name and all of a sudden the recluse punk just decides to spill everything? He's staying in the main event scene without even appearing.

You think this is a work? lol.

 

[TimeEffect]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--X8pAvg3DE

sogood.

Jesus, there are children in that first clip!

 

[I Wanna Be The Guy]

Am I the only one who thinks this is all a giant work and Punk is going to show up on Raw sitting in the stands?

If it's a work he'll be #30 in the rumble. He'll win it and then Triple H or Vince will come out and demand security throw Punk out as he does not work for WWE anymore. Then the music hits.

HERE COMES THE MONEY!

"I bought WC........M Punk"

 

[bean breath]

You think this is a work? lol.

Show me photographic evidence of a "baseball sized" lump on CM Punk's back. If I can see that, then it'll remove any doubt.

 

[Jazzy Network]

If it's a work he'll be #30 in the rumble. He'll win it and then Triple H or Vince will come out and demand security throw Punk out as he does not work for WWE anymore. Then the music hits.

HERE COMES THE MONEY!

"I bought WC........M Punk"

That would be good so it won't happen.

 

[Rapstah]

Wouldn't it be great if this didn't just turn out to be a storyline, but a bad storyline? CM Punk has been working everyone except Triple H and Vince, including his wife, for almost a year, all setting up this epic return when he reveals that Kane and Big Show were his agents all along and their plan is to turn Cena to the dark side at WWE Fast Lane, this February.

 

[Coins]

You think this is a work? lol.

Yeah, I do? People behind the scenes leak ridiculous shit constantly. You think if he really had this nasty infection, we would just now be finding out about it? I mean, for fucks sake, we find out what these people have for dinner on the websites. Do you think the modern WWE doesn't care about concussions? If they didn't, why didn't they just keep Ziggler working? They MADE him take a lengthy amount of time off.

 

[Deleted member 47027]

It is a work, folks. Follow the money.

Is there money to be made? Yes. This is how you build a main event at Mania 31 or 32.

 

[DMczaf]

It is a work, folks. Follow the money.

 

[bean breath]

Show me the lump.

 

[Deleted member 47027]

We're going deep, DM. Tunnel rats rule.

 

[Manbig]

Yeah, I do? People behind the scenes leak ridiculous shit constantly. You think if he really had this nasty infection, we would just now be finding out about it? I mean, for fucks sake, we find out what these people have for dinner on the websites. Do you think the modern WWE doesn't care about concussions? If they didn't, why didn't they just keep Ziggler working? They MADE him take a lengthy amount of time off.

Man, how out of touch you sound. A work? Really?

Dolph Ziggler doesn't make the kind of money for the WWE that CM Punk did.

Simple as that.

 

[IdreamofHIME]

Show me the lump.

It was under his trunks.

You know that part of your back that exists below the actual back and above the ass.

It's called "doesn't exist on the human body".

 

[FallingEdge]

Listen to Austin's commentary for two of his matches. There is no practice. Even for major Wrestlemania main events. Matches are not planned at all before.

He says in the beginning of his 40 minute match with the Rock that he knew just a couple of things that would happen.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2...restlemania-13-with-austin-s-commentary_sport
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2...steve-austin-with-stone-cold-commentary_sport
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2...steve-austin-with-stone-cold-commentary_sport

is this on the network?

 

[DoktorEvil]

It is a work, folks. Follow the money.
Is there money to be made? Yes. This is how you build a main event at Mania 31 or 32.

Punk isn't after money though, or so he claims in interviews.

He wants the fame/notoriety of the chip and I really doubt that all of this is some elaborate work to make the mainstream care about wrestling again.

 

[Deleted member 47027]

Punk isn't after money though, or so he claims in interviews.

He wants the fame/notoriety of the chip and I really doubt that all of this is some elaborate work to make the mainstream care about wrestling again.

If he's not about the money, explain:

"Fuck you, pay me."
"I need to make as much as John Cena, as Undertaker, as Brock Lesnar."
"I'm in this for the money at this point."

I'm telling you...