Punk is always at his finest when it seems like the WWE is coming crashing down upon him. When he is being victimized by a management that doesn’t understand him and can only react to the power that he brings over the ring and the fans. He is doubly great when his supremacy is being challenged by another over-priviledged pseudo-celebrity former champion who gets everything handed to despite a lack of dedication living the passion 100% that is professional wrestling.
Of course Punk’s finest moment didn’t take place in Vince’s office complimenting pictures of his grandchildren or hosting SNL with a phony grin on his face. He wasn’t spitting out a catch phrase for the sheep to echo, he wasn’t kissing the asses of the mothers and children alienating them for their viewership and merchandising dollars, he was where all the greatest talents reach their pinnacle, he did it where Sammartino, Thesz, Brazil, Race, and Rocco did their business, he did it in THE RING.
This particular night seemed to be Punk’s last as champion. He already had an impressive run as champion. Longer than most in recent memory and far beyond the norm of any of Vince’s recent creations. Management was actively working against him to take his hard fought title. They had set up stipulations and odds that seemed to be the type that were sympathetic to Punk’s supporters but still enough to steal away the title that he had worked so hard for and deserved. The moment felt too big for just some Indy creation who came from nothing but a family of substance abuse and meager living. His nemesis was another former champion who cleaned up nicer than our resident hero. Had resources and fame that dwarfed Punk’s. He had Punk on the ropes if you will, bent over, then stumbling to collect his legs and even worse his thoughts. It seemed as though the title would taken from him just as the fans feared. Despite the mind, the ability and the passion he possessed this appeared to be our heroes final moment in his rightful place as champion. But just when we were all convinced it was over, he fooled the masses and shocked the world. Just as his title was going to be stripped from his like a simple 1, 2, 3 Punk persevered by showing that he was just pretending to be drunk.
Sports entertainment at it’s finest!
