From #hamler
June 27, 2011: Pipebomb!
In professional wrestling, kayfabe plays a major part in the success of a show. Storylines are developed to entertain the masses and outlandish characters are created to keep people tuned into the program. It’s been that way since wrestling’s inception. Characters rarely broke character and for the most part, their everyday lives were kept separate from the shows. There’s reality, then there’s fiction. When those lines are blurred, people tend to lose their minds. The Pipebomb accomplished that more so than any other segment in Raw history.
Say what you want about CM Punk and his ability in the ring but as far as talkers go, he’s on par with the greatest the wrestling world has to offer. One of the key pieces missing from WWE Raw nowadays are cliffhangers; something that makes you want to tune into the program next week. That Attitude Era was full of them but that concept slowly fizzled away. The Pipebomb brought it back. Not only did it set the wrestling world on fire but viewers wanted to know what would become of Punk following his heinous actions the next week. There are only a handful of Raw moments that accomplished that.
CM Punk’s promo laid foundation for the rest of the roster and it’s impact is still felt to this day. The benefits of the promo are endless. Guys like Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura all have Punk to thank for their current spot on the roster. The rise of Daniel Bryan had virtually no chance of happening had it not been for CM Punk and if you think AJ Styles is coming anywhere near the WWE Championship before 2011, you’re wrong. The Pipebomb influenced a whole generation of WWE (and wrestling) talent and it’s evident with the current direction of WWE’s product.
It’s often debated whether Punk’s promo was a worked shoot or an unscripted promo when in reality, it doesn’t matter. In reality, it did everything a promo should do and it made an everlasting impact. The Pipebomb transcended CM Punk from an indie darling into a household name. It was unheard of. It was jaw-dropping. It was a game-changer. CM Punk’s Pipebomb isn’t just the greatest Raw moment, it’s one of the most defining moments in professional wrestling’s history.
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Mick Foley
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Mick Foley
PASADENA, CA - AUGUST 12: WWEs Hardcore Legend, Mick Foley poses before his performance at The Ice House Comedy Club on August 12, 2014 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Michael Schwartz/WireImage)
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Mick Foley
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 05: Sam Roberts and Mick Foley appear on "The Opie Radio Show" at SiriusXM Studios on November 5, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
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Mick Foley
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JANUARY 16: Wrestler Mick Foley performs at The Stress Factory Comedy Club on January 16, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. (Photo by Bobby Bank/WireImage)
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Mick Foley
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JANUARY 16: Wrestler Mick Foley performs at The Stress Factory Comedy Club on January 16, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. (Photo by Bobby Bank/WireImage)
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Mick Foley
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Mick Foley
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Mick Foley
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Mick Foley
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