The Run-In #20: Is The WWE Championship In Jeopardy With CM Punk?

I think the state of the WWE Championship is in jeopardy. Yeah, CM Punk has held it for almost a calendar year, and has taken on all comers (that Creative has thrown him). Triple H is in a situation where he wants longer reigns, but longer reigns do not elevate titles. Proper stories and matches do. If you compare CM Punk's reign to many of Ric Flair's reigns with the NWA/WCW heavyweight title, you can't tell me Punk's reigns hold up. And if Punk is the best in the world, why shouldn't they?

I know what you're saying - "but he's been making the WWE community respect him and his reign". Where? What's the situation going on with his title going into Hell In A Cell? Is the current storyline about Punk taking on the #1 contender to further showcase his dominance, or is it legend after legend telling him he's NOT the "best in the world" if he doesn't beat John Cena. Mind you, he's beaten Cena numerous times as of late. And held the company's major heavyweight singles title for over 310 days. If beating Cena - again - to solidify he's the best is what's in order, what the hell does the title even mean? This isn't a Jack Swagger reign - Punk's been busting his butt the last 10 months proving his worth. But just like the "Summer of Punk" from 2011, it start out in a great place and ends up in WWE Creative hell.



Do you remember any of Ric Flair's reigns during his heyday? Sure, he had defenses where he won by cheating. But was there EVER a real question of any wrestler who was better? Nope. He went out there, put on clinics and would retain. Sure, there'd be challengers coming out of the woodworks to try and grab the title from him, but he'd dispatch of them and move on to the next.



My point being that sure, Punk holding onto the belt is an awesome feat. But if the meat of the angle is downplaying that to talk up the company's posterboy, you undervalue what you've built: a viable champion for today. Why not build up more stars that you believe in? They're teasing Ryback's dominance. Get him some quality matches so he knows how to not kill Punk when they do eventually face each other?

I love that Punk is the champ, and he's getting focus, but don't serve me a spamburger and call it angus. I saw the can in the trash, and it's definitely still pink. Let Punk work his magic, and get out of his way. Have Paul Heyman talk up Punk like he does Brock Lesnar. It'll work wonders, and if Punk's facing talent that can help elevate that belt, we could ride this for a long, long time... or just wallow on the Cena train.

Just saying.