Night of Champions

I'd relate more to Punk if it wasn't for the straight edge thing. Whenever he used to shoot, despite all the charisma that purred out of him something in the back of my head just kept thinking "he needs to hang out with RVD a bit"

Ironic thing is I remember in his DVD he talked about drugs just not looking like fun. But all throughout his time with WWE, unless all the stars were in perfect alignment for him, he never looked like he was having fun ever. Which to me is yet another instance of Punk demonstrating hypocrisy and ignorance. It made for a terrific character, but one I found hard to empathise with.

Would it be fair to compare him to Torres? seriously?

lol, what an extraordinary comparison to draw.

In the sense he could never catch a break - yes. In the sense he was a succession of false dawns - definitely. Was placed in an organisation that was never designed to get the best out of him - for sure.

But amid the similarities the sad truth is when Punk shot he usually hit the target, couldn't say the same for Torres. He also had a nack of turning carp into gold which Torres never managed playing for Chelsea.

Great thought though. What do you think on that?

Was placed in an organisation that was never designed to get the best out of him
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Who is to blame for that, Punk belongs to the character archetype of the anti hero. Historically we know that this type of character can become a somewhat of a paradigm shift e.g 3:16

So his demise or seeming demise has a strange air of miscommunication as opposed to misunderstanding on Punks part.

However as far as the E is concerned, does anyone else think their is a strange link between Ambrose` rise and Punks fall.

I mean i may be wrong here but it wouldnt surprise me if the E saw an opportunity to make a like for like change, but with a more mouldable and pliable member of staff.

Just my take, but the comparisons between Punk and Austin I always found to be wildly exaggerated - more about hope than honest observation. Austin was a much more complete character. The redneck persona complemented him so much better than Punk's straight edge persona in the anti-hero regard, he carried himself with a air of security Punk NEVER had - you rarely found Punk in control of himself or his environment (and of course the one glaring exception back in 2011 was ultimately booked to make the character look anything but in control of the situation). And on the mic Austin was clinical and concise, like all great anti-heroes, Punk used to tangle himself in so many knots and consequently had an unfortunate habit of coming across like a whining punk 2!T3H.

It's kind of nit-picky I'll grant you, but I don't think personally Punk had the complete package to alter the direction of the entire company. He presented a very capable alternative to Cena, but between them you couldn't really have enough to revitalise the product without more in the undercard to support them.

My surprise you here, or not. I see positively NO correlation between the CM Punk and Dean Ambrose characters. They in fact couldn't be more different imo. Rollins is a much closer comparison to Punk, and quite possibly yes. The manner in which they booked The Shield and are continuing to book all three members clearly shows they've got more faith in each of them than they ever had in CM Punk

Anyone watch Raw ?

Was pretty good to be fair.

Triple threat match for IC title was a very good with some great spots (Ziggler, Miz and Cesaro)

Ambrose stole the show - he really is over with the fans at the moment.

Even the comedy was good - Mercury and Noble were like the old Patterson/Brisco sketches and of course the briefcase segments were also amusing.

Overall, one of the best Raws in some time

Ambrose was always gonna be massive...however the question is, how will being over weigh up against merchandise sales?

WWE Same thing happens each week. Wish Bryan and Punk return soon.

WWE Same thing happens each week. Wish Bryan and Punk return soon.
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Really?

I kinda think Bryan just repeated himself week after week.

Come out, challenge the authority, stand on the ropes and throw your arms up chanting YES YES YES

Eat sleep Repeat

The brief title reign that Bryan had sort of vindicated WWE's booking of him post-Summer Slam up to WrestleMania. He felt very Chris Benoit-ish once he had the titles, in that while you don't necessarily have a problem buying him as good enough you just expect something more from the world champion. His lack of an intimidating look whatever he does with his face and his very passive mic skills just hold him back. One of the reasons that angle leading into WM30 is so effective for me was despite their being other factors involved that gave Bryan justification for the spot he was seeking, the truth is objectively he is just an upper mid-card talent. A lot of what HHH said in the build up was quite frankly hard to argue, and the heels are so more better when they expose the realities we don't want to believe like that.

Looking forward to his return though. At some point Lesnar vs. Bryan in an I Quit Match must happen before WM