In just a matter of months CM Punk has gone from undervalued and underrated to the one of the most popular wrestlers in WWE, currently holding the top title belt in the promotion. Thanks in part to his appeal to older fans and his respect for wrestling’s past, he’s at the top of his game these days. It seems the rest of sports entertainment has finally caught on to what hardcore fans have known for years: CM Punk is the best in the world.

Like most of the roster, Punk appears in WWE 12, the newest wrestling game from THQ and the successor to the SmackDown franchise, though thanks to contract disputes earlier in the year Punk almost didn’t make it. He got in just under the wire, and the devs were even able to incorporate his new entrance theme “Cult of Personality.” We sat down with the champion as he enjoyed his breakfast, he remarked about how impressed he was at the game makers’ ability to keep up with all the additions to expanding number of tattoos.

We began reflecting on the year that’s been and asking Punk how he thinks he can make next year even better. “Well it just depends on what I do at WrestleMania. It has to be something high profile at this point, but obviously the main event is set. So once again I miss out on what should be my rightful spot in Mania. But I’m a big Chicago Cubs fan, so I used to saying ‘there’s always next year.’”
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On the WWE’s recent tour of Japan, several Superstars took part in a very special sports-entertainment tradition. They have the jacket and full stomachs to prove it.

The Ribera Steakhouse is a landmark in the Land of the Rising Sun. For years, Superstars have made pilgrimages to this small steakhouse in Tokyo, where their predecessors have wined and dined.

Photographs of those who have passed through for a meal line the tiny restaurant from floor to ceiling. Superstars sit down for a king-sized helping of steak, rice and corn. When they’re finished, they become members of an exclusive group when the restaurant’s proprietors present them with a satin coat emblazoned with its bull’s head logo.

For some, like WWE Champion CM Punk, it’s a chance to follow in the footsteps of their heroes. “I always remember looking at early wrestling magazines when I was a wee little Punker and seeing guys in these Ribera Steakhouse jackets and it became this elite group,” he told WWE.com.
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The 2011 Slammy Awards will be handed out during next Monday’s special three-hour edition of WWE Raw SuperShow and the WWE Universe has an opportunity to chose the winner in one of the most important categories — “2011 Superstar of the Year.” Vote now and decide whether John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, The Miz, Mark Henry or Alberto Del Rio had the best year.

Vote now!

WWE United States champion Doph Ziggler was interviewed by The Miami Herald at this link. Ziggler discussed his recent Raw bout with CM Punk, commenting, “A lot of people enjoyed the match, and my family and friends liked it. Honestly, since last Monday, I haven’t been able to sleep that well, because I really wanted that match to be one of the best ever, and it wasn’t. So I have something to build toward, and hopefully we’ll get to do it on a big stage, and if we do, I know we will tear the house down. I know it.”

From JR’s latest blog: CM Punk is WWE’s hottest performer at the moment and connects better than anyone I’ve seen in a while with the fans. I’ve seen average in ring talents that were able to connect with the paying customers earn big money and Punk is no average, in ring talent.

This is a summary of CM Punk’s appearance on the The Hot Click podcast. You can listen to the interview here.

CM Punk appeared on the The Hot Click podcast and did not hold back his opinions on The Rock, Vince McMahon, The Miz, his near exit from the WWE and a slew of other topics. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

On not sleeping: “We just did a European tour. I would honestly say on the European tour if you want to average it all out, I slept two hours a night… Eventually it gets to you. I know when I start seeing things that I really need to try… It’s not like I’m forcing myself to stay awake. It’s a thing. I got in late last night. I met up with my buddies, H20, the band and we went out. I got back to my hotel maybe at two in the morning and I had to meet in the lobby at 6 AM so I got a 5:30 wakeup call and next thing I know it’s 3:30. I’m reading comic books in my hotel room.”

How hard it is being straight edge: “It’s not hard at all. A lot of people ask me that. I almost think it’s a really weird question. How hard is it for you to wear glasses? How hard is it for you to have back hair? I was born this way so, no, it’s not hard at all.

“I just turned 33 so I’m assuming I’m what you call an SEOG: Straight Edge Old Guy. There are not a lot of us. I know everybody that was straight edge when I first claimed straight edge, when I was like 15-20, everybody fell off; everybody sold out. There’s like me and my friend Natalie back in Chicago. It’s like you find somebody else who’s straight edge and you stick together.”
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CM Punk is an action figure, a video game character, and WWE champion.

He’s also the most controversial and debated wrestling personality since Steve Austin gave Mike Tyson the finger.

But a few months ago, he was ready to give up this superstar lifestyle, go home, and try to live the life of the anonymous, a life he hasn’t known in over a decade.

“This wasn’t a contract negotiation. I wasn’t playing hardball or holding out for more money or anything like that,” Punk tells me as we meet in Manhattan just days before he won the WWE Championship inside Madison Square Garden, a win he celebrated by stage-diving into the first row, caught by his chant-happy fans.
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The new edition of WWE Magazine includes a back-cover poster for the 2011 Tribute to the Troops special. The tagline reads: “The most patriotic show on TV.”

The two-hour special is scheduled to air Tuesday, December 13 at 9:00 p.m. EST on USA Network. A one-hour version not mentioned on the poster will air Saturday, Dec. 17 on NBC.

On a tour to promote the new WWE ’12 video game last week, just before Survivor Series, we had a chance for a brief interview with the CM Punk. Last night at Survivor Series 2011 CM Punk captured his second WWE Championship, but before all that he talked dream feuds, disturbing fans and the division between sports entertainers and wrestlers in the WWE:

Paul: I have seen you wrestle for years, I used to travel up and down the East Coast to see you in Ring of Honor. So I’m a long-time fan.

CM Punk: What did you see?

Paul: I saw the Raven feud years, so this was 2002-2003.

CM Punk: *Whistles* That was 10 years ago.
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As many Superstars can attest, the Anaconda Vise is the most excruciating maneuver in CM Punk’s arsenal. This Sunday at Survivor Series, three weeks after using the submission hold to force Alberto Del Rio to grant him a WWE Championship opportunity at the 25th annual event, The Voice of the Voiceless could very well utilize it to wrench the prestigious prize from The Mexican Aristocrat’s grasp.

Although Punk has scored numerous victories with his signature Go to Sleep (GTS) over the years, The Straight Edge Superstar explained to WWE.com that making opponents tap out to the Anaconda Vise was a key component of his success when he first emerged in WWE.

“The Anaconda Vise was my bread and butter when I came to WWE in 2006,” Punk said. “I had it in my pocket for a while and I’m glad that I’ve dusted it off.”
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This year’s “Wrestlemania” is set to be one for the ages as a legend from the wildly popular Attitude Era is preparing to square off against one of today’s top stars. I’m of course, talking about The Rock going toe-to-toe with John Cena. But could the WWE be considering a similar scenario with a few other names in mind?

“I really like C.M. Punk. I think he’s one of the top workers in the ring. I love his promos. I love his style. There’s no smoke and mirrors. I like the straight-edge lifestyle stuff he does. You want to start pairing that against the beer-guzzling “Stone Cold” Steve Austin? I think you’d have an interesting feud to say the least. He would push me to the limits, I would teach that kid a thing or two, and there would be some wonderful promos going back and forth.” – “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to XFINITY TV (April 2011)

I had a chance to talk to C.M. Punk about the possibility of a “Stone Cold” dream match, the significance of his upcoming title bout against Alberto del Rio at this Sunday’s “Survivor Series,” and the diet that helps him stay so skinny/fat…

Gordon Holmes: I have some good news for you.
C.M. Punk: Did you save money on your car insurance?

Holmes: I have, but that isn’t specifically what I was referring to. I checked out the “WWE ’12” video game last night, which is a blast, and I played a quick round as you vs. Alberto del Rio. I pulled off a win with your GTS finishing move. I think that bodes well for you heading into this Sunday’s title match.
Punk: That is good news. Thank you.

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