Depending who you ask, breaking The Undertaker’s undefeated WrestleMania streak would either be the best or worst thing that could happen for WWE. On one hand, if Undertaker loses to CM Punk Sunday night, it cements Punk’s legendary status and will help the wrestling promotion earn more money in the coming years by featuring the hated heel who put the 1 in Taker’s 20-1. From a passing-of-the-torch perspective, it’s the right thing to do for the business.

On the flip side, Undertaker means so much both on screen and behind the scenes in WWE, that as long as he wants to wrestle, his streak should remain alive as it’s one of the true selling points at each year’s big show. Besides, Undertaker beating Punk also keeps open the opportunity for John Cena to challenge the streak at WrestleMania 30 (talk about a money maker).

But not so fast, as I had the chance to get CM Punk’s perspective on his upcoming match, his recent use of the piledriver, and where he sees his career headed post WrestleMania.

Here’s what the controversial wrestler loaded with verbal pipe bombs had to say. Let the explosions begin.  Continue reading »

“I’m hung up on going on last, being the main event on WrestleMania,” admitted Punk, whose most recent title reign was the company’s longest in over 25 years. “There’s all sorts of people who will tell you ‘You’re wrestling the Undertaker and maybe that’s bigger than the title, bigger than going on last and there’s a difference between the main event and the last match.’ It’s just been ingrained into me. Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be in the main event at WrestleMania.”

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The 20 coolest tattoos in WWE history #4. CM Punk | Tattoo: Skull & snake | Location: Chest

To pick only one of CM Punk’s pieces to showcase might be an exercise in futility. Practically every inch of The Best in the World’s upper body is covered with tattoos, each with its own unique story worth telling. And while Punk’s word tattoos such as “drug free” and “straight edge” seemingly attract the most attention due to his image, it’s the dangerous combo of skull and snake across his chest that’s immediately eye-catching on first glance, partially because of how fresh that ink still is.

When asked for his take on getting tattoos, The Straight Edge Superstar once told WWE.com: “Tattoos are like wearing your heart on your sleeve. It’s about showing who you are on the inside by showing it on the outside. … Each tattoo you get should have some deep, deep meaning.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves, Punk.

While he is no longer the WWE Champion — after falling to The Rock at Royal Rumble — that hardly lowers the elite status of CM Punk. Like him or hate him, the outspoken competitor who calls himself “The Best in the World” is — to borrow the catchphrase from Triple H — “that damn good.” (WATCH HUGE PUNK PLAYLIST)

Continue reading »

VIP SUPERSTAR SCHEDULE
Thursday, April 4
6-7:30 p.m. — CM PUNK
7:30-9 p.m. — RIC FLAIR
Continue reading »

As confirmed yesterday, WWE Champion CM Punk has been cleared for in-ring action by WWE physician, Dr. Michael Sampson, four weeks after undergoing knee surgery (STORY). Consequently, he’ll defend his title as promised in a long-gestating Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match against Ryback on Jan. 7, the first Raw of 2013. The news came as somewhat of a surprise, given The Straight Edge Superstar’s status was in doubt as recently as New Year’s Eve, when Punk’s personal physician refused to clear the champion for active duty. But now that the word has come down from on high and Punk is set to return to the ring, it seems a few weeks on the bench hasn’t cost The Voice of the Voiceless any of his trademark confidence.

“‘WWE sources’ can kiss my a**,” the champion said in a pointed statement regarding the initial, unconfirmed report that cleared him for duty. “Of course I’ll be cleared. Of course I’ll wrestle Ryback in a TLC Match. Of course I’ll win.”

Punk’s associate, Paul Heyman, was a bit more loquacious if not respectful of WWE sources and management in his own response. Despite Punk’s return absolving “The Voice of the Voice of the Voiceless” of having to face Ryback himself (Mr. McMahon named Heyman as Ryback’s replacement opponent if Punk was still not medically cleared to compete), the ECW mastermind had no positive sentiment on the verdict that will send the champion back to the front lines.

“In an obvious effort to appease the WWE Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board has once again publicly demonstrated his vulgar obsession with denying the WWE Universe of its rightful undisputed reigning defending champion,” Heyman said in a statement. “Vince McMahon’s unconscionable tactics now include forcing CM Punk, less than 30 days post-surgery, to defend this industry’s most prestigious championship in a barbaric match known as TLC. The description ‘flesh-peddling promoter’for Vince McMahon is a terrible understatement. The medical clearance is a sham, and it is apparent this corruption starts at the top.”

Despite the duo’s bile, however, one thing is certain: Sampson’s word is final, and the time for statements and sources will soon be at an end as the bell starts the TLC Match against Ryback and tolls for the defending WWE Champion on Jan. 7.

As WWE Champion CM Punk’s potential title defense against Ryback approaches on the Jan. 7 edition of Monday Night Raw, WWE.com sources indicate that The Straight Edge Superstar has been medically cleared for in-ring competition several weeks after his undergoing knee surgery. The decision, if confirmed, returns Punk to action effective immediately, meaning he will defend his championship as scheduled in a Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match against Ryback.

The bout had originally been scheduled for the WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view, but Punk’s sudden trip under the knife suspended that contest until the champion was fully recuperated. His status was in doubt as recent as Dec. 31, when his recovery timeline from the procedure was called into question by Punk’s personal physician (WATCH). WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon had gone so far as to schedule a potential replacement match should Punk prove unable to compete, but pending approval, it appears The Chairman’s worries are assuaged.

Our sources also indicate that a final decision on the champion’s status will be presented to the WWE Universe on WWE Main Event tonight at 8/7 CT on ION Television.

So, WWE viewers couldn’t find it within themselves to vote CM Punk Superstar of the Year. Well, readers of Pro Wrestling Illustrated got it right. For the second straight year, the PWI year-end poll saw the WWE champ come out on top. For the record, John Cena finished fourth, behind Punk, Sheamus, and Austin Aries. You can order the print or digital issue at www.pwi-online.com

3:30 p.m. UPDATE

WWE.com has confirmed that Dr. Andrews completed a scope of CM Punk’s left knee. Andrews successfully trimmed a cartilage tear in Punk’s knee.

“CM Punk underwent knee surgery today to remove a piece of torn meniscus that had locked up his knee,” said Andrews’ colleague, WWE physician Dr. Chris Amann. “The surgery, performed by Dr. James Andrews, went smoothly and CM Punk is expected to make a full recovery.”

2:08 p.m.

WWE.com has learned WWE Champion CM Punk is currently undergoing surgery on his left knee in Pensacola, Fla.

Last night, after Ryback drove him through a table, The Straight Edge Superstar took a late night flight to Florida for an emergency consultation with Dr. James Andrews. A review of his condition resulted in the WWE Champion’s immediate surgery today. (PHOTOS FROM RAW)

WWE.com will continue to report on Punk’s condition as more details become available.

#49 CM Punk

CM Punk doesn’t fit the archetypal definition of a handsome guy. He’s a little too rough around the edges, a little too unwashed. But he doesn’t fit the archetypal definition of a WWE Champion either — and that’s exactly his appeal.

Perhaps the most counterculture Superstar WWE has ever promoted, Punk looks like the toughest guy at a Rancid concert and that punk rock aesthetic has made The Straight Edge Savior the alternative answer to clean-cut Superstars like John Cena. With his torso covered in tattoos and a take no prisoners attitude, Punk probably isn’t the type of guy you’d want your sister dating. But that isn’t going to stop him from doing it.