Let me preface by saying that everything you are about to read, well, it would be amazing if I were wrong!
When Shane McMahon made his return on Raw a few weeks ago and claimed that he was here for change, the WWE Universe was electric with anticipation on what those changes could mean. Then, minutes later, the match was made of Shane McMahon taking on The Undertaker at WrestleMania. The immediate reaction was confusion, and obviously so. Shane is facing Taker after being away from the company for nearly seven year? Taker is helping Vince? They’re going to be in the Cell?
I understand the questions, but I also understand that the wrestling business, especially when it leads into WrestleMania, you need to let things breath sometimes. Wait to see how things unfold before making a final judgment. That was my mindset when I heard the match – skepticism, but intrigue.
Now we are a few Raws into the story and I am starting to have my doubts. The build-up necessary to make Shane and Taker a must-see WrestleMania match has been a bit lackluster. I’m still holding out hope that something will be added to this match to add the needed excitement, but I’m starting to have my doubts.
I have been seeing a LOT of people writing about what that “something” the match needs and expect to happen based on recent actions – and that “something” is Shane receiving help from the returning CM Punk.
Stop it…just stop it!
All this does is add fuel to the fire. Those that are upset with the WWE product right now don’t need another reason to be disappointed.
Yes, it would be amazing to hear Cult of Personality hit WWE speakers sometime between now and 11:59 pm on April 3. It would also be amazing if all superstars who are currently on the injured list magically heal themselves and find their way to the card.
There are too many factors blocking CM Punk from coming back to WWE right now. Back in December, Punk signed a multi-fight deal with UFC…and we’re still waiting for fight #1. We all know Dana White’s thoughts and feelings on WWE, so don’t expect a one-time appearance either.
Also, don’t forget that Punk is still in a legal battle with a member of the WWE medical staff right now as well. Months after Punk’s WWE exit in 2014 he made claims on the medical staff and their negligence to his injuries on Colt Cabana’s podcast.
Lastly, and probably the most important factor in this process is Punk himself. He just doesn’t want to do it! Those of you that are reading probably know enough stories of the real Phil Brooks to know that he is not the kind of guy that just changes what he strongly believes in.
I am not ruling Punk ever returning to the squared circle. I can see a scenario similar to Brock Lesnar, and not just the UFC variable in the equation. Lesnar left WWE in 2004 and made is return in 2012. That’s eight years folks! And now Lesnar has become one of the biggest attractions on the show. I can see this as a more realistic timeframe for a CM Punk return, and even that may be stretching it a bit.
Something needs to happen for the Shane and Taker match to be a success. It’s fun to think that CM Punk could come down to the ring. But it’s also fun to think that Andre the Giant would come down too.
