3 Reasons why WWE fans still chant for CM Punk

5 years, 1 month and 26 days. This is how long it has been since CM Punk has been seen in a WWE ring. 1883 days is a long time for fans of any sport to move from a particular individual. However, the WWE Universe just does seem to be able to move on from the former leader of 'Straight Edge Society'.

Every now and again, WWE arenas reverberate with overwhelming chants of 'CM Punk! CM Punk!,' even though he is nowhere near to be seen in a WWE ring. On the March 18, 2019, episode of Monday Night Raw, while Batista's interview was taking place, which was being displayed on the titantron, to build up his match with Triple H at WrestleMania 35, suddenly you could hear the sounds of fans chanting 'CM Punk'.

Why is that? Why does the WWE fan base seem to be fixated on someone who left the organization more than half a decade ago? Why does the name of CM Punk can still be heard during the WWE weekly shows and live events? Let us look at the reasons why.

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#1 CM Punk was one of the best performers the WWE has seen till date

CM Punk had a historic run of 434 days with the WWE Championship

CM Punk, at his prime, was indeed the 'Best In The World', as he used to call himself. His in-ring abilities, promo skills, and charisma were impeccable. At a time when we rarely see quality wrestling matches in the main roster television shows, Punk managed to put on highly rated performances from time to time.

His match with John Cena at Money In The Bank 2011 was given a 5-star rating by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, an accomplishment which eluded any other WWE match since then until January 2018. His WrestleMania 29 bout with The Undertaker was, accordingly to many critics, the last of the great matches which The Phenom has had at WrestleMania.

CM Punk's 434-day reign as the WWE Champion elevated the prestige of the title and made casual fans more interested in the product. That reign was indeed one of the best title reigns of the modern era, maybe ever. Therefore, it is understandable if the fans still miss the presence of such a charismatic performer.

#2 The Pipebomb

CM Punk's infamous pipebomb

CM Punk's promo on June 27, 2011, now better known as 'The Pipebomb promo' was one of the most important and influential moments in the history of professional wrestling. It blurred all the lines between 'kayfabe' and reality and brought forth what the hardcore wrestling fans had been feeling about the WWE product for many years.

The manner in which the wrestlers, who worked hard to entertain their fans through their in-ring skills, were pushed aside by part-timers such as The Rock and people had been earmarked by the authorities (such as John Cena), heavily resonated with the fans.

It also made the casual WWE fans aware that there is a world in the professional wrestling outside of WWE, with his references of New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring Of Honour, which was unimaginable at the time. The wrestlers and fans alike now knew that if WWE does not give them the product that they need, then they can satisfy their passions in another company.

The genesis of the 'CM Punk' chants can be traced back to his entrance during the main event of Money In The Bank pay-per-view in 2011, where the partisan hometown crowd made their allegiances absolutely clear. The wrestling fans felt very much part of this story line as 'The Voice Of The Voiceless' squared off against the 'The Face Of WWE' John Cena. The impact of that story has been ever lasting and its affects can be seen in the WWE TV even to this date.

#3 A way to spoil the show and infuriate the WWE

'CM Punk' chants have become a means to reject what WWE has to offer

The unceremonious manner in which CM Punk exited the WWE in January 2014 left a sour taste for all the stakeholders involved. WWE has had a history of muting the mentions of any superstars who have had unpleasant relations with them.

Hence, any mentions of such superstars by the fans is a sure-shot way to infuriate and irritate the WWE authorities, just like the chants of 'Boring', or the act of playing Beach Ball while a match is taking place in the ring. Such acts surely are unexpected and derail any plans which the WWE may have for that particular moment.

The 'CM Punk!' chants have now become a means for the fans to vent out their frustrations whenever they are uninterested in the action which is being served to them by the WWE. For the fans, CM Punk is not just an individual. For them, CM Punk represents whatever is wrong with the WWE.

Considering CM Punk's numerous assurances that he is "done" with wrestling and with him having moved on to have a career in the MMA with UFC, chances of him actually coming back to the WWE in the near future are bleak. However, this won't stop the WWE fans to voice their desires. 'CM Punk' chants would continue to remain a phenomenon in the world of professional wrestling.