Fantasy Booking a CM Punk WWE Return

Corporate Punk

He sold out

CM Punk turned heel.

CM Punk turned heel?

I am sure that there are many of you reading this who question this decision.

You bring back one of the most popular superstars of all time, a guy the crowd chants for 5 years after his departure, and you turn him heel? There are several reasons for this decision.

Firstly, there is absolutely going to be a sub-section of fans who will accuse CM Punk of having sold out by returning to the WWE. Why, when there are a plethora of wrestling companies out there; AEW, NJPW, ROH, Impact, would he re-sign with the WWE?

This sub-section of fans is a very vocal minority, and once the initial buzz of CM Punk's return has worn off, they will turn on him.

Why not pre-empt that, and lean into those feelings?

Secondly, if CM Punk returns it is going to be on a part-time schedule, there is no doubt about that. Limited dates for a whole lot of money. Not unlike Brock Lesnar.

Like Brock Lesnar, why not make it a part of his character?

Thirdly, CM Punk is an excellent babyface, but an even better heel. There are a lot of fans who do not know who he is; five years is a long time, and nostalgia wears off fast. A heel CM Punk would be able to flesh out a better, more compelling character.

Fourthly, turning him heel allows the WWE to keep the full-time champion, Seth Rollins babyface. A full-time babyface champion and heel part-time challenger works much better than a full-time heel champion, and babyface part-time challenger.

CM Punk has turned heel.

He is now the suit-wearing, part-time Superstar who thinks he is too good for the WWE Universe. He cares only about himself and will do what is best for him. Not unlike Chris Jericho in 2008, this heel persona will strip away everything fans ever liked about Punk.

The anti-hero who raged against the machine has sold out. CM Punk is now Corporate Punk.