WWE history: Incredible trailer promotes CM Punk as Shield leader

The backstory

CM Punk left WWE in 2014, immediately after the Royal Rumble PPV was done and dusted with. Months later, Punk appeared on his best friend Colt Cabana's podcast and talked in detail on what led to his exit from the company.

While talking about his departure from WWE, Punk spilled beans on a string of topics. He stated that he had been having creative differences with Vince McMahon and Triple H. Punk targeted a WWE doctor for being negligent towards him. One thing that stood out from others was Punk talking about the formation of The Shield. He stated that The Shield was his idea, which was later confirmed by Seth Rollins.

So I went to Pankowski and I was like 'I don't like the idea. I'm willing to do the heel stable thing but why don't we pick three guys from FCW that are ready instead of using two guys, you know what I mean?

Punk originally wanted Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Chris Hero, or Kassius Ohno to be a part of his stable, but Vince and Triple H dropped Hero in favor of Roman Reigns. The Shield made its debut in the main event of Survivor Series 2012, and attacked Ryback in the process, aiding Punk in retaining the WWE Title.

The trailer

A trailer for the WWE videogame called WWE '13 can be seen above. The video clip is from October 2012, and shows CM Punk in The Shield's signature gear. Punk's mannerisms hint that he was originally planned to be the leader of The Shield, with the plans getting changed weeks after the faction's debut. Here's what Punk says in the trailer:

Welcome to the Revolution! Do you know why I am the leader? 'Cause I'm the best in the world. I put attitude back where it belongs. So join me! Live the Revolution!

The aftermath

The Shield took off soon after, and became the most popular faction in recent memory. The three Superstars went on to headline several PPVs and win World Titles.