In a move that will undoubtedly have the wrestling community talking, CM Punk delivered a stirring worked shoot promo to close Monday’s edition of WWE RAW.
Not made to look particularly strong in his show-opening match with Kane, the Money in the Bank title contender made his presence felt by helping R-Truth win a main-event match with John Cena. Afterwards, Punk took shots at WWE, some veteran names and the McMahon family in a biting worked promo.
He accused John Cena of getting ahead by being better at kissing Vince McMahon’s ass, a quality he said Hulk Hogan and “Dwayne” (‘The Rock’ Johnson) also possessed. He expressed anger over the fact that “Dwayne” will be headlining next year’s WrestleMania.
Punk also discussed internal animosity he faced over the fact that he’s a “Paul Heyman guy.” The wrestler pointed to Brock Lesnar as another “Paul Heyman guy” who split on the company, but he claimed that the difference in his case is that he would leave with the WWE Championship. He teased taking it to New Japan Pro Wrestling or Ring of Honor.
The worked promo also featured shots at Vince McMahon, with Punk noting that McMahon is a millionaire who could be a billionaire if he didn’t surround himself with such “yes men.” He had thought about whether the company would improve once McMahon died, but then he realized it would be handed over to Vince’s incompetent daughter and son-in-law.
Punk was about to launch into a criticism of the anti-bullying campaign, but his mic was conveniently turned off, and the show soon faded to black.
— Also on RAW, WWE confirmed the brand’s Money in the Bank match for the upcoming PPV–it will feature Rey Mysterio vs. Alex Riley vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Evan Bourne vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. R-Truth vs. Jack Swagger. Kelly Kelly defends the Divas Title against Brie Bella on the show.