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CALDWELL: WWE Smackdown/The Bash PPV analysis - Don't Mess with C.M. Punk's dynamic character Jun 28, 2009 - 5:30:56 PM
It's very tempting for WWE to want to turn C.M. Punk full-fledged heel right now. However, WWE should keep Punk in his current tweener role, which has allowed Punk to be involved in some of the best WWE TV segments and situations we've seen this year.
WWE often does not exercise patience with storyline developments. (John Morrison's random babyface turn.) Often times, they drag storylines out forever. (Hunter vs. Orton) This is a case where WWE needs to take as long as possible before turning Punk heel or keeping him on the same side of the ledger as Jeff Hardy and Rey Mysterio.
In two segments on Smackdown two nights ago leading to The Bash PPV, Punk delivered stand-out performances in an in-between role.
After losing to John Morrison in a very good TV match, Punk extended his hand for a shake, but suddenly had a Randy Orton flash of IED and dropped Morrison with the G2S. Or, was his character merely playing up "inner conflict" in order to make Jeff Hardy drop his guard for their World Title match on Sunday?
This question is part of a great storyline progression for Punk's character. The post-G2S facial expressions and questions from the announcers enhanced his persona a considerable amount.
Here was a champion "hearing the doubters and detractors" after he "stole" the World Title from Jeff Hardy. Here was a champion who just lost a non-title match. That doesn't help him "earn the respect" of the audience. So, he was naturally frustrated and lost his cool trying to earn respect. Boom, one G2S later and he's a little conflicted on letting his ego get in the way.
Great piece of storytelling with Morrison was followed by a nice use of Punk in the special referee role for the main event steel cage match. He didn't even put his hands on Jeff Hardy, but the slightest look right before Edge nailed Hardy with a spear for the match victory was another development.
Hardy let his concerns over Punk get the best of him. Punk being in a position to distract Hardy allowed the fans to become even more frustrated with Punk. The build-up of fan resentment against Punk continues.
Based on the fact that the chairman of WWE a/k/a the man with the pencil to book storyline progression for top stars cut a promo at the top of the show about cutting the cheese, you never know how Punk's character is going to evolve because you never know what McMahon's mentality is from day to day.
WWE could decide to turn Punk full-fledged heel tonight at The Bash. It would be a mistake. Punk sitting in that tweener role continuing to have "flashes of IED" while trying to prove himself as a worthy champion could make for great TV throughout the summer.
Punk's character is very dynamic right now, fans are very interested in his current program, and his in-ring work is superb. Punk is clicking and it's not the time to change course. Punk retaining the World Title tonight over Hardy with a little twist like an "accidental" grab of the tights would be ideal to continue Punk's program and continue building interest in the top program on WWE's best, most-consistent show of the week.
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