CM Punk vs. the WWE Universe: A Love-Hate Relationship

From TMZ.com

CM Punk's standing with WWE fans, more specifically wrestling fans, is positive for the most part.  Punk's popularity among spectators seems to be unflappable, even as a heel where many feel he is at his best creatively. 

However, the reigning WWE Champion of almost a year is not without incident with fans. By now, the WWE spokesman should have a ready-made CM Punk template when it comes to issuing statements on Punk's controversial altercations, which have become somewhat of a staple for the outspoken workhorse. 

CM Punk's SES Gimmick Hits a Little to Close to Home for Tennessee Fan

From WWE.com

In his Best in the World DVD, CM Punk described a heated moment he shared with an elderly lady who slapped him after becoming incensed with his touchy, religion-baiting gimmick:

Knoxville, Tennessee, I had a grandmother jump the rail to slap me in the face and the quote was 'You are not Jesus Christ and you will burn in Hell for your sins.'  And that's exactly what—that's exactly—I turned right to Gallows and said, 'We did it!  We got 'em!' And that was the desired reaction I wanted.

What CM Punk wanted and what WWE wanted are clearly two very different things as the company has a strict policy against fans becoming physically involved with talent. 

CM Punk Uses Homophobic Slur During a Confrontation

While going back and forth with a fan at a house show in Australia, CM punk used a homophobic slur as he referred to an equally-vociferous onlooker as a "homo." 

The incident immediately went viral and was picked up by multiple mainstream websites, including TMZ. 

Punk immediately apologized for his actions on Twitter, and ironically enough, his support of gay marriage would lead to yet another controversial confrontation. 

CM Punk to WWE Fan on Twitter: "Kill Yourself"

From The Sun

CM Punk was once again made into PR fodder after stating on Twitter that "Making same sex marriage illegal is the same as having segregated drinking fountains."

After a fan responded by saying "homos make me sick," Punk replied irrationally, saying "Kill yourself."  

Punk apologized on Twitter shortly after, saying:

Sorry y'all. If I let anybody down, I apologize. I'll make it up to ya and move forward with a better understanding of others feelings.

CM Punk Punches Fan During the Final Segment of RAW in Sacramento

CM Punk's latest altercation with a fan was of the physical variety after CM Punk retreated into the stands after a main event match with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. 

While being addressed by McMahon, Punk was being physically provoked by the Sacramento fans, and the WWE Champion responded by striking an innocent bystander multiple times before WWE security thankfully got the situation under control. 

The obligatory WWE statement read:

WWE regrets that proper security measures were not in place, and CM Punk apologizes for reacting in the heat of the moment. Other than this isolated incident, WWE always provides proper security to ensure the safety of our fans and our performers.

CM Punk also followed up with an apology:

I think the whole situation sucks. It’s an unfortunate and isolated incident. I was up in the stands, surrounded.”

Somebody said, ‘let’s push him down the stairs.' I got hit in the ribs three times. I was getting shoved and I was getting punched…Then I started getting tagged in the back of the head. Unfortunately, I lashed out in the heat of the moment and I apologize. I’m really just glad nobody was hurt.

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