The title says it all and, honestly, it's a little sad.
The "Straight-Edge Extremist" has earned his spot at the top of the Raw mountain. He's over with the fans. He's one of the better performers in the company despite imposed limitations to his moveset and a penchant to be a bit sloppy.
So why is he getting the Rey Mysterio treatment?
(Before I go any further, let me clarify. The way Mysterio was treated as champion—completely dominated and made to look very weak—is exactly the way Punk has been made to look. Two dusty finishes over a top star on Raw shows this.)
Maybe he's really not that over with the crowd, after all. He was openly booed at the Great American Bash in his title match with Batista. Maybe the fans are tired of his straight-edge gimmick.
Another reason could be that the WWE is still stuck in it's "ideal physique" mode; looking for big, muscle-bound idiots with no personality or in-ring skills. When you really think about it, only a handful of guys have truly "made it" without having "the look."
Chris Jericho, though he may never return to the top of the mountain, was the biggest star in the WWF at one time, going over legends like Steve Austin and The Rock.
Shawn Michaels' undeniable charisma and in-ring bravado helped catapult him to "Icon" status.
Rey Mysterio has been the catalyst behind WWE's Latino fan population and is incredibly over despite the fact that he's been the same guy with the same gimmick and the same matches since 1995.
So why is Punk being buried? Who knows anymore. Why make a guy champion when you have no intention of making him credible?
I sincerely hope this leads to a much-needed heel turn. Otherwise, it's just a waste of time and talent.
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