WWE News: How Monday’s Raw Rating Affects CM Punk’s Stance with the Company

WWE News: Does the WWE NEED CM Punk?

The angle between CM Punk and John Cena is on fire right now, and I can’t remember the last time I’ve been so intrigued by a WWE storyline.

So, here’s a question I have: Why isn’t it drawing viewers?

According to WrestlingNewsWorld.com, Monday’s episode of Raw drew just a 2.9 cable rating.

Of course, the show had serious competition going up against the MLB Home Run Derby on ESPN, but that’s still an alarmingly low rating for the go-home show to any pay-per-view, much less one that’s had a great buildup.

What’s perhaps even more disturbing than the low rating itself, though, is how it might affect Punk’s stance with the WWE.

Here’s what Richard Grey of WNW speculated that the poor rating might mean for Punk’s WWE future:

“CM Punk wants a commitment to his character and the money that goes along with it (although he says it’s not about the money). One thing that may seriously hurt his case is this week’s Raw rating (2.9). I know everyone is going to point out stiff competition with the MLB Home Run Derby amongst other things but WWE officials are going to see the lower number with Punk being the center of attention. It’s not necessarily a fair way to evaluate it but while the Internet has raved about Punk’s work, it hasn’t caused a spike in viewership and that may “ease the blow” to WWE officials if he does end up leaving.”

Uh oh. Maybe Punk’s not as critical to the success of the WWE as we might think.

Grey makes a great point about how the WWE might view these low ratings. If Punk’s in the spotlight and people aren’t watching, then why would Vince McMahon dish out a hefty, lengthy deal to the “Straight Edge Superstar?”

I like Punk just as much as the next guy—in fact, he’s my favorite wrestler—but he could very well be expendable in a business that never relies on one guy to carry the entire company.

If Punk leaves, plenty of us might be pissed off about it. But, as far as the WWE’s long-term future goes, I don’t think his departure is going to have the drastic effect that some of us think it will.

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