WWE Royal Rumble 2012: 7 Reasons CM Punk Has No Shot Against Dolph Ziggler

It would appear the deck is stacked against CM Punk in the upcoming WWE title match at the Royal Rumble.

But, if I remember correctly, we may have thought that same theory about Punk at the TLC PPV with Alberto Del Rio and The Miz.

Oh, how times have changed and remained the same at the same time.

Now, Punk has a new set of "handlers" trying to make things a little more interesting in the way of Vickie Guerrero, Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler and John Laurinaitis. And if you want to throw David Otunga in for good measure, go right ahead.

The truth is, since there were rumors that Punk could not carry ratings for the company, we have been waiting to see what happens and if the champion is stripped of his title.

And because there seems to be some connection between Guerrero, Ziggler and Laurinaitis, there also appears to be no chance for Punk to retain the belt.

Almost seems like Laurinaitis and Punk are in some ways Vince McMahon and Steve Austin all over again.

Here are the reasons why Punk will not walk away from the PPV with the title in tow.

7. Jack Swagger

Swagger has become the "jobber" and "bidder" for both Vickie Guerrero.

Wow, has the former World champion fallen this far?

Swagger, however, could be the beast who helps break down Punk and "softens" him so that Ziggler can jump in and "steal" a win.

6. There Could Always Be a 'Kevin Nash' Sighting

This is not true, but would another WWE superstar intervene to cause Punk to lose the title?

Punk is the most transparent wrestler in the company and having someone cause his demise or title loss would have to be dramatic.

Does Christian factor in? Maybe another former WWE superstar?

Oh, the possibilities.

5. Because Stone Cold Said So...

So much has been made of The Rock hosting WrestleMania, wouldn't it be something if there was heat between Stone Cold and Punk and this is a cause for Punk to lose the title?

It is possible, but I know I am pulling this one out of left field.

4. Jericho Means Ratings

The scenario goes like this...

Ziggler beats CM Punk. Ziggler is immediately challenged by Chris Jericho for the WWE title.

If Jericho wins the title, then problem solved with gained ratings and a new feud is started between Jericho and Punk.

3. John Laurinaitis Will Screw Him Over

Maybe it will be David Otunga.

But Laurinaitis is as coy as a Cheshire cat when it comes to preventing someone from walking out with the title.

He is in cahoots with Vickie Guerrero, Dolph Ziggler, et al.

And there is always the possibility of another "conspiracy," but who knows?!

2. It's Ziggler's Time

How about this...

Isn't it odd that both Dolph Ziggler and Cody Rhodes have had long title runs with the second-most important titles in both brands?

Ziggler actually has given some credibility to the US heavyweight title. I am not sure someone like Zack Ryder will do the same thing.

Ziggler has been pushed more and worked harder in the last three months to improve his game than anyone in the company.

1. Punk Is Better When He Is Chasing the Title

When Punk does not have title, he seems more of the wrestler we want him to be.

When he has the title, there is more of a comfortable look to him, which is not how we want our "hero" to be.

Punk's mic skills are better when he is angry. Punk's sense of urgency is more apparent when he does not have the strap.

And we enjoy him more when he is beating the hell out of his opponents.