WWE News: Backstage Reaction to Vince McMahon Pulling CM Punk from UFC Event

News broke last week that WWE Champion Punk would be accompanying UFC fighter Chael Sonnen to the Octagon for his fight on FOX later this month. 

But just as quickly as Punk’s appearance on UFC programming was made public, he was pulled from the event (and told not to even attend it) at the demand of Vince McMahon. 

This shocked many wrestling fans, and as you might expect, it surprised some people within WWE as well. 

From PWInsider.com (via WrestleNewz.com): 

"

Regarding Vince McMahon pulling WWE Champion CM Punk from the UFC on FOX event later this month, there are a lot of people within WWE shaking their heads at the decision. 

"

Yeah, I don’t get it, either. 

As I’ve noted in the past, WWE stars have made similar types of appearances recently. In 2009, Triple H accompanied Floyd Mayweather to the ring, and Batista also accompanied Manny Pacquiao for one of his boxing matches. 

So, why prevent Punk from doing the same? 

Of course, questions will arise about McMahon viewing Punk as someone who is on the same level as Batista and Triple H, and regardless of what type of mood McMahon was reportedly in when he made the decision, this leads me to believe that Punk still may not have quite the pull that either of those guys have had. 

Sure, there is a difference between UFC and boxing, but if anything, you would think that McMahon would be in favor of letting Punk get the WWE some free promotion from a sport that the company—despite what McMahon may believe—actually shares a lot of its fans with. 

McMahon is all about having his top stars make appearances outside of the WWE in order to promote the company (as evidenced by guys like The Miz and John Cena), so his decision not to do that with Punk is indeed a head-scratcher. 

Any time McMahon can get some free publicity (as long as it’s good publicity), he should take the offer and make the most of it.

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