Royal Rumble 2012: CM Punk Getting a Raw Deal

CM Punk has the chance to be a superstar, but the WWE apparently doesn't like the idea.

We continue to see John Laurinaitis cost CM Punk matches, including against Dolph Ziggler in their last match. Despite Punk's overall excellence as a character, he continues to be slighted to make way for upsets and surprises.

I understand what the WWE is trying to do. Obviously, mixing things up constantly adds to the shock value it has adopted for years. But there is a line. There should be giants developed. Sometimes, constructing a world-beater is more beneficial than unpredictability. I yearn for the days when wrestlers stacked up to beat one man. Just like any other sport, pro wrestling needs superstars, not a slew of stars.

By constantly treating matches like a game of dice, the WWE is not only making it hard for a superstar to emerge, it's making it hard for stars to emerge. With the constant back-and-forth, wrestlers actually appear more ordinary, despite their character design.

Royal Rumble 2012 could be an opportunity for the WWE. Punk could either retain the title and begin picking up more steam, or Laurinaitis could become the star of the match. If Laurinaitis becomes the star, what's the point of even having wrestlers?

I'm holding out hope that Punk will get a fair shot and go on to face Chris Jericho in WrestleMania 28. That's the kind of match I want to see. But I also worry that the WWE will do the wrong thing and make it about Laurinaitis...or even Ziggler, for that matter.

I'm all for making things interesting. Making the WWE completely predictable would be boring.

But the WWE needs to also recognize its superstars and treat them accordingly. Right now, Punk isn't being treated with the respect he deserves.