WWE: 5 Reasons CM Punk's WWE Title Reign Will Outlast John Laurinaitis

It may not be Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon, but the rivalry between CM Punk and John Laurinaitis has been solid.

The two have had problems with each other since Laurinaitis became a regular character in the WWE. Punk has not been afraid to express his opinion about Laurinaitis.

Now that Laurinaitis officially has power over Raw and SmackDown, he can make Punk's WWE Championship reign miserable for him.

Here are five reasons why CM Punk's title reign will outlast Laurinaitis' run as general manager.

CM Punk Is Still a Fan Favorite

The WWE is going to ride CM Punk out for all he is worth. The fans are still fully behind Punk and there are no signs of that stopping.

Taking the belt off a huge fan favorite would be very risky. A risk that the WWE can't afford to take.

Changing the WWE

The WWE is currently in a transition phase. They are adding some edginess to the "PG Era" and CM Punk is in the middle of it.

This past summer, Punk was involved in one of the most interesting storylines in a long time. He threatened to leave the WWE with the WWE Championship and became the anti-hero the WWE bought in to.

This started a change in the WWE and there has been a difference since he became the WWE Champion. His title run should emulate those of the past, when wrestlers used to hold the belt for a significantly long period of time.

Having CM Punk hold the belt for a long time, would help the WWE successfully make the transition away from the "PG Era" if that is their intentions. It will also add some more legitimacy to the WWE Championship.

John Laurinaitis Will Abuse His Power

The WWE could use an angle that involves John Laurinaitis abusing his power as general manager of both Raw and SmackDown.

Laurinaitis could begin to take advantage of his current situation and the WWE could strip him of his power. We have recently seen this happen with both Vince McMahon and Triple H, so it is not a far stretch. 

Teddy Long

The 12-man tag match at WrestleMania 28, left Teddy Long without a job. This was a perfect time for Long to retire.

But now he has a different role in the WWE and is working for John Laurinaitis. There is a reason that Long is still around.

Long could get his job back if the WWE decides to use the angle of Laurinaitis abusing his power.

Mick Foley

The WWE has done a good job finding a role for the recent WWE legends that have returned to the company. The only exception to that is Mick Foley.

Since returning to the WWE, Foley has lacked an angle. He did a horrible "This is Your Life" segment with John Cena and participated in the Royal Rumble match. That is about it!

Foley could "save" the WWE and take over as general manager. This is another option that could happen if Laurinaitis abuses his power.