WWE Extreme Rules 2012: Will CM Punk Overcome Chris Jericho?

I’m straight edge.

I never knew that my way of life had a name, or was deemed important enough to warrant its own specific term.  

But, lo and behold, I was wrong.  I am officially labeled.

I am 39 years old and have never had a taste of alcohol.  Nor have I ever tried cigarettes, or done any illegal drugs of any kind.

And, yes, I have had sex.  With a girl.  A bunch of times.  

Jerk.

It’s a personal choice, one that I committed to a long time ago, and I don’t intend on ever breaking it.

At this point, you’re probably expecting the obligatory reference to CM Punk, in which I call him my inspiration, a guy that I feel all fans can look up to, and admire.

Eh.  I suppose.

Don’t misunderstand me here, I do like Punk.  I am a fan of his work, and I am overall pretty happy with how he has performed since becoming the man on Monday Night Raw.  

But, as far as the other stuff goes, I will say that I respect his views, and can appreciate where he’s coming from.  We have a lot in common.

However, for me, I let go of looking to pro wrestlers for inspiration a long time ago.  The truth is, they’re human, like everyone else, and are just doing the best they can to entertain fans every time they step into the ring.  

Punk is no different, and his straight edge lifestyle has been incorporated into his character before, so much so that at this point, it’s impossible for it to not be a focus in nearly every angle that he is involved in.

But, his current storyline with Chris Jericho?  This is big time stuff.

Some fans are calling the heat between Punk and Jericho awful, that it just seems to be dragging on and on, with one unbelievable spot after another.

Why unbelievable?  Because we all know that Punk is not taking a drink.  Period.

No matter how hard Chris pushes him, despite how many times he attempts to psychologically damage him with the mind games, there is no way Punk will give in to his supposed predilection to alcohol.

So, with every spot, from Jericho airing the dirty laundry of Punk’s father and sister, to following him with a camera to an English pub in an attempt to catch him, we all sit back with full understanding that his character simply cannot be moved.

Jericho cannot break him.

The fact that fans all seem to be in such agreement, is testament to how real, how convincing, CM Punk is.  Love him or hate him, whether you consider him main event or not, no one can deny that when he speaks, he tells the truth.  He’s as genuine as it gets, or at least as genuine as it can get, in professional wrestling.

There’s no doubt about it, he’s got us all hooked.

There is no questioning his personal conviction over his lifestyle, or his dedication to being the best he can be in the business.  But, there is also no questioning the fact that CM Punk is in a great position in WWE, and has made his character so accessible to fans that we actually feel he is just a regular guy who is being attacked on an intensely deep level by a man who wants to take the championship from him.

Chris Jericho is without a doubt one of the best heels the company has ever seen, and while this current run may not fully be on par with his last one, it’s obvious that he is right in his element.  He’s cocky, he’s arrogant, and he is fully confident that he has Punk figured out.

Of course, Jericho’s character likely also knows that Punk will probably not give in to his constant temptation of alcohol.  But, if he can cause Punk to doubt himself, if only for a moment, then that means he will be distracted, which means Chris can get him off his game.

Next thing you know, new WWE Champion.

So, is the plan working?  Will Punk be so frazzled, so frustrated, that he will take his eyes off the prize on Sunday at Extreme Rules?

Jericho is betting on it, and there is every possibility that he will end up being right.

But, don’t go engraving that new name plate just yet, Vince McMahon.  

During a recent interview, Chris said that Fozzy is doing well, and that the band will go back on the road in August.  So, are we once again seeing the departure of Y2J from WWE?

There is still an adequate amount of time for Jericho to have another WWE Title run, but it will likely be one and done, then he’s back to the heavy metal scene, which he fits almost as well as pro wrestling.

Will WWE give the belt to Chris, essentially ending Punk’s momentum, and perhaps drag him down below the main event level again?  Or, will their feud continue, with Punk regaining the belt in due time?

Despite what happens, these two had a great match at WrestleMania 28, and I expect more of the same on Sunday.  This bout should steal the show, reminding us all again why we love the business.

It’s what both of these men are the best at.  That, folks, is something that all fans can respect and admire.

Even this straight edge fan.