Is It Time for CM Punk to Drop the WWE Championship?

Over the past twelve months, CM Punk has become one of the top and arguably most popular talents in the WWE.

His now-legendary June 27 shoot put him over, and he hasn't looked back.

Like NWO, Ric Flair and Randy Orton before him, Punk is the heel it's okay to like.

As such, he's made a worthy champion—his seven month title reign reflects that fact.

But all good things must come to an end, and with the equally worthy Daniel Bryan now engaged in a feud with Punk, it has become increasingly likely that the WWE Championship will change hands at either of the next two PPVs: No Way Out or Money in the Bank.

On wrestlinginc.com today, a report forecasts a CM Punk vs. Big Show match scheduled for Summerslam, 2012.

Now, as industry-respected as Paul Wight is, it is extremely unlikely that he will compete for any major gold this year.

He had his run at the end of last year, after all.

Therefore, this match seems to have all the makings of a grudge match without much consequence besides.

Although a good deal of time away, it is also unlikely that Punk will head into WrestleMania carrying a belt, with one Stone Cold Steve Austin tapped as a possible opponent.

With Daniel Bryan and Kane scheduled to fight CM Punk in a triple threat match at No Way Out in two weeks, the time may have come for the title to change hands.

While many will be disappointed to see the Pipe Bomb king lose his official crown, there can be no less deserving successor than Bryan.

There's no guy Punk would rather give it up to.

What do you think? Sound off on your thoughts below.