WWE: Cena/Punk Isn't Rock/Austin, but It's Pretty Damn Good

About a year ago, WWE’s chief operating officer, Triple H, stepped into the ring after rehiring CM Punk and said he did so because it was, “Good for business.”

And in doing so, he helped set off a firestorm of success for the current WWE Champion that allowed the “Voice of the Voiceless” to enjoy a title reign for the majority of the past 12 months.

He also helped to usher in a new type of “era” unlike any other, where the current champion may be a popular figure in the company, but different from other wrestlers like John Cena. 

Welcome to the “new” way of wrestling in the WWE. And I guess you could say even with all the questions about whether Punk is losing his edge or in fact wants the fan support he so desperately tries to avoid, it has been a pretty good year for him and the company that employs him.

While HHH and the WWE figureheads try to figure out what direction to take the company in now that the summer months are here and the hottest part of the wrestling year is upon us, why doesn't the company go back to what works? Why can’t it bring back Punk in a program with Cena for a third and maybe final time?

It worked twice before in title matches and it was as popular as ever. But the WWE seemed to backtrack and use other characters—like Kevin Nash and Alberto Del Rio—which failed miserably in its attempt to unveil a “conspiracy.”

While the current idea of Cena and Punk locking up again in the ring has not been lost on deaf ears, it should be closely examined by the WWE.

This is not a “Rock/Austin” highlight reel, but the chemistry the two have in the ring was magic, created suspense and gave the fans what they wanted—a renegade champion taking on the company line.

Why is it so hard for the company to see this?

Maybe the message on Punk’s Twitter account this week has given us some insight as to whether this can and will happen. Maybe it is just a bunch of bunk that is only a tease. Maybe it is something that no one knows and Vince McMahon should have a word of prayer with his paid officials.

Whatever the case, Cena/Punk is the closest thing we have seen to Rock/Austin in years that had been consistent. You cannot say HHH/Undertaker had the same message because it was only once a year.

This is a feud that can go on for a number of years in different spots and never grow old.

Think of it like Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage without the need for Miss Elizabeth. And please, please, leave AJ Lee out of this.

If the WWE is serious about making changes that will keep fans coming back, then give them what they want. They were left unfulfilled when the WWE decided to go to another angle immediately following the MITB match (much like Ricky Steamboat was left in the cold after he lost to Ric Flair, and Terry Funk entered the picture).

This gives the WWE a chance to make things right, get ratings and hopefully set the company back on solid footing.

The feud between the two helped bring back fans and keep the company stable while there was transition at the top of the food chain.

Again, this is a case of doing what is right for business. And in this case, rehashing an old and popular feud makes more sense than not examining it at all.