WWE: Why CM Punk Will Shine in John Cena's Absence

The champ is home.

Okay, so, John Cena does not have a title.  But if, he did, that line would have been a good one, right? Yeah?  

Anyone?

As everyone knows by now, John Cena is out of action after having elbow surgery on Sept 18. And, depending on who you believe, his recovery time is anywhere from two to six weeks.

Of course, this is John Cena we’re talking about here.  If he showed up on Raw this Monday, slammed the Big Show, and won a 30-minute Iron Man match, I would not be surprised.  

Would you?

The truth is, that was actually more of a compliment than a crack, as we are all very aware of John’s healing power, and his total commitment to WWE.  He is all business all the time, and at this point, you would have to pitch the guy off a roof to expect him not to get back up.  

All that stuff about being a fighter?  Turns out that’s not a work, as John has proven time and again that while he may be at the top, he is not content to sit at home, collecting a paycheck when he’s hurt.

Out of sight, out of mind, right?  Yeah, that’s not the case with Cena, I know.

The reason for that is simple, as part of being the face of WWE means that Vince McMahon’s marketing machine will go into overtime, reminding all of us that John Cena is on the mend, and itching for a fight.

And waiting for him with a devious grin on his face is the real champ, CM Punk.

At this point, I could very well give another old line, about what happens when the cat’s away.  But I think we are smart enough to realize what will likely go down now that “Johnboy” is physically out of the picture.

CM Punk and Paul Heyman are going to party like it’s 1999.  Again.

Since turning heel, Punk has been all about respect, demanding that others around him recognize his talent, what he’s achieved, and most importantly, who he is.  For Punk, being WWE Champion goes hand in hand with being the most respected man in the locker room, and indeed in the world.

He has had issue with everyone who has crossed his path since the night he attacked The Rock on Raw 1000.  But, no one has aggravated the champ, and supposedly disrespected him more, than Cena.

With John out of the way, Punk’s greatest rival and biggest critic is no longer there to expose his flaws and inferiority complex. He will be free to assert himself into any situation he wants, to spew his contempt for those who do not respect him, and he will finally gain the one thing he has been missing since winning the WWE strap.

The main-event spotlight.

Of course, that’s CM Punk the character.  With every smile and every gesture, he brings you into his world, and the storyline that he is currently thriving in.  And, very few do a better job of making you believe it more than Punk.

For CM Punk the man, the fact is not having John there, whether it’s for a few weeks or two months, will be somewhat of a test for him.  Not because he can’t keep your attention.  And, not because he can’t rise to the occasion.

But, Cena is the star.  Love him, hate him, grow immensely sick of hearing about him, WWE centers everything around him.  He is the focal point of the WWE Universe, and despite the controversy and debate that he consistently dominates, this brief time out will not affect his place in the company.

However, CM Punk is a professional who understands how to perform on the big stage.  He knows how to get it done in the ring, and will do just that regardless of who is standing across from him.  For CM Punk fans who love everything he does, they will likely enjoy seeing their favorite continue to do what he does best in the next several weeks.

And, for John Cena fans, never fear.  He will be back before you know it.  

That’s a good thing.  Right?